Vietnam's Traditional Tet

Nowadays, we are too busy earning our livelihood to feed our family that we pay attention to traditional festivals. Thus, many have sunk into oblivion. However, Tet, the Lunar New Year, still remains at the heart of the Vietnamese. We have devoted our time to business all the year round but we still spend time enjoying Tet that is a window of opportunity to reunite family members. Though working or living far away, they all come to their home village to visit their relatives, next door friends to share thoughts and confidence after a year. This is a sacred meaning of Tet that should be retained and transferred from generation to generation.

On the days prior to Tet, people make Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake) that includes sticky rice, pork, and banana leaves. This is one of  Tet's icons.

On the last day of the previous year, people pour out into the market to buy foods to make the offering on the first days of the Lunar New Year to welcome the spirits of ancestors who join the family's reunification. Tet is also a chance for clothing new dresses to go to churches for Catholic, Protestant, or Christain, pagodas for Buddhists. Children will receive lucky money from their parents, old people.

Photo Courtesy of Tuoi Tre Online