Traditional Tet, known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is the most significant celebration in Vietnam, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year. This festive occasion is not only a time for family reunions but also a period for honoring ancestors, reflecting on the past year, and welcoming a new beginning. Tet usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar, and its preparations begin well in advance.

Traditional Tet, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is rich with customs and rituals that reflect the deep cultural heritage of Vietnam. Here are some of the most significant traditions associated with this important holiday:

1. Ancestral Worship

One of the most important aspects of Tet is honoring ancestors. Families prepare altars with offerings of food, fruits, and incense to pay respect to their forebears. This practice is believed to invite the spirits of ancestors to join the family in celebration. Many families also visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the sites, make offerings, and pray for blessings in the new year.

2. Family Reunions

Tet is a time for family gatherings, where members come together to celebrate and share meals. It is common for people to travel long distances to return to their hometowns, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds. The first day of Tet is usually reserved for immediate family, while subsequent days are spent visiting extended family and friends.

3. Giving and Receiving Li Xi (Lucky Money)

During Tet, it is customary for adults to give “li xi,” or lucky money, to children and younger family members. This money is usually placed in red envelopes, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. The act of giving li xi is a way to convey blessings for the new year, and children often look forward to receiving these envelopes.

4. Tet Foods

Food preparation is a significant part of Tet traditions. In addition to bánh chưng and bánh tét, families prepare a variety of dishes that symbolize good fortune. For example, boiled chicken represents purity, while pickled vegetables symbolize the balance of flavors and the transition from the old year to the new. Each dish has its own meaning, and the preparation often involves the participation of the entire family.

5. First Visitor (Nguoi Xong Dat)

The first person to enter a home on the first day of Tet is believed to bring good or bad luck for the entire year. Families carefully select this person, often choosing someone who is successful, kind, and brings positive energy. The chosen visitor is welcomed with open arms, and their presence is thought to set the tone for the family’s fortune in the coming year.

6. Fireworks and Parades

In many cities, Tet is celebrated with vibrant fireworks displays and parades. These events are filled with traditional music, lion dances, and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits and welcome in the new year with joy and excitement.

7. Visiting Pagodas, Temples and Churches

Many people visit pagodas and temples during Tet to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity. They often make offerings of incense, fruits, and flowers, and participate in rituals that seek blessings for the new year. In addition to pagodas and temples, many Vietnamese Catholics visit churches during Tet to attend Mass and give thanks for the past year. Churches are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and traditional Tet elements such as peach blossoms and kumquat trees. This spiritual aspect of Tet highlights the importance of faith and gratitude in Vietnamese culture.

8. Tet Market (Cho Tet)

In the days leading up to Tet, bustling markets spring up, offering a variety of goods, from food to decorations. These Tet markets are vibrant and lively, filled with shoppers purchasing flowers, fruits, and traditional foods. The atmosphere is festive, with vendors calling out and families selecting items to prepare for the celebrations.

9. Cleaning ritual

The weeks leading up to Tet are filled with bustling activity as families clean and decorate their homes to ward off bad luck and invite good fortune. This cleaning ritual, known as “dọn dẹp nhà cửa,” symbolizes the removal of the past year’s misfortunes and the welcoming of new opportunities. Homes are adorned with peach blossoms in the North and yellow apricot blossoms in the South, which are believed to bring prosperity and happiness. Other decorations include kumquat trees, which symbolize fertility and wealth, and red and gold banners that convey good wishes for the new year.

Traditional Tet is a vibrant celebration that weaves together meaningful customs and rituals, emphasizing the importance of family, honoring ancestors, and embracing hope for the future. It is a time of joy, reflection, and renewal, deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural identity. These traditions, each with its own unique significance, come together to create a rich and cherished heritage, making Tet a truly unforgettable and meaningful occasion.