Tet Holiday: The Heart of Vietnamese Culture and Tradition

Tet Holiday, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring and the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar. Tet is a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, and the celebration of Vietnamese traditions.

This festival reflects the essence of Vietnamese culture, from its meaningful customs to its vibrant decorations and symbolic foods. Exploring Tet in Vietnam offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

The significance of Tet in Vietnamese culture

Tet is not just a celebration; it is deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity. It symbolizes renewal, unity, and gratitude. For centuries, Tet has been a time to honor ancestors, reconnect with loved ones, and wish for good fortune. The Tet holiday is filled with rituals and traditions that highlight respect for family, community, and nature.

Key elements of Tet holiday

1. Cleaning and preparing the house

Before Tet begins, families thoroughly clean their homes. This practice symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and welcoming new opportunities. Cleaning is also a gesture of respect to ancestors, who are believed to visit their descendants during Tet.

2. Ancestor worship and offerings

Ancestor worship is a central part of Tet. Families set up altars with offerings like fruits, flowers, and traditional dishes to honor their ancestors. This act expresses gratitude and asks for blessings in the coming year.

3. The Five-Fruit tray (Mâm Ngũ Quả)

The five-fruit tray is a symbolic offering placed on the family altar. Each fruit represents a different wish: prosperity, health, happiness, and peace. Popular choices include bananas, oranges, pomelos, mangoes, and apples. The fruits vary by region, reflecting the diversity of Vietnamese culture.

4. Chung cake and Tet food

Chung cake (bánh chưng) and Tet cake (bánh tét) are iconic dishes during Tet. These sticky rice cakes are filled with pork and mung beans and wrapped in green leaves. They represent the Earth and the sky, emphasizing gratitude for nature’s gifts. Other Tet delicacies include pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and candied fruits.

5. Tet flowers and decorations

Hanoi’s streets transform with vibrant Tet decorations. Peach blossoms (hoa đào) are a must-have in the north, symbolizing luck and vitality. In the south, apricot blossoms (hoa mai) represent wealth and happiness. Kumquat trees, with their golden fruits, signify prosperity and success.

6. Red envelopes (Lì Xì)

Red envelopes containing money are given to children and the elderly during Tet. This tradition, known as “lì xì,” symbolizes good luck and blessings for the new year. The red color of the envelopes is believed to ward off evil spirits.

7. New Year’s Eve and fireworks

New Year’s Eve, or “Giao Thừa,” is the most sacred moment of Tet. Families gather to perform rituals, welcome the new year, and enjoy fireworks. The vibrant displays light up the sky, representing the hope for a bright future.

8. Visiting relatives and neighbors

Tet is a time for family reunions and visiting friends and neighbors. People exchange greetings, share meals, and offer New Year wishes. These visits strengthen bonds and foster a sense of community.

9. Avoiding taboos

Tet is surrounded by superstitions and taboos. People avoid arguing, sweeping floors, or breaking items during the holiday, as these actions are believed to bring bad luck.

Regional differences in Tet celebrations

While Tet customs are consistent across Vietnam, there are regional variations that add richness to the celebration.

Northern Vietnam:

Tet in Hanoi emphasizes tradition, with families gathering to prepare chung cakes and display peach blossoms.

Central Vietnam:

In Hue, Tet reflects the influence of imperial culture, with grand offerings and ceremonies.

Southern Vietnam:

Saigon’s Tet is vibrant and modern, with street markets and festive activities featuring apricot blossoms and kumquat trees.

The cultural significance of Tet customs

Gratitude to ancestors and nature

Tet emphasizes respect for the past and gratitude for life’s blessings. Rituals like ancestor worship and traditional foods reflect a connection to heritage.

Strengthening family bonds

Tet is a time for family reunions. No matter how far people are, they return home to celebrate together. This tradition reflects the Vietnamese value of family unity.

Embracing renewal and hope

The customs of cleaning, offering prayers, and giving red envelopes symbolize the desire for a fresh start and a prosperous future.

Preserving tradition across generations

Tet plays a vital role in preserving Vietnamese traditions. Children learn about cultural values and customs, ensuring that the spirit of Tet lives on.

How to experience Tet as a traveler

Visiting Vietnam during Tet offers an immersive cultural experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

Visit local markets:

Explore bustling Tet markets for festive decorations, flowers, and traditional foods. Hanoi’s Quang Ba Flower Market is a must-see.

Join family celebrations:

If invited, join a Vietnamese family for Tet. It’s an opportunity to experience authentic customs and hospitality.

Watch fireworks:

Enjoy the stunning New Year’s Eve fireworks in major cities like Hanoi, Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City.

Taste Tet foods:

Don’t miss iconic dishes like bánh chưng, bánh tét, and candied fruits.

Respect local customs:

Follow cultural norms, such as dressing modestly, using polite greetings, and avoiding taboos.

Tet Holiday is more than a celebration; it’s the heartbeat of Vietnamese culture. It reflects the values of family, gratitude, and renewal that define Vietnam. From vibrant decorations to meaningful rituals, Tet offers a window into the soul of the nation. For travelers, experiencing Tet is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Vietnamese tradition and hospitality.

Discover Hanoi with Free Private Tour Guides

Enhance your cultural experience with the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide Club. Our local guides offer personalized tours, helping you uncover the magic of Hanoi during Tet. Whether it’s exploring bustling markets or learning about traditions, our free tours create memorable experiences.

BOOK OUR FREE TOUR GUIDE

FAQ: Tet Holiday in Vietnam

1. What is Tet Holiday, and why is it important?

Tet Holiday, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant celebration in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring and the start of a new lunar year. The holiday is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating traditions. It symbolizes renewal, gratitude, and hope for a prosperous future.

2. When does Tet take place?

Tet falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, usually between late January and mid-February. The exact date changes yearly. Celebrations typically last a week, with preparations starting weeks in advance.

3. What are the key traditions and customs during Tet?

Key Tet customs include:

Cleaning and decorating homes.
Offering prayers and food to ancestors.
Preparing and eating traditional dishes like bánh chưng and bánh tét.
Giving red envelopes (lì xì) to children and elders.
Displaying peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and kumquat trees for good luck.
Visiting relatives, friends, and neighbors to exchange New Year’s wishes.

4. What should visitors expect during Tet in Vietnam?

During Tet, cities may be quieter as locals return to their hometowns. Some businesses and restaurants close for the holiday. However, markets, flower festivals, and fireworks displays make it an exciting time for visitors. Travelers can enjoy traditional foods, vibrant decorations, and the warm hospitality of Vietnamese families.

5. Are there any taboos or things to avoid during Tet?

Yes, some common Tet taboos include: