Lunar New Year in Vietnam: A Celebration of Traditions, Family, and New Beginnings

Regarding holidays in Vietnam, nothing comes close to the grandeur and cultural importance of the Lunar New Year, or Tết. It’s more than just a public holiday—it’s the heart of Vietnamese culture, a time of renewal, reunion, and respect for traditions. The streets bloom with colour, markets buzz with excitement, and homes overflow with festive cheer. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, celebrating the Lunar New Year in Vietnam is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

In this article, Saigon Scene will walk you through everything you need to know about Vietnam’s most significant holiday, from its origins and customs to must-see activities and delicious foods. Let’s get into the festive spirit!

What is the Lunar New Year in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tết, is the most significant celebration in Vietnamese culture. The term “Tết Nguyên Đán” translates to “Feast of the First Morning of the First Day,” marking the commencement of the lunar calendar year. Unlike the Gregorian New Year observed on January 1st, Tết typically falls between late January and mid-February, aligning with the lunar calendar’s cycles.

Tết is a time when Vietnamese people honour their ancestors, reunite with family, and embrace the opportunity for a fresh start filled with hopes for luck, health, and prosperity. The festival signifies the arrival of spring and is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, symbolising renewal and the cyclical nature of life. 

The origins of Tết are believed to date back thousands of years, with influences from Chinese culture during historical interaction. However, over time, Vietnam has developed its unique customs and traditions associated with the Lunar New Year, reflecting its distinct cultural identity. 

Celebrating Tết involves various customs, including cleaning homes to rid them of bad luck, preparing special foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake), and participating in community festivities. It’s a period when the old year is left behind, and new opportunities are embraced with optimism and joy.

In essence, Tết is not merely a holiday but a profound cultural event that encapsulates the values of respect, unity, and renewal, serving as a cornerstone of Vietnamese heritage and societal bonds.

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When is the Lunar New Year Celebrated in Vietnam?

The exact date of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam changes yearly as it follows the lunar calendar. It typically begins on the first day of the first lunar month and lasts 7 days, with preparations often starting weeks in advance.

For example:

• In 2024, Lunar New Year’s Eve will be on February 9, and Tết will officially begin on February 10, marking the Year of the Dragon.
• In 2025, Lunar New Year’s Eve will be on January 28, and Tết will officially begin on February 29, marking the Year of the Snake.

Preparations for the Lunar New Year in Vietnam

Cleaning the House (Dọn Nhà)

In the days leading up to Tết, families thoroughly clean their homes, a practice known as dọn nhà. This tradition symbolises the removal of any misfortune or bad luck from the previous year, making way for new blessings and prosperity. It’s a collective effort, with all family members participating to ensure the house is spotless. Beyond physical cleanliness, this ritual also reflects a spiritual cleansing, preparing the household for the ancestral spirits believed to return during Tết.

Shopping at Tết Markets

Tết markets, or chợ Tết, are vibrant hubs of activity where families purchase essentials for the holiday. These markets are adorned with colourful flowers, festive decorations, and various traditional foods. Key items commonly sought after include:

• Peach Blossoms (Hoa Đào): Predominantly in the northern regions, peach blossoms symbolise renewal and peace. Their delicate pink flowers are believed to bring good fortune for the upcoming year.
• Apricot Blossoms (Hoa Mai): Apricot blossoms are favoured in southern Vietnam. Their bright yellow petals represent wealth and prosperity.
• Kumquat Trees (Cây Quất): These small trees, laden with orange fruits, are popular decorations during Tết. The abundance of fruit signifies fertility and the hope for a bountiful year ahead.
• Red and Gold Decorations: Stalls are filled with red and gold ornaments, traditionally associated with luck and happiness. Items such as câu đối đỏ (red parallel sentences) and pháo giấy (paper firecrackers) are commonly purchased to adorn homes.

Additionally, families shop for new clothing, gifts, and unique ingredients to prepare traditional Tết dishes. The bustling atmosphere of the markets, combined with the cheerful interactions among shoppers, encapsulates the communal spirit of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam.

Traditional Foods of Vietnam’s Lunar New Year

Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time when families come together to celebrate with an array of traditional dishes, each imbued with cultural significance and symbolism. These culinary delights satisfy the palate and convey wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness in the coming year.

Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét

Central to Tết celebrations are Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét, traditional sticky rice cakes that hold deep cultural meaning.

• Bánh Chưng: Predominantly enjoyed in Northern Vietnam, this square-shaped cake is made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, all wrapped meticulously in lá dong (phrynium leaves). The square symbolises the Earth, reflecting the Vietnamese belief in the harmony between heaven and earth. Making Bánh Chưng is often a family affair, with members gathering to prepare and cook the cakes together, reinforcing familial bonds. 
• Bánh Tét: In Southern and Central Vietnam, Bánh Tét is more prevalent. This cylindrical cake shares similar ingredients with Bánh Chưng but is wrapped in banana leaves and shaped into a log. The cylindrical form is said to represent the sky. Both cakes are integral to ancestral worship during Tết, symbolising gratitude and the hope for a prosperous new year.

