What Is Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday?
The Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday, officially known as Tết Nguyên Đán, or simply Tết, is the most significant annual celebration in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year according to the lunisolar calendar. The term “Tết Nguyên Đán” translates to “Feast of the First Morning,” signifying a fresh start.
This period is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, serving as a time for family reunification, ancestral veneration, and expressing hopes for health, prosperity, and happiness in the forthcoming year. It is observed as a national public holiday, with most businesses closing for several days to allow people to return to their hometowns and celebrate with relatives.
History and Origins of Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday
The origins of Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday are deeply rooted in ancient agricultural practices and the observation of lunar cycles. Historically, Tết marked the end of the harvest season, allowing farmers a period of rest before the demanding planting season began anew. This timing aligns with the renewal of nature and the awakening of plants after winter.
While some aspects, such as the lunisolar calendar system, show historical influence from Chinese culture, Tết possesses distinct Vietnamese traditions and customs that have evolved over centuries. It has always been a time for Vietnamese people to express gratitude to deities and ancestors for the previous year’s blessings and to pray for favourable conditions for the new agricultural cycle. The holiday has maintained its central importance through various historical periods, serving as a cornerstone of Vietnamese cultural identity.
How Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday Is Celebrated
The celebration of Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday is elaborate and extends over several days, involving extensive preparations and specific rituals. The period leading up to Tết is characterised by intense activity, as families clean and decorate their homes, purchase new clothes, and prepare special foods.
Pre-Tết Preparations
Homes are meticulously cleaned to remove any bad luck from the previous year and are then decorated with vibrant flowers and plants. The most common decorations include kumquat trees, peach blossoms (especially in Northern Vietnam), and ochna integerrima (yellow mai flowers, popular in Southern Vietnam), each symbolising prosperity and good fortune. Families also prepare a variety of traditional dishes, most notably Bánh Chưng (a savoury sticky rice cake with pork and mung bean, square-shaped) and Bánh Tét (a cylindrical version, common in the South), along with candied fruits and other festive treats. Ancestral altars are also carefully cleaned and adorned with offerings.
New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa)
Giao Thừa, or New Year’s Eve, is a pivotal moment when the old year passes and the new year begins. Families gather for a final meal of the old year and perform a traditional farewell to the kitchen god (Ông Táo) before preparing for the arrival of the new year. Many people visit temples or pagodas during this time to offer prayers. At the stroke of midnight, fireworks displays light up the sky, symbolising the warding off of evil spirits and welcoming good luck.
New Year’s Day and Subsequent Days
The first day of Tết (Mùng Một) is dedicated to visiting the paternal side of the family and paying respects to ancestors. It is common for children and younger relatives to receive ‘lì xì’ – red envelopes containing money – from elders, symbolising blessings and good fortune. The second day (Mùng Hai) is typically for visiting the maternal side of the family and close friends. The third day (Mùng Ba) is often reserved for visiting teachers, mentors, or making additional visits to friends and neighbours. Throughout these days, people dress in their best clothes, exchange greetings, and participate in traditional games and performances.
When Is Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday?
Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday is a movable feast, as its date is determined by the Vietnamese lunisolar calendar. It falls on the first day of the first month of this calendar, which corresponds to late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar. The exact Gregorian date varies each year because the lunisolar calendar follows moon phases and solar years.
For example, Tết typically occurs around the same time as Chinese New Year, though slight variations can occur due to different time zones and interpretations of the calendar. The holiday period officially lasts for three days, but many Vietnamese people extend their celebrations and family visits for a week or even longer, particularly around the public holiday period.
Vietnamese New Year’s Holiday Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public Holiday |
| Date | Variable (Lunisolar calendar, typically late January to early February) |
| Countries | 1 (Vietnam) |
| Also known as | Tết Nguyên Đán, Tết |
| Calendar system | Lunisolar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main meaning of Tết?
Tết Nguyên Đán primarily signifies the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. It is a period for family reunification, paying respect to ancestors, and hoping for good fortune in the coming year.
How long does the Vietnamese New Year's Holiday last?
Officially, the Vietnamese New Year's Holiday typically spans three days, with the first day being the most significant. However, pre-Tết preparations and post-Tết visiting can extend the celebratory period for a week or more.
Is Vietnamese New Year's Day a fixed date each year?
No, Vietnamese New Year's Day is not a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar. It falls on the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese lunisolar calendar, which usually corresponds to late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar.