The Vietnamese Tet Holiday, also known as Lunar New Year in Vietnam, is the most significant celebration in the country, filled with rich traditions and exciting activities. This time of year marks the arrival of spring, as families come together to celebrate the upcoming year with joy, gratitude, and hope for prosperity. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam during this vibrant holiday, here’s a guide to some of the most popular activities during Tet.
1. Lion Dances and Dragon Parades
One of the most exciting and iconic activities during Tet holiday celebrations is the lion dance. This traditional performance is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. Teams of dancers wear colorful lion costumes and perform acrobatic moves, often accompanied by the sound of cymbals and drums. In addition to lion dances, dragon parades also take place in many cities, adding a burst of color and energy to the streets. These festivities symbolize happiness, health, and wealth for the new year.
2. Tet Family Gatherings and Ancestral Worship
Tet is first and foremost a family celebration. During this time, families come together to honor their ancestors through rituals of ancestral worship. Families set up altars with offerings of food, fruits, and incense to show respect to their forebears. These activities strengthen family bonds and reinforce the importance of maintaining cultural traditions.
Aside from the worship, it’s also a time for family meals. Popular dishes like Banh Chung and Banh Tet, made from glutinous rice, pork, and mung beans, are prepared to share among relatives. The Tet holiday emphasizes the significance of family unity and honoring the past.
3. Visiting Friends and Neighbors
During Lunar New Year in Vietnam, people exchange visits with friends, neighbors, and relatives. It’s common for children to go door-to-door with their parents to wish people a happy and prosperous new year. In return, they receive lucky money (known as “li xi”), which is usually placed in red envelopes. This tradition symbolizes good fortune for the coming year.
4. Tet Markets and Flower Festivals
Tet markets, also called Chợ Tết, are essential to the Tet holiday experience. These bustling markets are filled with fresh produce, flowers, and decorations for the new year. Peach blossoms and kumquat trees are particularly popular during this time as they symbolize prosperity and health.
Flower festivals are also held across the country, showcasing the beauty of Tet flowers. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, these festivals are not only a sight to behold but also a perfect way to experience the spirit of Vietnamese Tet through vibrant displays of color and art.
5. Traditional Tet Games
Tet is a time for play, and there are various traditional Tet games enjoyed by both children and adults. Bau cua (a dice game), carrying the “tet pole”, and Vietnamese card games are common pastimes. These games are a fun way for families to bond and celebrate the new year.
6. Fireworks Displays
The lunar new year in Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without dazzling fireworks displays. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City host spectacular firework shows at midnight to ring in the new year. These displays are symbolic of a fresh start and an exciting new year ahead.
The Tet holiday is an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Vietnam. From traditional food to cultural performances, every aspect of the celebration is rich in meaning and joy. Whether you’re participating in a lion dance, visiting family members, or enjoying the beautiful flower festivals, Tet is a time to embrace Vietnamese culture and traditions. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, be sure to immerse yourself in these festivities for a truly authentic cultural experience.
FAQ: Popular Questions About Tet
What is the significance of the Tet holiday in Vietnam?
The Tet holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and the beginning of the lunar new year. It’s a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and hoping for prosperity in the year ahead.
What food is eaten during Tet in Vietnam?
Some of the most popular dishes during Tet include Banh Chung, Banh Tet, pickled onions, and mut Tet (candied fruits and seeds). These foods have deep cultural significance and are often shared among family and friends.
Why do people celebrate with lion dances during Tet?
Lion dances are performed during Lunar New Year in Vietnam to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. The vibrant and energetic dance is a symbol of prosperity and joy for the new year.
How do people greet each other during Tet?
People often greet each other with phrases like “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) and “An Khang Thịnh Vượng” (Wishing you good health and prosperity).
What are Tet markets like?
Tet markets are lively, bustling spaces where people buy flowers, fruits, food, and Tet decorations. It’s a festive environment where visitors can experience the spirit of Vietnamese Tet.
Looking to experience the vibrant Tet holiday firsthand? Join our Vietnam Tet Holiday Tour and immerse yourself in the rich culture, traditions, and activities of Lunar New Year in Vietnam.
