When is vietnamese new year?
Updated: August 9, 2024Understanding Vietnamese New Year: Tết Nguyên Đán
Vietnamese New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tết, is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese lunar calendar, which is closely related to the Chinese lunar calendar. Tết is not just a single-day event but a festivity that can extend up to a week or more, filled with traditional rituals, family gatherings, and cultural performances.
The Timing of Vietnamese New Year
Tết Nguyên Đán usually falls between late January and February, depending on the lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year. The Vietnamese lunar calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which means it takes into account both the moon phase and the solar year. Typically, Tết occurs on the same day as the Chinese New Year, but slight differences can occasionally occur due to time zone variations.
For instance, in recent years, Tết has fallen on:
- 2020: January 25
- 2021: February 12
- 2022: February 1
- 2023: January 22
- 2024: February 10
Preparation and Pre-Tết Activities
The preparation for Tết starts well before the actual New Year’s day. Several customs and traditions are observed to ensure that the upcoming year is filled with prosperity and good fortune.
Cleaning the House
One of the most important pre-Tết activities is cleaning the house. This is believed to sweep away the bad luck and make room for new opportunities. Every corner of the house is meticulously cleaned, and old, unused items are discarded.
Kitchen God Ritual
A week before Tết, families perform the "Ông Công, Ông Táo" ceremony to bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods, who are believed to return to heaven to report on the household's affairs. Offerings such as fruits, sweets, and a carp (which is released into a river) are made during this ritual.
Decorations and Flowers
Homes are adorned with peach blossoms (in the North) or apricot blossoms (in the South), kumquat trees, and red lanterns. These decorations symbolize prosperity, longevity, and happiness.
Key Days of Tết Celebration
The Tết celebration typically spans several days, each with its own significance and customs.
New Year's Eve (Giao Thừa)
New Year's Eve is a time for family reunions. At midnight, families perform a ritual to welcome the deities of the new year. Incense is burned, and offerings are made to honor ancestors.
First Day of Tết (Mùng 1)
The first day of Tết is reserved for immediate family. It is crucial to choose the first visitor of the year carefully, as this person is believed to bring luck or misfortune. Children wear new clothes and receive "lì xì" (red envelopes containing money) from elders.
Second Day of Tết (Mùng 2)
The second day is for visiting extended family and friends. People often visit their in-laws on this day. Traditional Vietnamese dishes such as bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh dày (round sticky rice cake) are enjoyed.
Third Day of Tết (Mùng 3)
The third day is often dedicated to visiting teachers and paying respects. It is also a day for visiting temples and pagodas to pray for good fortune and happiness in the coming year.
Traditional Tết Foods
Food plays a central role in the Tết celebrations, with several traditional dishes holding symbolic meanings.
Bánh Chưng and Bánh Dày
Bánh chưng, a square sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, symbolizes the Earth. Bánh dày, a round sticky rice cake, represents the sky. These cakes are essential offerings during Tết and are often given as gifts.
Pickled Onions and Pickled Leeks
Pickled vegetables are a staple during Tết as they aid digestion after consuming rich and fatty foods. Pickled onions and leeks are particularly popular.
Thịt Kho Tàu
This dish consists of caramelized pork belly and eggs cooked in coconut juice. It is a comforting and savory dish that signifies prosperity and family unity.
Customs and Superstitions
Tết is steeped in customs and superstitions, many of which aim to bring good fortune and ward off bad luck.
Do's and Don'ts
- Avoid sweeping the house during the first three days of Tết to prevent sweeping away good luck.
- Wearing red is encouraged as it is believed to bring good fortune.
- Refrain from arguing or using foul language to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.
Lì Xì (Lucky Money)
Giving and receiving red envelopes filled with money, known as "lì xì," is a cherished tradition. It symbolizes the sharing of blessings and good luck.
The Spiritual Significance of Tết
Beyond the festive activities and customs, Tết holds deep spiritual significance. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. Families honor their ancestors through various rituals, acknowledging the past while looking forward to the future. The holiday fosters a sense of continuity and connection, bridging generations and reinforcing cultural values.
In a world that is constantly evolving, Tết remains a steadfast anchor for Vietnamese people, offering a moment to pause, celebrate, and renew commitments to family and community. As the lunar calendar turns, the echoes of ancient traditions reverberate, inviting each individual to find their place within the intricate tapestry of time.
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