Today, I’m excited to talk to you about my favorite holiday, which is Lunar New Year, also known as Tết in Vietnam. Let’s go through the details in five parts: introduction, origin, meaning, customs, and traditional dishes.
- Introduction
Lunar New Year is the biggest traditional festival of the year for the Vietnamese people. It is also an opportunity to return to the roots, reflecting the spiritual and emotional values that have become deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. Lunar New Year is known by many names in Vietnam, such as Tết, Tết Ta, Tết Nguyên Đán, and Tết Âm Lịch. Each of these names highlights different aspects of the holiday, but they all refer to the same important celebration marking the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar. - Origin
Tết, or Lunar New Year, originated over 1,000 years ago, influenced by ancient Chinese traditions and Vietnamese agricultural practices. It marks the beginning of spring according to the lunar calendar. Over time, Tết has become a unique cultural tradition for the Vietnamese people, blending ancient customs with local practices. - The Meaning of Tết
An occasion for everyone to rest after a hard year: Tết offers a break from the stresses of work and daily life, allowing people to relax, recharge, and prepare for a fresh start in the new year.
An occasion for reunion and gathering: Tết is a time when families come together, often traveling long distances to reunite and celebrate with loved ones, strengthening family bonds.
An occasion for prayer for peace, prosperity, and fortune: During Tết, people pray for a peaceful, prosperous year ahead, hoping for good health, happiness, and success. It is a time to seek blessings for themselves and their families. - The Customs of Tết
Wrap Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét: Making and wrapping these traditional rice cakes is a key custom during Tết. Bánh Chưng (square cake) is typically made in the North, while Bánh Tét (round cake) is made in the South.
Grave Sweeping: Before Tết, many families perform a ritual called "Tảo mộ," where they visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. This practice is done to show respect and honor the deceased, ensuring their spirits are at peace.
Year-End Offering Ceremony: On the 30th of the lunar calendar, families conduct a ceremony to offer food and incense to their ancestors, thanking them for the past year and seeking blessings for the year ahead.
New Year Greetings and Receiving Lucky Money: On the first day of Tết, people exchange well wishes like "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year) to friends and family. Children, in particular, receive lì xì (lucky money) from adults, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the new year. - Traditional Dishes
Bánh Chưng (from the North) and Bánh Tét (from the South) are essential traditional cakes made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. These cakes symbolize the Earth (Bánh Chưng) and the Sky (Bánh Tét).
Pickled onions (popular in the North) and pickled scallions (common in the South) are served as side dishes to balance the rich flavors of Tết meals, especially when paired with Bánh Chưng or Bánh Tét.
Thịt Kho Hột Vịt features pork belly braised with coconut water and boiled eggs. This dish combines savory, sweet, and rich flavors, with the tender pork absorbing the sweetness from the coconut water, while the eggs add extra texture and depth. It's a beloved and comforting meal, often served with rice, and is an essential part of the Tết celebration in the South.
Giò Lụa (pork sausage), Giò Bò (beef sausage), and Chả Quế (cinnamon-flavored sausage) are commonly served during Tết. These sausages are made from finely ground meat, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or fried.
For me, I feel so happy when Tết comes because it's not just a celebration. It's a time to look back, express gratitude for the good things, and plan for a happy new year.
Thanks for watching!