Thịt Kho Tàu (Caramelised Pork and Eggs)

A staple in Southern Vietnamese households during Tết, Thịt Kho Tàu consists of succulent pork belly and boiled eggs slowly braised in coconut juice and fish sauce. The dish’s rich, savoury flavour is complemented by a subtle sweetness, making it a comforting addition to the festive meal. The abundance of meat and eggs symbolises wealth and fertility, embodying wishes for prosperity in the new year.

Xôi Gấc (Red Sticky Rice)

Xôi Gấc is a vibrant red sticky rice dish made with gấc fruit, which imparts its natural red-orange hue to the rice. In Vietnamese culture, red is associated with luck and happiness, making this dish particularly auspicious for Tết celebrations. Often enjoyed alongside boiled chicken or giò lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), Xôi Gấc embodies the hope for a joyful and prosperous year ahead.

Dưa Hành (Pickled Onions) and Củ Kiệu (Pickled Scallion Heads)

To balance the richness of Tết dishes, pickled vegetables like Dưa Hành and Củ Kiệu are served.

• Dưa Hành: Pickled onions that add a tangy crunch, aiding digestion and enhancing the flavours of accompanying dishes.
• Củ Kiệu: Pickled scallion heads, particularly popular in Southern Vietnam, are often enjoyed with Bánh Tét or as part of a festive meat platter.

These pickles are palate cleansers and symbolize preserving harmony and continuing family traditions.

Mứt Tết (Candied Fruits and Seeds)

A Tết celebration would be incomplete without Mứt Tết, an assortment of candied fruits and seeds offered to guests as snacks. Common varieties include candied coconut, ginger, kumquat, and lotus seeds. The sweetness of these treats represents the hope for a sweet and pleasant life in the coming year. Serving Mứt Tết also reflects the Vietnamese value of hospitality, as sharing these delicacies fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Nem Rán/Chả Giò (Spring Rolls)

Nem Rán (in the North) or Chả Giò (in the South) are crispy fried spring rolls filled with ground pork, mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables. These savoury rolls are a favourite during Tết, symbolising wealth due to their golden appearance. They are often served with nước chấm, a tangy dipping sauce that enhances their flavour.

Canh Khổ Qua (Bitter Melon Soup)

Canh Khổ Qua, or bitter melon soup stuffed with minced pork, is a traditional dish during Tết. Despite its bitterness, it is believed to symbolise the removal of the past year’s hardships, with the bitterness representing challenges that are overcome, making way for sweetness in the new year.

Giò Lụa (Vietnamese Pork Sausage)

Giò Lụa, also known as Vietnamese pork sausage, is a typical dish during Tết. Made from finely ground pork wrapped in banana leaves and boiled, it has a smooth texture and mild flavour. Its presence in the Tết meal signifies completeness and satisfaction, as its round shape is associated with the concept of fulfilment.

These traditional dishes provide a feast for the senses and carry cultural values and familial bonds, making Tết a significant and cherished celebration in Vietnam.

Traditions and Customs During Lunar New Year in Vietnam

Ancestor Worship

A cornerstone of Tết celebrations is ancestor worship. Families meticulously clean and decorate ancestral altars, offering food, tea, and incense to invite departed loved ones to join the festivities and bless the household. This practice underscores Vietnamese people’s deep respect for their lineage and the continuity between past and present generations. 

Giving and Receiving Lì Xì (Lucky Money)

The exchange of lì xì, red envelopes containing money, is a cherished Tết tradition. Elders present these envelopes to children and unmarried adults, symbolising the sharing of blessings and wishes for prosperity, health, and success in the coming year. The amount of money is less significant than the act itself, which fosters bonds across generations. 

Xông Đất (First Visitor of the Year)

The belief in xông đất holds that the first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day influences the family’s fortune for the entire year. Consequently, families often invite someone with positive traits—success, happiness, or good health—to be their first visitor, ensuring auspicious beginnings. Sometimes, homeowners may leave and re-enter their homes to control this pivotal moment. 

Celebrating Tết Across Vietnam: Regional Differences

Tết in Northern Vietnam

In the North, Tết is steeped in traditional customs passed down through generations. Homes are adorned with peach blossoms (hoa đào), symbolising renewal and vitality. The five-fruit tray (mâm ngũ quả), an essential offering, typically includes bananas, oranges, kumquats, pomelos, and persimmons, each carrying its symbolic meaning. Culinary traditions feature Bánh Chưng, a square-shaped sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork, representing the Earth. Additionally, dishes like Xôi Gấc (red sticky rice) are prepared, with the red colour symbolising luck and happiness. 

Tết in Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam celebrates Tết with a more relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Homes are decorated with apricot blossoms (hoa mai), which are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. The five-fruit tray in the South often includes custard-apple (mãng cầu), coconut (dừa), papaya (đu đủ), and mango (xoài), chosen for their names’ phonetic resemblance to the phrase “cầu vừa đủ xài,” meaning “pray for enough to use.” Traditional foods include Bánh Tét, a cylindrical sticky rice cake similar to Bánh Chưng but shaped differently, and Thịt Kho Hột Vịt, a savoury dish of caramelised pork and eggs simmered in coconut juice, symbolising family unity and prosperity. 

