lunar new year or tet is vietnam's main holiday

The year 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, one of the largest military campaigns and a turning point of the Vietnam War. In late January 1968, during the lunar new year (or "Tet") holiday, North Vietnamese and communist Viet Cong forces launched a coordinated attack against targets in South Vietnam. Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year usually starts sometime between late January and mid-February. In 2022, it falls on Feb. 1. In mainland China, official celebrations last for seven days as a public holiday. Lunar New Year, or Tet, is VietNam's main holiday. It is the grandest and most important occasion in the year which falls sometime between 19th January 20th February on the Western calender. Tet marks the beginning of spring and, for agrarian people, the start of a new year. A traditional Tibetan new year drink is chang (barley beer) which is served warm. 6. Vietnam - Tết nguyên Đán. Vietnamese Lunar New Year or Tet Holiday is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. The name translates to "Feast of the First Morning of the First Day" and typically lasts for three days. Vietnamese workers collect dried incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau village on the outskirts of Hanoi on January 9, 2020 ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, referred to in harga pasang behel di fdc dental clinic. When the weather is a bit chilly, it signals a new beginning — a season where the flower buds awaken on the branches and buds fresh. Tet is a traditional holiday of Vietnam that celebrates the transition and the welcoming of a new year. Tet is also commonly known as Lunar New Year for some Asian countries like such as China, South Korea, and is always a series of new beginnings. It’s an event that invites people towards a positive way forward with joy and is tetLunar New Year is an essential occasion for Vietnamese people. During this holiday, there will be many activities about traditional culture and festivals that have been ongoing for thousands of years. Tet is a moment of joy, a time where family and friends meet up, review old memories and to celebrate the new year together. This occasion usually falls in January or February of the Gregorian like any traditional holiday, Tet has food, decorations, and customs that color and give meaning to this important event of the foodBanh ChungThe first thing that is special about Tet is the traditional food that gets featured during this special event. The most popular dish is Banh Chung or Vietnamese Rice Cake. Made from sticky rice, pork and mung bean, all wrapped up in a banana leaf, Banh Chung has a center spot on every family altar during Tet to pray for their ancestors to support and look after the family the entire ChungBoiled ChickenBoiled chicken is also an indispensable plate in Tet Holiday. This dish is one that can’t be missing during ceremonies, weddings, and housewarmings. Accordingly, it definitely can’t be absent during Tet. People boil a chicken, then season with some lemon leaves and dip in salt. The taste of it contributes significantly to the unforgettable vibe of Tet GacAnother great flavor on the menu is Xoi Gac or steamed Momordica glutinous rice. Not only during Tet, but Xoi Gac is also popular in any Vietnamese wedding because it is considered a luck charm. With its exclusive orange color, sweet scent, and luxurious texture, Xoi Gac has its position placing next to Banh Chung, boiled chicken, and other traditional food on the family altar during Tet Spring RollsAside from the above, you can also expect to see fried spring rolls as a part of the traditional culinary. The golden fried wraps contain pork, jelly-ear mushroom, and bean sprout add to the holiday that mesmerizing crusty and fatty taste bringing unique appetite to Blossom and Apricot BlossomIf Banh Chung and fried spring rolls please the taste buds, then peach and apricot blossom charm the eyes of people during Tet holiday. These flowers are not only the symbol of luck, health, and prosperity, but they also bring the best of everything to the family in the new picturesIn the old days of Vietnam, people came to a calligraphy master and asked for parallel sentences on red paper rolls so that they could hang for Tet. Although calligraphy masters are not popular in the modern world anymore, but parallel sentences are still a unique part of any home decoration during Lunar New sentences, are simple, but bear the meaningful words to bring lots of success, money, health, and Gods Farewell CeremonyOne of the earliest and the most important customs of Tet Holiday is the Kitchen Gods Farewell Ceremony. On the 23rd of the last month in the lunar calendar, people offer carps and the dishes mentioned above to the Kitchen ceremony is meant to send off the Kitchen Gods to heaven. Traveling to the sky using the carps, the two gods and goddess of Kitchen will report to the King of Heaven about what happened in the previous year of the family, and will come back on the last day of Tet to celebrate the holiday with the Year’s Eve OfferingsOn New Year’s Eve, before the clock strikes twelve, the family would have both an open and in-door ceremony. The family would celebrate in open air first, to send thanks to the gods, with offerings including a boiled chicken, xoi gac, and flowers. After that, the family would come inside, over the ancestor altar pray for the ancestors to come home and celebrate the new Xi Lucky MoneyWhat everyone especially children loves the best thing about Tet Holiday is receiving Li Xi, or Lucky Money. The money is enclosed in bright red envelopes and given by the elderly during Tet as a mean of wishing good luck, health, and happiness in the new old people, it is a sign of respect and generosity. However, to children, Li Xi money is a mean of supply for hang-outs, clothes, and Xi Nam MoiActivitiesFamily ReunionThere are plenty of things during Tet. Most activities are about the theme of a family reunion. And indeed, a family reunion is the first thing that people do the early morning of Tet. People from any place, no matter how far or how busy, will try their best to find a way back to the family reunion. Everyone would come together and be in each other’s arms for the annual PagodaPeople will also visit the pagoda for good luck in the new year. They come here to wish for good luck for the rest of the year. Elders pray for their ancestors and ask them to look after each family member. Friends wish each other wellness, and children ask for a lot of toys and pictures on Flower StreetsOne favorite hotspot of Tet Holiday is the flower street. Every year, anyone who passes by the city center will look at constructing the year’s flower arrangements with curiosity. The amazing construction will bring a stunning landscape offer countless beautiful spots to selfie come here to admire and take photos in their traditional clothes and have a good time with their friends and to be aware of for Tet Holiday?Busy markets and price increaseTet is an important national holiday, meaning people should make sure they have all the essential items needed beforehand. Consequently, this results in busy markets, especially in the last week before New Year's the high demand for Tet items increase, that leads to an increase in price. So, don’t very surprised when fruits are more expensive than usual. Alternatively, you can prepare earlier to avoid the hefty StreetAirplane and Bus ticketsTet holiday is the only longest holiday when the family can see each other again. It means that it will be harder to book a flight or a bus trip during this holiday. If you plan to travel around Vietnam, be sure to book your plane, train, or bus ticket in holiday is not just for Vietnamese people, it is for anyone who wishes to be at home again, and home is where the heart is. So, get your heart on, put on your Tet spirit, and indulge in the Tet holiday on your next trip to OverviewThe capital of Vietnam is a city of timeless grace with tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings, many lakes and parks as well as temples and pagodas. Best time to travel to HueLocated in the Central Coast of Vietnam, Hue province become one of key tourist regions included beautiful natural landscapes and hospitable people. This region belongs to humid tropical weather the temperature will be up to 39 degree in the dry season and could be 18 degree during the rainy 8 best places for dining in HanoiIf you are crazy about Hanoi cuisine, don't miss this article! Let us take you to the top 8 best places for dining in Hanoi from fine dining to local eateries. Tet holiday or Vietnamese Lunar New Year is the most significant festival in Vietnam. As a result of being calculated by the lunar calendar, Tet often occurs at the end of January, which is later than the New Year’s Day. As the longest public holidays in Vietnam, Tet is the most wonderful time for all foreign tourists to spend their vacation in Vietnam enjoying the festive atmosphere and exploring one of the oldest holidays in the world. Tet Holiday is celebrated to welcome the New Year Lunar calendar and summarize what they did in the old year. It is considered an important mark for changes, plans, and progress. In addition, Vietnamese people believe that what they do on the first day of the year will affect their rest. Therefore, they pay great attention to every word they say and everything they do. Furthermore, Tet may be the only occasion for all family members to have happy moments together after a year of hard-working. A traditional Tet often lasts for a month. However, the busy life makes it shorter, even disappears. If you choose a new type of travel like cruising to enjoy multi-culture Lunar New Year, your shore excursions Asia should pick the right countries where people still hold a long festival such as Thailand, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, which is often a week. Recently, some people express their idea to cancel the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and only celebrate the Western New Year. Although it is constructive, Tet holiday will have still been remaining as the vital festival in Vietnam because of its priceless tradition, feature, and meaning. How is Tet Holiday in Vietnam? Vietnamese Lunar New Year is NOT Chinese Lunar New Year It is absolutely mistaken to say that the Vietnamese are celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year. Although both countries use the lunar calendar, the Vietnamese have different customs and traditions from China. According to the historical document, in the thirteenth century, the Vietnamese people often celebrated Tet holiday by painting on themselves, drinking traditional glutinous-rice wine, using betel nuts to welcome guests, and eating Chung cake, pickled onions. In Ly dynasty 1009-1226, many important rituals were made such as setting up a dome to pray for the rains or building communal houses to crave for a year of abundant harvests. In the period of King Le Thanh Tong 1442-1497, Tet holiday was the most important festival and hundreds of mandarins had to gather at the court to celebrate it with royal families. The Cuisine of Tet Holiday In Vietnam, to celebrate Tet also means to eat, which affirmed the important role of the cuisine in Vietnamese Lunar New Year. One Vietnamese traditional proverb denotes that you can be hungry all year except three days of Tet because dozens of delicious foods will be prepared on Tet to feast the ancestors as well as every family member. Chung Cake Chung cake is the traditional cake in Vietnam that only appear on Tet holiday. Tasty and savory Chung cake is made from very familiar ingredients to all Vietnamese such as sticky rice, green beans, and pork, which is wrapped in green leaves and boiled overnight. According to a legend that has been passed on for thousands of generations, Chung cake is the symbol of Earth because it combines all unique ingredients of Vietnamese agriculture. Although nowadays Chung cake can be tasted all seasons, enjoying these cakes at Tet holiday still brings special feelings for Vietnamese people. Jam Jam is the common snack to welcome guests on Tet holiday. It is mainly made from dried fruits like carrots, coconuts, apples or some kinds of seeds such as roasted watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds mixed with sugar. The Vietnamese believe eating sweet things on Tet holiday will bring them luck for the New Year. Pickled Onions On Tet holiday, people often eat fat and oiled foods which easily cloys their appetite. This is high time for something with low calories and fresh like pickled onions. Pickled onions help the digestive system digest high protein food more easily. In the minds of Vietnamese people, Tet is only complete when there are fat meat, pickled onions, and red distiches. Besides, there is a myriad of signature dishes that inspire the taste in different regions on Vietnamese Lunar New Year such as spring rolls, boiled chickens, Vietnamese sausages, sticky rice and so on. Mascots of Tet holiday Vietnamese Zodiac Signs Each Lunar New Year will have a symbolic animal. 12 Vietnamese zodiac signs are different from Chinese ones The fourth zodiac sign in Vietnam is Cat while it is Rabbit in China. Every animal will bring the unique lucky in its year so you can see them everywhere in Vietnam through decorations or advertisement signs. Tet holiday 2020 is the year of the Rat while Tet holiday 2021 is the year of Buffalo. Trees & Flowers on Tet holiday Peach blossom in Northern Vietnam and apricot blossom trees in Southern Vietnam are also symbols that exclusively appear on Tet holiday. The light red of peach blossom will bring the luck while the yellow of apricot blossom will bring the fortune to the owners. It is said that Tet is not Tet if missing two of them. Neu Tree It is originally a 5 meters tall bamboo shoot. The chop of the tree hangs different things based on each region such as votive papers, amulet exorcism or alcohol bottle made of straw. It is believed that the tree is the signal for the devils to realize that this place is home of living people, not to harass. Tray of Five Fruits This is a tray of five different fruits such as bananas, grapefruits, oranges, and other tropical fruits which are only prepared on the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Although each region chooses different fruits, a tray of five fruits is still used to express the wishes of the host family by their names, colors, and arrangements. In addition, kumquat trees, Dong Ho paintings, red distiches are also believed by the Vietnamese to bring luck and wealth for them all around the year. How is Tet Holiday Celebrated? Before Tet Holiday – How Tet Holiday is Prepared? Tet Ong Cong, Ong Tao Gods and Goddess of Kitchen On the 23rd of the last month in the lunar calendar, Vietnamese people prepare the traditional offerings and especially the carps to regale three gods and goddesses of their kitchen. Then they will release the carps into the river and these fishes will be used by the Gods as the transportations to come to heaven, according to the legend. At the heaven, they will report everything happening in the previous year of their family to the King of heaven. They will come back on the last day of the year to celebrate Tet holiday with the family. The carps then become the dragons. Tet Ong Cong, Ong Tao of Tet holiday 2020 is on January 17th. Cleaning the House Tet holiday is also called by a jolly name “house-cleaning festival”. A week before Tet, all members of the family clean the house, the garden, and the altars as well as redecorate them together. Broken things will be repaired, old things will be replaced. Clothes and decorations such as lanterns, distiches, led lights will be bought. All those preparations have the same purpose – to be the best to welcome the New Year and to receive luck as well as fortune. The Last Day of the Year & New Year Eve On the last day of the year, every member of different generations gathers around a grand banquet to enjoy the last meal of the year. The talk at that time is about things already happening in the year. The ambiance of the reunion is always the most wonderful and happiest of all time. In New Year Eve, the young often go out to watch the firework performance while the elderly and adults stay at home making offerings of pig head, boiled chicken, rice and salt for outdoor worshipping to the Gods and indoor one to the ancestors. They will pray for a new year of luck, health, and fortune to every family member. After that, the young come back home and become the first one coming to the house in the new year. It is believed that the wishes of that person for the host will come true. Then everyone gathers again to drink some alcohol or juice. Then the wishes, as well as plans of every person for the new year, will be shared with others. During Tet Holiday Tet Holiday traditionally lasts for three days. People often stay at home to welcome guests to their house or go to relative and neighborhood houses. The elderly will be received the wishes for health, the adults will be received the ones for fortune and success while the young and children will be received lucky money. Laughs and talks appear everywhere on Tet holiday these days. Besides, Vietnamese people often go to pagodas. By donating money and asking for letters, they will receive several lucks and fortune. Festivals after Tet Holiday Tet ends when votive papers are burned and offerings are taken down from the altars to share for every family member. It is the time for people to join in festivals all around the country such as buffalo fighting festival or boat racing, wrestling, lion or dragon dances. Festivals will be organized for a month after Tet holiday so you are able to attend and explore them as many as possible. Vietnamese Lunar New Year is the priceless value of Vietnam and an indispensable part of the life of all Vietnamese people. Plan Vietnam tours to enjoy Tet holiday and experience unforgettable experiences of Vietnamese cultures, customs, and traditions. Source Viet Vision Travel History & CultureExplainerObserved by billions of people, the festival also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is marked by themes of reunion and around the world, it usually prompts the planet’s largest annual migration of people. And though it is known to some in the West as Chinese New Year, it isn’t just celebrated in China. Lunar New Year falls this year on Sunday, January 22, 2023, kicking off the Year of the Rabbit. It is traditionally a time for family reunions, plenty of food, and some very loud is the Lunar New Year?Modern China actually uses a Gregorian calendar like most of the rest of the world. Its holidays, however, are governed by its traditional lunisolar calendar, which may have been in use from as early as the 21st century When the newly founded Republic of China officially adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1912, its leaders rebranded the observation of the Lunar New Year as Spring Festival, as it is known in China today.Learn why some people celebrate Christmas in January.As its name suggests, the date of the lunar new year depends on the phase of the moon and varies from year to year. Each year in the lunar calendar is named one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, which are derived from ancient Chinese folklore. Repeating in a rotating basis, these animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and Spring Festival is celebrated in China and Hong Kong; Lunar New Year is also celebrated in South Korea, Tibet, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and places with large Chinese populations. Though the festival varies by country, it is dominated by themes of reunion and Lunar New Year is celebratedFor Chinese people, Spring Festival lasts for 40 days and has multiple sub-festivals and rituals. The New Year itself is a seven-day-long state holiday, and on the eve of the new year, Chinese families traditionally celebrate with a massive reunion dinner. Considered the year’s most important meal, it is traditionally held in the house of the most senior family member.Learn about Lunar New Year with your kids.The holiday may be getting more modern, but millennia-old traditions are still held dear in China and other countries. In China, people customarily light firecrackers, which are thought to chase away the fearful monster Nian. However, the tradition has been on the decline in recent years due to air pollution restrictions that have hit the fireworks industry hard. The color red is used in clothing and decorations to ensure prosperity, and people exchange hongbao, red envelopes filled with lucky cash. Meanwhile in Korea, people make rice cake soup and honor their ancestors during Seollal. And during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, flowers play an important role in the New Year has even spawned its own form of travel During chunyun, or spring migration, hundreds of million people travel to their hometowns in China for family reunions and New Year’s celebrations. In past years, billions of travelers have taken to the road during the 40-day period. Known as the world’s largest human migration, chunyun regularly clogs already busy roads, trains and airports—proof of the holiday’s enduring significance for those who associate it with luck and story was originally published on January 2, 2020. It has been updated. March 13, 2023January 16, 2023 Vietnamese New Year, also known as tết nguyên đán’ or Tet’ is a celebration of the Lunar New Year in Vietnamese culture. Tet is the most important festival in Vietnam and marks the beginning of the new year on the lunar calendar. When is Tet Festival? Flowers boats at flower market on along canal wharf. This is place where farmers sell apricot blossom and other flowers on Lunar New Year in Vietnam // Photo by Huy Thoai / Shutterstock Tet typically falls between late January and early February, but the date changes every year as it follows the lunar calendar. Here are the Lunar New Year dates for the next few years Tet in 2023 21 Jan to 27 Jan – Year of the Rabbit Tet in 2024 9 Feb to 15 Feb – Year of the Dragon Annual calligraphy street in Ho Chi Minh City A Little History About Vietnamese New Year Tết is the ancient celebration of the arrival of spring, and many of the symbols, colors, and customs enforce this image of new life and opportunity. “Tết” is a shortened form of Tet Nguyen Dan’, which means Festival of the First Morning of the First Day’ in Vietnamese culture. The Vietnamese New Year was first celebrated by the Chinese in Vietnam over 2000 years ago. At that time, Vietnam was part of Ancient China and so the Chinese New Year transcended generations to become the Vietnamese New Year. The Tet festival was originally a three-day celebration, but it has gradually expanded to last up to two weeks. Another great benefit of Tet for employees in Vietnam is the custom to get paid a 13-month’ bonus. Companies often employ expats working in Vietnam with that clause in their contracts! Related Article Vietnamese Culture Etiquette, Tips And Traditions What Happens During Tet? Tet Dragon dances are wild events // Vietnam Is Awesome Tet is the most important national holiday in Vietnam and Tet celebrations usually last up to 14 days. Most people have time off work to travel to their hometown and spend time with family. Tet is a time for new beginnings, and many people make resolutions for the coming year. Tet is also a time of celebration, with lots of food, beer, and family gatherings. There are many traditions and customs associated with Tet, which vary from region to region. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular Tet traditions in Vietnam. 10 Best Things To Do During Vietnamese Lunar New Year Nguyen Hue walking street and flower street during Lunar New Year at downtown of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam // Photo by Sing Studio / Shutterstock When visiting Vietnam as a traveller or an expat, there are a few things you should definitely do during Tet. Here are our top picks 1. Attend a Tet Celebration or Parade. One of the best ways to experience Tet is by attending a celebration with family or friends. Many cities and towns will have Tet celebrations with food, music, and traditional games. 2. Send Tet greetings Tet is a time for sending blessings and good wishes to family and friends. Traditional Tet greetings cards are often decorated with poems or messages of good luck for the new year. Send a nice message to your friends and family and join in the well-wishes! 3. Celebrate at bars and clubs For those who want to celebrate Tet in a more festive atmosphere, there are plenty of bars and clubs that will be hosting Tet celebrations. Related article 9 Stunning Rooftop Bars in Ho Chi Minh City Unique Saigon Experiences 4. Attend a year-end party If you get invited to a Vietnamese year-end party, don’t pass. Most workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods will host a party. Vietnamese hosts are awesome at the best of times but during Tet, you can expect a royal-like celebration with food, beer, and chanting một, hai, ba, dô dô is pronounced as /yo/ and it means 1, 2, 3, cheers!. Related Article 5 Uniquely Vietnamese Cocktails To Discover 5. Give gifts Tet is also a time for giving gifts to family and friends. Popular gift items include flowers, fruits, candy, and cigarettes. Join in the festivities by shopping for some interesting and traditional Tet gifts. 6. Visit pagodas The culture of going to the temple at the beginning of the year of the Vietnamese people // Photo on Many people visit pagodas during Tet to pray for good luck in the new year. The pagodas are often decorated with flowers and lights, and the air is filled with the smell of incense. A visit to a pagoda during Tet is a must-do for any traveller or expat in Vietnam to show respect and get a little closer to Vietnamese culture. 7. Buy New Year’s lottery tickets Another popular thing to do during Tet is to buy lottery tickets. The idea is that if you attract good fortune now and the rest of the year will be just as lucky. Lottery tickets are a popular purchase during Tet and make for a great gift idea, too. 8. Play games Tet is a time for playing games with family and friends. Popular Tet games include Tổ tài lộc a game of chance, Bầu cua tôm của a game of tossing coins, and Đá quả cầu a marble-rolling game. 9. Watch The Tet Fireworks Watch the Tet fireworks // Photo on One of the most popular traditions is to watch Tet fireworks. A sky full of colourful fireworks is a beautiful sight to behold especially as they are restricted in Vietnam for most of the year. Fireworks displays are often held in major cities throughout Vietnam during Tet but the most famous fireworks are in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many amazing destinations in Vietnam and just because it is Tet holiday doesn’t mean you can’t travel like you usually would. Really, the possibilities for things to do in Vetnam are endless. 10. Make A New Year’s Resolution Many people make resolutions for the coming year during Tet holiday. For example, people might resolve to quit smoking, lose weight or save money. It’s seen as a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, so it’s the perfect time to make resolutions! 10 Vietnamese New Year Traditions To Know People go shopping for decoration in the house, preparing for the traditional New Year at China Town, District 5 // Photo by Saigoneer / Shutterstock One of the most important customs during Tet holiday is ancestor worship. Prior to Tet, families will go to their ancestors’ graves and offer food and drinks. They will also clean the graves and decorate them with flowers. This is also a time for family reunions. Vietnamese people usually visit friends and relatives during Tet, and exchange New Year’s greetings and special Tet gifts. There are many traditions observed during Tet, some of which may be unfamiliar to foreigners. Here is a guide to some of the most popular Tet traditions in Vietnam 1. Cleaning Your House For Tet Festival Before Tet holiday, it’s traditional to clean your house from top to bottom in preparation for the new year. This is seen as a way to sweep away the old year and make way for new beginnings. You’re also not allowed to do any housework like sweeping the floor during Tet holiday, so it’s a good time to get your cleaning done ahead of time! 2. Buying New Clothes For A Fresh Tet Holiday Tet is a time for new beginnings, so it’s customary to buy new clothes to celebrate. Most people will buy new clothes for both themselves and their children. It’s also considered bad luck to wear old clothes during Tet holiday, so be sure to pack your new outfits! If you are in Hoi An for the holiday and looking for new outfits, make sure to check out Hoi An tailor-made clothes. 