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Lunar New Year, known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is a highly significant day for the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Since ancient times, our ancestors have passed down teachings on superstitions to avoid and auspicious signs to watch for on the first day of the new lunar year.
8 Superstitions to Avoid on Lunar New Year's Day
Vietnamese believe in the saying 'good beginnings lead to good endings.' Therefore, on this day, people often avoid certain behaviors to invite luck and prosperity for themselves and their families:
Lunar New Year
-Avoiding Mourning Practices: Lunar New Year marks a joyous occasion for the entire nation, ushering in a new journey for the entire year and holding immense sanctity. Families who are unfortunate enough to have a funeral should set aside their personal grief to join in the festive atmosphere of the country. Hence, the tradition of delaying funerals for 3 days during Tet, and those with funerals should not go visiting during Tet. Conversely, neighbors and relatives should visit and console those unfortunate families. In the case of a family member's passing on the 30th day of the last lunar month, it is advisable to arrange for burial on that day, avoiding postponement to the first day of the new year.
-Avoid Borrowing Fire: Fire symbolizes success and luck, so during the early days of spring, people are wary of others coming to borrow fire from their homes. Giving fire to others on the first day is akin to giving away luck and prosperity, which can lead to financial loss and family misfortune.
-Avoid Sweeping the House: Folklore has it that during the first few days of the new year, the Jade Emperor and other deities visit each household to bestow blessings. Therefore, on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of Tet, Vietnamese people avoid sweeping the house as it may lead to loss of wealth and family hardship.
-Avoid Lending Money or Repaying Debts: During the early days of the year, people are often wary of lending money (or giving away wealth) or repaying debts. They believe that doing so may bring difficulties and hardships to their career and reputation in the new year.
-Avoid Eating Foods like Dog Meat, Snakehead Fish, Duck Meat at the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Eating these may bring about misfortune.
-Avoid Dropping Items: On Lunar New Year's Day, everything must be handled with care, and one should avoid dropping or breaking items like pots, dishes, and utensils. These are signs of bad luck.
-Avoid Arguments and Quarrels: This is a day of joy for the entire nation, where every household celebrates the arrival of spring. All work is postponed, and families gather together to chat and exchange New Year's greetings. Therefore, on this day, conflicts and quarrels should be avoided.
-Avoid Speaking of Misfortune: It's customary to refrain from discussing misfortunes during Tet as they may linger with the speaker throughout the year.
-Avoid Traveling on the 5th Day: Folklore warns against traveling on the 5th day of Tet, as it's considered inauspicious for important journeys. Hence, Vietnamese people avoid traveling or visiting temples on the 5th day of Tet.
4 Auspicious Signs on Lunar New Year's Day
-Peach Blossoms: If peach blossoms bloom abundantly and evenly on the morning of the 1st day of Tet, it signifies good fortune for the family. Smooth and prosperous work, abundant wealth, flourishing relationships, and assistance from noble individuals during difficulties are indicated.
-Strange Dog Entering the House: There's a saying, 'When a cat comes, it's difficult; when a dog comes, it's auspicious.' If a strange dog enters your house in the early days of the new lunar year, it's a good omen for prosperity throughout the year.
-Peach Trees: The blooming of peach trees during Tet is also a sign of prosperity, fortune, and success.
-Kumquat Tree: If the kumquat tree blooms and sprouts green shoots, it's a sign of wealth and prosperity for your family.
Check the lunar calendar date in relation to the Gregorian calendar, as well as today's lunar date, at lunar calendar lookup.