Festivities and Must-See Activities During Tết

Fireworks Displays

As the clock strikes midnight to usher in the Lunar New Year, major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City illuminate the skies with spectacular fireworks. These displays symbolise the dispersion of evil spirits and the welcoming of a prosperous new year. In Ho Chi Minh City, popular viewing spots include Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the area around Landmark 81. The fireworks typically last about 15 minutes, creating a mesmerising spectacle that draws both locals and tourists. 

Visiting Pagodas and Temples

During Tết, it’s customary for Vietnamese families to visit pagodas and temples to pray for good luck, health, and prosperity in the coming year. These sacred sites are often adorned with flowers and traditional decorations, creating a serene and festive atmosphere. Visitors light incense and make offerings, seeking blessings for themselves and their loved ones. In Ho Chi Minh City, notable temples such as the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda became bustling centres of spiritual activity during this period. 

Lion and Dragon Dances

The energetic lion and dragon dances are integral to Tết celebrations, believed to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits. Performed by skilled dancers in elaborate costumes, these dances are accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums, cymbals, and gongs. You can catch these vibrant performances in various locations, including temples, public squares, and private residences. In Ho Chi Minh City, districts like Cholon (District 5) are renowned for hosting lively lion and dragon dance performances during the Lunar New Year festivities. 

Traditional Music and Dance Performances

Throughout the Tết holiday, cultural centres and local communities organise traditional music and dance performances. These events showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, featuring instruments like the đàn bầu (monochord) and dances such as the múa nón (conical hat dance). Attending these performances offers a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese art forms and the stories they tell. In Ho Chi Minh City, venues like the Opera House and cultural parks often host special Tết performances that are open to the public. 

Tết Markets and Flower Festivals

In the days leading up to Tết, vibrant markets and flower festivals pop up across the country. These markets are brimming with festive goods, from traditional foods and decorations to an array of flowers like peach blossoms and kumquat trees, essential for Tết. Strolling through these markets, you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, sample holiday treats, and purchase souvenirs. In Ho Chi Minh City, the annual flower street on Nguyen Hue is a must-visit, showcasing elaborate floral displays attracting thousands of visitors annually. 

Family Gatherings and Feasts

Tết is fundamentally about family. Vietnamese families come together to honour their ancestors and share sumptuous meals during this time. Traditional dishes like Bánh Chưng, Bánh Tét, and Thịt Kho Trứng are prepared and enjoyed. These gatherings strengthen familial bonds and are filled with laughter, stories, and the sharing of hopes for the new year. It’s when even distant family members journey home to be with their loved ones.

Experiencing these festivities during Tết provides a profound insight into Vietnamese culture and the importance placed on family, tradition, and community. Whether you’re participating in lively public celebrations or intimate family rituals, the Lunar New Year in Vietnam is a time of joy, reflection, and hope for the future.

Taboos and Superstitions to Know as a Visitor

Celebrating Tết in Vietnam is a vibrant and joyous occasion. Still, you must know certain customs and taboos to ensure you don’t inadvertently bring bad vibes to the festivities. Here are some key superstitions to keep in mind:

• Avoid Sweeping or Taking Out the Trash: During the first three days of Tết, refrain from sweeping the house or taking out the trash, as it’s believed this action can sweep away good luck and prosperity.
• Mind Your Attire: Steer clear of wearing black or white clothing during Tết, as these colours are associated with funerals and mourning. Instead, opt for bright red or gold, symbolising luck and happiness.
• Be Cautious with Gifting: When presenting gifts, avoid items like knives or scissors, as they symbolise cutting off relationships. Additionally, giving handkerchiefs, certain fruits like pears, or items in sets of four can be seen as bringing bad luck due to cultural associations with these objects.
• Limit Negative Talk and Actions: Maintain a positive demeanour during the celebrations. Avoid arguments, negative language, or any actions that could be perceived as bringing bad luck. This positive behaviour is believed to set the tone for the coming year.
• Avoid Borrowing or Lending Money: Engaging in financial transactions such as borrowing or lending money during Tết is considered unlucky, as it may lead to debt or financial issues throughout the year.
• Refrain from Breaking Objects: Be mindful not to break dishes or other items during Tết, as this is thought to bring bad luck and symbolise the fracturing of family unity.

Why Tết is More Than Just a Holiday

Tết is the soul of Vietnamese culture, representing hope, family, and traditions passed down through generations. It’s not just about the parties, food, or fireworks; it’s about resetting spiritually, connecting with loved ones, and welcoming a new chapter with open hearts and minds.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Vietnam

Whether you’re Vietnamese or a curious traveller, the Lunar New Year in Vietnam is a magical experience. From the buzz of Tết markets to the warmth of family gatherings and the glow of midnight fireworks, every moment of Tết is filled with meaning and joy.

So, if you’re ever in Vietnam during Tết, embrace the traditions, savour the food, and let the festive energy of the new year sweep you off your feet. After all, there’s no better way to start fresh than with the spirit of Tết. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! (Happy New Year!) 🎉