3. New Toys For A Lucky New Year Buying new toys for the New Year is a tradition in many households. It is believed that the new toys will bring good luck and happiness to the child’s life. 4. Lucky Money – The best Tet Nguyen Dan’ tradition It’s also customary to give red envelopes filled with money to children and elders, this is known as lucky money’. The amount of money in the envelope usually depends on the relationship and age between the giver and receiver but can range from 20,000 VND to 500,000 VND $ – $22. 5. Win A Little Lucky Money From Cards One of the most popular traditions during Tet holiday is gambling. Many Vietnamese people will gamble during Tet in the hope of winning big! Though, the Vietnamese aren’t big gamblers as it is banned during the year – except for Tet holiday. 6. Decorating With Tet Flowers And Plants Blooming yellow flower decoration in front of the house in Lunar New year // Photo by Marie Shark / Shutterstock In Vietnam, it’s considered good luck to decorate your home with flowers and plants during Tet holiday. You can buy special Tet flowers and plants, or you can use traditional plants like peach branches, apricot blossoms, and bamboo. The most popular Tet flower is the peach blossom. 7. Paying Off Debts Before Tet, it’s customary to pay off any debts you may have so you can start the new year debt-free. This is seen as an important way to begin the new year with a clean slate. 8. Wearing Red for Tet Holiday The penultimate New Years Eve – Tat Nien, the meal finishing the entire year. Vietnam lunar new year // Photo by Vietnam Stock Images / Shutterstock In Vietnam, red is a colour of good luck, so many people wear red during Tet. You’ll see people wearing red clothes, accessories and even nail polish! The most popular traditional dress is known as an ao dai’ which is worn by teachers, office workers, and schoolchildren for traditional Tet celebrations. Red is also the colour of the Vietnamese flag, so it’s a patriotic colour to wear during Tet holiday. 9. Dragon Dances At A Lunar New Year Festival Dragon dances at a Lunar New Year festival // Photo by Saigoneer / Shutterstock One of the most popular Tet traditions is Dragon dances and Lion dances the same tradition but two different names. Dragon dances are often performed at Lunar New Year festivals, and they are a sight to behold! A crew of 3 or 4 men dress in a dragon suit and control the dragon’s movements. The dragons are made of colourful cloth, and they are often accompanied by loud music and drums. It’s a truly amazing experience to see a dragon dance in person. 10. Traditional Tet Food Feasts And Lucky Food Another tradition is to prepare a Tet feast for family and friends. The Tet feast typically includes dishes such as pork, chicken, sticky rice, and soup. There are many traditional foods that are considered lucky to eat during Tet holiday. Let’s look closer. Food – One Of The Most Important Aspects Of A Vietnamese New Year Making Chung cake by hands closeup, Chung cake is the most important traditional Vietnamese lunar New Year Tet food // Photo by Vietnam Stock Images / Shutterstock A Lunar New Year in Vietnam is not a celebration without traditional Vietnamese food. There are many traditional foods that are considered lucky to eat during Tet, and they vary depending on which region of Vietnam you’re in. If you’re in Vietnam during Tet holiday, be sure to experience some of this traditional Tet food! Banh Chung a sticky rice cake made with pork and beans, wrapped in banana leaves Banh Tet a sweet rice cake topped with mung beans and coconut Fried Rice a dish of pork, shrimp, and eggs served with rice Thit Kho Tau a caramelized pork dish Che Dau Trang a sweet dessert made with black soybeans and tapioca pearls Thit Kho Tau – A must-have traditional dish in every Southern Vietnamese household. Where To Celebrate Tet In Vietnam? Busy streets in downtown Hoi An on a Lunar New Year’s Holiday // Photo by David Nguyen VN / Shutterstock Tet is celebrated nationwide, with the biggest celebrations in the major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the ancient town of Hoi An. As most Vietnamese people have time off work, visiting Vietnam during this time means cities are quiet and services are limited, though tourist areas are usually still bustling with foreign and domestic tourists. Ho Chi Minh City – Party In Southern Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City is the most popular destination to have a New Year celebration as the weather in Southern Vietnam is quite pleasant at this time of year and there is a festive feeling in the air. The streets are quiet but there is plenty to do in expat districts such as District 2. Related article Best Time To Visit Vietnam Fireworks in Saigon 2023 The New Year’s Eve fireworks performances in Saigon will be displayed for 15 minutes, from 0000 to 0015 on January 22nd, 2023. Specifically, the fireworks display points in Ho Chi Minh City include 1 high point at the beginning of the Saigon River tunnel Thu Duc City and 5 low altitude points Dam Sen Cultural Park District 11, Memorial Temple Ben Noc relic site Thu Duc city, Ben Duoc martyrs memorial temple area Cu Chi district, Mau Than 1968 martyrs memorial area Binh Chanh district and Can Thanh town center Can Gio district. Vietnamese New Year 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City // Photo by Tuoi Tre News Hanoi – Winter Vibes In Northern Vietnam Hanoi is the place to be for the Tet holiday. The city comes alive with festivities, decorations and traditional food. There are many public events that take place throughout the city, including a huge street fair in Hoan Kiem district. The New Year celebrations have an extra festive feel as Hanoi experiences one of the best winters in Vietnam – with fresh weather and cosy bars. Fireworks in Hanoi 2023 Hanoi will hold a series of fireworks shows at 30 venues in the capital on the upcoming traditional Vietnamese New Year’s Eve. There will be 30 fireworks shows in the capital, two of them in Hoan Kiem