Learn about Lunar New Year in Vietnam.

Tết Nguyên Đán holds a significant place in Vietnamese culture, marked by cherished traditions that bring families together. Let's delve into the essence of this festive occasion...

With the arrival of every spring, hearts across the nation are filled with anticipation for Tết Nguyên Đán, an integral part of Vietnam's cultural heritage. It is not just a celebration to welcome the new year but also a time for family reunions and heartfelt gatherings. Hence, Tết is not only celebrated in Vietnam but is also widely observed in several Asian countries.

The term "Tết" is referred to in various ways, such as "Tiết," "Tết cổ truyền," or "Tết nguyên đán," but for us Vietnamese, it is often known as "Tết nguyên đán." "Nguyên" and "đán" are two Sino-Vietnamese characters signifying the transition to a new dawn or a new year.

Tết Nguyên Đán originated in China during the Three Kingdoms period and has been observed annually since then. It is the most important festival in Vietnamese culture, as well as in several other cultures influenced by Chinese traditions. Due to China and other culturally influenced nations using a lunar calendar, Tết Nguyên Đán is divided into three phases. Firstly, there's the "giáp Tết" period, usually starting from the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month (the day of the Kitchen Gods). As Tết approaches, most organizations are granted a break from the 27th to the 28th day of the lunar month. Following this is the 30th day, also known as "Tất Niên." On this day, people visit the graves of their ancestors or deceased relatives. Most importantly, on the evening of the 30th, everyone prepares to welcome the transition from the old year to the new year - ushering in a fresh start. In the past, Vietnamese tradition required families to stay home and prepare offerings for the heavens, ancestors, and perform a ritual known as "xông đất" – where the first person to enter a house after midnight would bring good or bad luck for the upcoming year. However, these customs have somewhat diminished in modern times. Nowadays, people often gather outdoors to welcome the new year, such as in parks or public places where fireworks displays are held. The belief in the first-footer has also become less prevalent, with the tradition now usually performed by the head of the household returning home for the Tet celebration. The first day of the new year, known as the first day of the lunar calendar, marks the beginning of the most solemn traditional festival of the Vietnamese people. This is a time for festivities, reunions, and for those who have migrated to return to their homeland, family, and ancestral roots.

During Tết, people refrain from anger, quarrels, or sweeping the house to avoid sweeping away luck and fortune for the new year. It's a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption for any misfortunes that occurred in the past year. Tết holds special significance for the Vietnamese people. It's a time for families to come together, bond, forgive, and look forward to the upcoming year. Therefore, who wouldn't long for Tết, who wouldn't eagerly await its arrival?

Every ethnic group, every nation, has its own customs and traditions. Tết Nguyên Đán of Vietnam is a special event, carrying the unique cultural traits that have been passed down through centuries. Despite the passage of time and the historical changes, these customs have somewhat faded and evolved, but for Vietnamese people, no matter where they are or where they go, their hearts always yearn for their ancestral roots...