8 Common Questions Kids Ask About the Lunar New Year and Simple Answers

Tell the kids: The Lunar New Year marks the first days of the new year. Wearing new clothes for the occasion is believed to bring good fortune and happiness. Plus, you'll look even better when you visit relatives and friends in your new outfit, and the joy will multiply, don't you think?

Here's something to know: This tradition stems from old customs in many Vietnamese families. In the past, the country went through difficult times, so everything new and beautiful was reserved for the New Year. That's why children often wear new clothes to celebrate Tết, symbolizing a fresh start, good health, and a year full of good luck, while leaving behind any misfortunes from the previous year.

Tell the kids: In Vietnamese culture, the words 'break' or 'shatter' are associated with separation and misfortune. It’s not just about objects breaking, but also relationships that may become strained or torn apart. These are things we don't want to happen at the start of the new year. That's why, during Tết, people avoid breaking things.

Here's something to know: Beyond the belief about broken items, there are other taboos during Tết, such as avoiding borrowing money or possessions, and families in mourning refrain from visiting others to wish them a happy New Year. The idea is that whatever happens at the start of the year will set the tone for the rest of it. Nobody wants to start the year with bad luck, so people do their best to avoid negative actions. If unfortunate situations arise, we try to stay calm and focus on enjoying a joyful new year with our loved ones and friends.

Tell the kids: In Vietnamese tradition, it's believed that actions like giving away water, fire, or sweeping out the house during the first three days of the Lunar New Year can cause the God of Wealth to leave, taking wealth and prosperity with him. This is considered unlucky and can bring bad omens.

Here's something to know: To avoid these taboos on the 30th of December (the last day of the old year), families clean their homes, gardens, and altars before the new year begins, ensuring everything is tidy and in order. During the Tết holiday, it's important to keep the house clean and avoid throwing out trash. Giving away water or fire is also discouraged because it symbolizes losing good fortune. In the saying 'money flows in like water,' giving away water means giving away wealth, and fire, which represents luck and warmth, is also considered unlucky to give away because it would bring misfortune for the year ahead.

Tell the kids: According to legend, a giant peach blossom tree was home to two deities named Trà and Uất Lũy. They protected the people by driving away evil spirits, ensuring a peaceful and happy life for everyone. The tree's mighty power terrified the evil spirits, and just seeing the branches of the peach blossom would make them flee in fear. That's why every home decorates with peach branches during Tết, to ward off bad spirits and invite good fortune into the family.

Here's something to know: Aside from this legendary story, in the practice of feng shui, peach blossoms are symbols of vitality and prosperity, helping to banish negative energy. They are also associated with positive yang energy, bringing health and happiness to the household, and ensuring peace and well-being throughout the year.

Tell the kids: Bánh chưng and bánh tét are special cakes that represent the essence of Tết. In the past, these cakes were only made during the New Year. They are offered on ancestral altars as part of Tết ceremonies and are an essential part of the holiday celebrations.

Here's something to know: According to ancient legends, bánh chưng, which is square, symbolizes the Earth. It represents fertility and abundance with ingredients like glutinous rice and mung beans for richness, and a balance of fatty pork to represent warmth and prosperity. Bánh tét, similar to bánh chưng, is a Southern variant. It’s cylindrical and longer, but it shares the same symbolism of a prosperous and joyful new year. Both cakes serve as reminders to honor our ancestors and wish for a year full of abundance and happiness.

Tell the kids: Tết is a time for Vietnamese people to honor their ancestors and remember their roots, following the principle of "when eating fruit, think of the one who planted the tree". It’s a time for family reunions and reflection.

Here's something to know: Tết, also known as the Lunar New Year, or the Traditional New Year, marks the first day of the lunar calendar. It’s the most significant holiday for Vietnamese people, and it usually occurs later than the Western New Year. Tết is celebrated with the longest break of the year, a time to relax, take a break from work, and enjoy quality time with family and loved ones, following the tradition of "January is the month of feasting".

Tell the kids: It's not just children who receive lucky money; elders do too! This is a beautiful Vietnamese tradition with a meaningful exchange of good wishes between the giver and the receiver. Children receive money for good health and growth, while the elderly are gifted with longevity and blessings. The custom of giving lucky money during the New Year is a long-standing practice. When receiving an envelope, it’s not just about the money; it’s a symbol of love, happiness, and good fortune for the year ahead.

Here's something to know: The tradition of giving lucky money is not only filled with blessings but also evokes warm feelings in children. Kids eagerly look forward to Tết, not just for the money, but for the joy of receiving well-wishes and visiting relatives. For adults, preparing the lucky money brings back fond memories of their own childhood and reminds them of their roles and responsibilities in the family. For the giver, it’s an expression of gratitude for the warmth and care they’ve received, and for the receiver, it’s a boost of encouragement and a reminder of the importance of good manners and responsibility in life.

Tell the kids: Giao Thừa is the moment when the old year gives way to the new one (this year, it will transition from the Year of the Rat to the Year of the Ox). It’s the last moment of the day, at midnight on the 30th of Tết. You will notice that families, including ours, set up an altar outdoors to witness this sacred transition between the old and new year.

Here's something to know: On New Year's Eve, families usually offer incense on their rooftops, setting up a feast with traditional foods like bánh chưng, a roast chicken holding a flower, fruits, oil, and water. The head of the household, dressed neatly, kneels respectfully to honor the gods, sending off the ruling spirits of the old year and welcoming those of the new year. The offerings are placed outside to allow the spirits to receive them or take a moment to acknowledge the sincerity of the family. Once Giao Thừa passes, we embrace the first day of the new year, filled with customs and celebrations of the Vietnamese people.