Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as
Tết Nguyên Đán
or simply
Tết
It is the most significant holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring and the start of the lunar calendar year
Tết
is the most significant holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring and the start of the lunar calendar year. Celebrated with great enthusiasm and a rich blend of traditions,
Tết
is a time for families to reunite, honor ancestors, and welcome new beginnings. The holiday typically lasts for several days, beginning on the first day of the lunar new year and extending through the third day. Preparations for
Tết
include cleaning and decorating homes, buying new clothes, and preparing special foods like
bánh chưng
(square sticky rice cakes) and
bánh tét
(cylindrical sticky rice cakes), which symbolize the Earth and the harmony between heaven and earth. It's also common to give
lì xì
(red envelopes with money) to children and younger family members as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The holiday is marked by vibrant festivals, dragon dances, and fireworks, as people celebrate with joy, gratitude, and hope for a prosperous future.