district in Hanoi’s downtown and one in each of the remaining 29 districts and towns. There’s up to 30 fireworks shows in Hanoi // Photo by Suc khoe & Doi song News Hoi An – Ancient traditions in a UNESCO Heritage Site Hoi An is a charming town in Central Vietnam with many traditional houses and narrow streets. The Tet celebration in Hoi An is special as the town celebrates both the Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year. There are many traditional activities to participate in such as making lanterns, decorating homes, and eating traditional food. For tourists, it’s a great opportunity to see how the locals celebrate Tet in a UNESCO Heritage Site. Related article Best Things To See In Hoi An Vietnamese New Year 2023 in Hoi An Traveller’s Tips To Celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year If you’re planning to spend your whole vacation for the Vietnamese New Year, you couldn’t miss those tips! Book your tickets early If you’re planning on traveling to Vietnam during Tet, it’s best to book your tickets and accommodation well in advance as many services will be limited. Be prepared for crowds Tet holiday is the time that Vietnamese families travel across the country to visit their ancestral hometowns, so expect crowded airports, train stations, and tourist destinations in the lead up to Tet holiday. Respect the local customs During Tet holiday, Vietnamese people are busy visiting family and friends, so be respectful of their time and don’t intrude on private gatherings. If invited to a Vietnamese Lunar New Year party, consider bringing Tet holiday gifts such as red envelopes with money inside. Learn how to say Happy New Year’ in Vietnamese and other Tet greetings Chuc Mung Nam Moi – Happy Vietnamese New Year! Cung Chuc Tan Xuan – Wishing you a prosperous new year! An Khang Thinh Vuong — Security, good health, and prosperity. Van Su Nhu Y — May things go according to your will. For a full phrase list on Tet greetings, check out our guide How To Say Happy New Year In Vietnamese Vietnamese New Year Festival FAQs I’m sure there are a few lingering questions surrounding Vietnamese Tet. Here are a few FAQs Where do I buy Tet flowers and plants? You can buy Tet flowers and plants at any flower market in Vietnam. The most popular Tet flower is the peach blossom. Where do I eat traditional Vietnamese dishes? You can find traditional Tet food at any Vietnamese restaurant and you can cook a lot of these special dishes at home with a good recipe. If you are lucky enough to know a Vietnamese family, they may invite you to their feast. This is the best way to get close to the delicious Tet food action. If you are in the South, use our guide to the best restaurants in Saigon to find something extra tasty. Or if you’re planning a trip up North, you need our guide to the best What is the significance of red in Vietnam? In Vietnam, red is a colour of good luck. It also means happiness, wealth and prosperity. Red secured its place in Vietnamese culture through ancient Viet folklore and legends that believed demons and evil spirits were afraid of the color red. What is the Lunar calendar? The Vietnamese use two calendars – the Gregorian calendar, also known as the Solar calendar, which is used in most countries around the world, and the Lunar calendar. The lunar calendar is about 12 days shorter than the solar calendar as the Lunar calendar is based on months that are 29 or 30 days long, whereas the Gregorian calendar is based on months that are between 28 and 31 days long. The Lunar calendar is used for important events such as Tet, because it is seen as a more accurate way of measuring time based on the cycles of the Moon. The lunar month is said to be in tune with the natural rhythms of the earth, while the Gregorian calendar is more in line with the solar cycle. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! People Vietnamese driving a motorbike with holder flower pot behind, flowers buying for home decoration welcome Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Huy Thoai / Shutterstock Tet holiday is a very important Vietnamese holiday that has been celebrated for more than 2,000 years. For travelers who are interested in experiencing Vietnamese Lunar New Year first-hand, be sure to visit Vietnam during the Tet holiday season. Table of Contents When is the Lunar New Year in Vietnam?How do the Vietnamese celebrate Tet?Local beliefs to be aware ofTraditional Tet foodSticky rice cakesFruit candiesToasted watermelon seedsRice wineRed envelopes and prosperity Image by Quang Nguyen vinh via Pixabay The Lunar New Year is known in Vietnam as Tet, short for Tet Nguyen Dan. This translates to “the first morning of the first day of the new year”. In the build-up to Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, streets are lined with flowers, parties are thrown, and dragon dances are perfected. Everyone seems to be cooking, cleaning, and getting ready for the big day. The smell of incense is everywhere. There’s a festival atmosphere in the air weeks before the actual day of Tet, and even the quietest areas of the country spring to life. If you’re planning to travel during Tet, it’s worth noting that public transport is at its busiest during this season. Many family members who live in separate provinces will return to their hometowns during this period. So if you’re looking to travel, be sure to book well in advance – even airfares sell out quickly. The dates of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam differ year by year, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2021, it falls on February 12, and lasts around a week. Tet is by far the most important festival in Vietnam. For many workers, it is the only time of year when a holiday is taken. This can be anywhere from three days to a fortnight. As a result, it’s worth being a little prepared if you’re staying in Vietnam during Tet. Stock up on food and source some international restaurants as many local markets and eateries will close for a few days. How do the Vietnamese celebrate Tet? The immediate weeks prior to Tet involve a lot of cleaning and cooking. There is also quite a lot of partying! The sound of karaoke and the clinking of glasses can be heard almost anywhere in Vietnam for a week or two before. In contrast, the very first day of Tet is a quiet family affair. Families all over the country will reunite and pay their respects to deceased elders. Many Vietnamese people take part in ancestor worship, believing the dead to still be around them in spirit form. Offerings are made to ancestors in the form of food, drink, and fake money. Gifts such as these are made throughout the year, but they are especially important during Tet. It’s believed they keep ancestors happy in the afterlife and ensure good luck for those still living. After the first day of Tet, families may open their houses to friends and neighbors. Households will have a food selection on a prominent table for guests who come to visit. Local beliefs to be aware of Most importantly, don’t visit anyone’s home on the first day of Tet unless you’ve been specifically invited. There is a belief that the very first person to enter a home during Tet can affect the fortunes of that household for the next 12 months. As a result, locally successful or well-respected people are often given the duty of being the “first caller”. Sometimes, the owner of the house will simply leave their house and re-enter it, just to be the first visitor and avoid any bad luck. If you are staying with a Vietnamese family and are helping out with the household chores, make sure you don’t do any cleaning or sweeping over Tet. All cleaning should be done the week before, as people don’t want to “sweep away” any good luck during the season itself! Remember to smile! Tet is a season in which good luck is welcomed, and having negative vibes around, even in the shape of a grumpy face, isn’t wanted by anyone. Be positive with your language and even wear bright colors if you have them. Each Lunar New Year in Vietnam ushers in a new zodiac year too. 2021 will be the year of the buffalo. These animals are revered in Vietnam, given the role they play in rice farming. Those born in buffalo years are seen as being both patient and hardworking. Traditional Tet food Like most festivals, food forms an important part of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Tet comes with its own special menu, and families will do a lot of cooking in the build-up to Tet. If you’re lucky, you may get invited by your Vietnamese host to try some of the following lip-smacking delicacies! Sticky rice cakes Image by Nha Hoang from Pixabay Known locally as banh chung, you’ll see sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. They’re made of rice and mung beans, sometimes with pork added. The wrapping of sticky rice cakes is a popular sight in many places in Vietnam, and with so many to make, you’ll often see a whole family involved in the process. Fruit candies Mut is sugared fruit and you’ll typically see pineapples, apricots, and coconuts transformed into sweet treats. Many families will make their own mut, and if the kids don’t eat it all first, you’ll likely be offered them if invited into a Vietnamese home over Tet. Toasted watermelon seeds These can be seen in Vietnam most of the year, often served in bars with beer or coffee. But they’re eaten with aplomb during Tet. Families will have an almighty bowl of these moreish nibbles. There’s a genuine art to cracking the soft shell off with your teeth, whilst keeping the inner seed intact. Rice wine Tet is also a time for drinking, and in the weeks before Tet, it’s not uncommon to find a lot of rice wine sipped in the name of celebration! Red envelopes and prosperity If you’re in Vietnam during Tet, you may see packs of red envelopes for sale in local stores. There’s also a chance that you’ll see happy-looking children carrying one! In various parts of Southeast Asia, red envelopes containing money are given during special occasions. In Vietnam, these are given to children during Tet. Whilst it’s okay to give them to anyone younger than you, they’re normally given within extended families. Older siblings may give them to their nieces and nephews. Often, the children will pass the money on to their parents. Other families allow their children to keep the money for themselves. Money given in red envelopes during Tet is considered “lucky money”. The tradition comes from China, where red is considered to be a color that symbolizes good things. If you’re staying with a Vietnamese family, you can join in by giving red envelopes to their children. Anything from 1 to 5 USD per envelope is fine — the symbol is more important than the amount. However, there is no pressure on you to do so! Kumquat Trees and marigolds are also popular symbols seen around Tet. Both are considered signs of a prosperous future. If you’re traveling in Vietnam during the Lunar New Year, open your heart and mind and embrace the festivities! And don’t forget to say chuc munh nam moi to everyone you meet — that way, you’ll be wishing them a happy new year! About TourHero TourHero is a social travel platform that enables you to travel with like-minded people and fall in love with the journey. We work closely with handpicked local operators to ensure every experience curated is unique and exclusive to your travel group. Come with us on epic adventures and create memories that last a lifetime! Subscribe Get exclusive curated content right in your inbox! I agree to TourHero's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We promise, we don't spam!

lunar new year or tet is vietnam's main holiday