The Vietnamese Lunar New Year—often called Tết Nguyên Đán—stands as the most significant and vibrant celebration in Vietnam. Occurring in late January or early February, this festive period marks the end of the old year and welcomes a new beginning. Families unite under one roof, ancestral traditions come alive, and an unmistakable atmosphere of renewal sweeps through every home. Whether you are new to this cultural treasure or simply curious about its deeper layers, exploring the origins, customs, and symbolism of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year offers a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old heritage.
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The Historical Roots of Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Vietnamese history traces the Vietnamese Lunar New Year back hundreds—if not thousands—of years. Some historians suggest that Tết traditions have existed since the time of the early Hùng Kings, reflected in the folk tale about the creation of bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh dày (round sticky rice cake). These unique foods symbolize the harmonious relationship between heaven and earth, echoing a broader cultural emphasis on balance and cosmic harmony.
Over the centuries, Tết Nguyên Đán has evolved into a national festival that blends ancestor veneration, faith in benevolent deities, and a deep respect for seasonal changes. Even though modern life has introduced new twists to these customs, the festival’s core remains unaltered: Tết is a time of reunion, remembrance, and renewal.
Family Reunion and Ancestor Worship
One of the defining features of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is its focus on family. People travel from every corner of the country—and from abroad—to return to their hometowns, paying respect to elders and joining in intimate celebrations. This annual homecoming is more than a simple holiday. It is a spiritual journey, signifying a homeward return both physically and emotionally.
Honoring Ancestors
A central ritual during Tết is ancestral commemoration. On New Year’s Eve (giao thừa), families prepare a banquet and light incense to invite the spirits of departed loved ones home. The gentle smoke rising from the altar symbolizes the link between the physical world and the spiritual realm. These solemn yet heartwarming moments strengthen the family bond, as younger generations express gratitude toward their forebears, and older generations pass down stories that embody the family legacy.
Key Traditions of Vietnamese Lunar New Year
In the days leading up to Tết, households across Vietnam engage in various customs aimed at welcoming prosperity and good fortune. Below are some of the most cherished traditions:
Cúng Ông Công Ông Táo (Worshiping the Kitchen Gods)
The Kitchen Gods, or Ông Công Ông Táo, oversee the household’s welfare throughout the year. On the 23rd day of the final lunar month, families prepare offerings—often including carp fish—and ceremonially “send” these deities to heaven. According to Vietnamese folklore, the Kitchen Gods report on each family’s activities to the Jade Emperor, influencing the household’s blessings in the coming year. Traditionally, people release live carp into rivers or lakes as symbolic vehicles for the Gods’ journey.
House Cleaning and Decoration
The excitement escalates in the final days before the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, as families thoroughly clean and decorate their homes. Every nook and cranny is swept clean to banish any lingering misfortunes. Decor typically includes kumquat trees, peach blossoms in the north, or yellow mai flowers in the south, alongside vibrant red banners inscribed with auspicious phrases. These embellishments cultivate a sense of joy and optimism, indicating that a new cycle of luck and abundance is about to begin.
Tất Niên Feast
“Tất Niên” literally translates to the completion of the old year’s work. On the afternoon of the last day of the lunar year (often referred to as “30 Tết”), families come together to prepare a special feast honoring their ancestors. This meal typically features a “five-fruit tray” (mâm ngũ quả) on the family altar, representing the five basic elements of the universe—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The tray can include a variety of colorful fruits such as bananas, oranges, and grapefruits, each symbolizing prayers for wealth, longevity, or fertility.
Giao Thừa (New Year’s Eve Transition)
Giao thừa marks the sacred moment separating the old year from the new. During this time, many families perform the Lễ Trừ Tịch, or the “Exorcism Ceremony,” intended to dispel any negative energies accumulated over the previous year. At the stroke of midnight, incense smoke fills the air, and the soft glow of altar candles envelops the home in quiet reverence. Many people also watch or attend fireworks displays, immersing themselves in the exhilaration of a fresh start.
Immediately after midnight, the “first visitor” or xông nhà custom takes place. The first person to step foot in a house is believed to determine the family’s fortune in the year ahead. For this reason, it’s common for householders to invite an individual considered fortunate, kind-hearted, and of compatible zodiac age. While this practice varies regionally, the overarching purpose is to ensure a smooth, prosperous start to the new cycle.
Chúc Tết and Lì Xì (New Year Greetings and Lucky Money)
In the days following New Year’s Eve, relatives and friends exchange visits, offering each other well-wishes. Children typically greet elders with words of respect and receive red envelopes filled with “lucky money,” or lì xì. Often, these envelopes contain crisp, brand-new bills symbolizing new beginnings. The simple act of gifting money is more about bestowing blessings for health, growth, and success rather than the monetary value itself.
Embracing Optimism and Hope
Beyond its rituals, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year stands as a celebration of optimism and hope for the future. It is a time when misunderstandings are forgiven and social bonds are renewed. As an old Vietnamese saying goes, “Giận đến chết, đến Tết cũng thôi,” implying that no matter the grudges, when Tết comes around, people let them go. This spirit of reconciliation underscores a core value of Tết: fostering unity and positivity at both the household and community levels.
Conclusion
From worshiping the Kitchen Gods to gathering around a family banquet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year symbolizes the cultural heart of Vietnam. Rooted in centuries of tradition, Tết preserves a collective memory that binds generations together. Every year, it welcomes home loved ones scattered across the globe, invites them to look back on their origins, and ushers in a renewed sense of hope for the days to come.
For official information about public holidays in Vietnam, you can visit the Vietnam Government Portal
If you would like to learn about more unique Vietnamese festivals, feel free to explore our Festivals in Vietnam Collection.
May this festive season bring you and your loved ones an abundance of health, good fortune, and meaningful connection—just as Tết has done for countless generations in Vietnam.
