Tết Nguyên Đán, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant and anticipated holiday in Vietnam. It’s also the time that most cities look so deserted that leaves tourists wondering. Where are all Vietnamese people??
Much like Christmas in Western cultures, Tết Nguyên Đán is a time for family, reflection, and celebration. During this festive season, cities across Vietnam may seem quieter as people return to their hometowns or gather with loved ones to honor centuries-old traditions.
So, where are Vietnamese people during Tết Nguyên Đán, and what do they do to celebrate this meaningful occasion? Let’s dive into the highlights of this cherished holiday.
Returning to Hometowns to Reunite with Family
For many Vietnamese people, Tết Nguyên Đán is synonymous with family. A significant portion of the population resides in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, far from their rural hometowns. This holiday is a rare and valuable opportunity to return home, reunite with loved ones, and reconnect with their roots.
This homecoming isn’t just about physical proximity; it’s a time to honor ancestors and uphold family traditions. During Tết Nguyên Đán, people visit ancestral altars, pay respects to elders, and reflect on their heritage, making it a profoundly emotional and spiritual experience.
Bonding Through Traditional House Chores
The festive spirit of Tết Nguyên Đán is brought to life through family activities, especially those centered around preparing the home and cooking traditional dishes.
Cooking Traditional Foods
Iconic Tết Nguyên Đán dishes such as bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), giò lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), and nem rán (fried spring rolls) play an essential role in the festivities. These dishes are not just meals but symbols of cultural heritage and family unity. The process of preparing these traditional foods often brings families together in the kitchen, where they share stories, laughter, and memories. Cooking together reflects the communal community in Vietnamese culture.
Cleaning and Decluttering
A vital tradition during Tết Nguyên Đán is cleaning the house, a practice that symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and making room for new blessings. Families unite to tackle this task, working together to sweep floors, scrub surfaces, and declutter their living spaces. This ritual is about more than tidying up; it’s a way to welcome a fresh start for the new year, filled with positive energy and good fortune.
Decorating the House
Once a year, every home in Vietnam will receive the red wave – vibrant decorations will now fill every corner and make their house more lively. The decoration is different in different regions. In the south, hoa mai (yellow apricot blossoms) are a popular choice, while in the north, hoa đào (peach blossoms) take center stage. These flowers symbolize prosperity and happiness. Additionally, red envelopes, lucky charms, and traditional calligraphy contribute to the festive atmosphere, filling households with hope and anticipation for a prosperous new year.
Visiting Pagodas and Temples to Pray for Luck
Spirituality plays a vital role during Tết Nguyên Đán, as many families visit pagodas, temples, or churches to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.
During these visits, people offer incense, flowers, and fruits while expressing gratitude for the previous year and seeking blessings for the upcoming one. Many also participate in fortune rituals, where they draw predictions about their luck for the new year.
This practice highlights the deep-rooted spiritual connection that defines Tết Nguyên Đán for Vietnamese families.
Relaxation and Travel (Especially for the Youth)
While Tết Nguyên Đán is steeped in tradition, modern Vietnamese families increasingly embrace travel as a way to celebrate. For many, this holiday is an opportunity to explore new places and enjoy quality time together.
Popular travel destinations during Tết Nguyên Đán include scenic coastal cities like Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phú Quốc. Some families even opt for international travel to nearby countries such as Thailand, Japan, or South Korea. Young people, in particular, use the holiday to relax and recharge after a busy year.
Tết Nguyên Đán: A Time for Togetherness and Reflection
In essence, Tết Nguyên Đán is not just a holiday but a deeply ingrained cultural event that unites Vietnamese people across generations. It’s a time to honor the past, cherish the present, and look forward to the future.
Whether through cooking traditional meals, cleaning and decorating the house, praying at pagodas, or embarking on travel adventures, Vietnamese people celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán with love and gratitude.
If you find cities quieter during this time, it’s because Vietnamese people are gathering with their families, celebrating their heritage, and welcoming a prosperous new year.
Tết Nguyên Đán is where the heart is, and for Vietnamese people, the heart always leads back to family.