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Tet, short for "Tet Nguyen Dan," is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It typically falls between late January and early February, depending on the lunar calendar.
Tet has its origins in ancient agrarian practices. It was a time when farmers finished harvesting crops and paid homage to their ancestors while welcoming a new season of fertility. Over time, it evolved to become a national festival with cultural and historical significance for Vietnamese people.
During Tet, several traditional customs are observed:
Cleaning and Decorating: Homes are cleaned to get rid of bad luck from the previous year. People also decorate their homes with flowers like peach blossoms and apricot blossoms, which symbolize life and good fortune.
Ancestor Worship: Altars are set up to pay respects to ancestors; offerings include food, flowers, and incense.
Lucky Money (Li Xi): Elders give children red envelopes containing money as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Traditional Foods: Special dishes like Banh Chung (steamed square cake made of sticky rice with pork filling), pickled onions, boiled chicken, and various sweets are prepared.
New Clothes: It's customary for people to wear new clothes to signify a fresh start.
Fireworks & Lion Dances: Public celebrations often include fireworks displays and lion dances to scare away evil spirits.
Family Reunions: Tet is a time for family members who may be dispersed across the country or globe to return home and spend time together.
Visiting Relatives & Friends: The first few days of Tet involve visiting relatives' homes; the order of visits typically follows a traditional hierarchy (parents first, followed by other relatives).
Relaxation & Reflection: Many take advantage of the long holiday period for rest, contemplation about life achievements over the past year, and setting goals for the new one.
The celebration officially lasts three days but can extend up to a week or more with preparations beginning well before Tet itself.
