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In Vietnam, actions taken during the first days of Tet, or the Vietnam Lunar New Year are very significant and culturally rich. It is widely believed that these initial moments dictate the luck, prosperity, and overall mood for the whole year. Understanding the dos and don’ts of Tet—what is encouraged and what is strictly avoided—will help you immerse yourself in this beautiful celebration while respecting the delicate fabric of Vietnamese traditional culture.
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1. Dos During Tet to Start the Year Right
Exchanging Good Luck Wishes
At the dawn of the New Year, exchanging heartfelt wishes is a paramount practice. In Vietnam, words possess symbolic power; what is spoken during the first days is seen as a harbinger of the future. Consequently, Tet greetings are never casual; they are chosen with care, respect, and affection.
Visiting relatives, elders, teachers, and friends is a vital cultural experience. Standard greetings like "An khang thịnh vượng" (Prosperity and security) or "Vạn sự như ý" (May all your wishes come true) radiate positive energy. This is also the ultimate time for reconciliation—putting aside old grudges and starting afresh with a light heart.
Giving Red Envelopes (Li Xi)
The Li Xi tradition, or giving red envelopes containing "lucky money", is the most iconic symbol of the Lunar New Year festival. In Asian culture, red represents luck, happiness, and protection.
These envelopes are primarily gifted to children and the elderly. For children, Li Xi symbolises wishes for academic success and healthy growth. For elders, it is a gesture of gratitude and respect, wishing them longevity and peace. The value lies not in the amount of money, but in the spiritual intent of the giver.
Dressing New and Bright Clothing
Donning new clothes for Tet reflects a desire for renewal. New attire symbolises shedding the hardships of the past year and welcoming new opportunities.
Colours play a crucial role in your Tet holiday outfit:
- Red: Symbolises luck and joy.
- Yellow: Represents prosperity and wealth.
- Green: Associated with health and balance. Looking your best is a sign of self-respect and honour towards those you meet during the festivities.
Taking a New Year Calligraphy Home
Traditional calligraphy is a refined practice celebrating knowledge and wisdom. Many locals visit master calligraphers at temples to request auspicious characters. Words like "Phúc" (Happiness), "Lộc" (Wealth), or "Tâm" (Heart/Soul) are hung in homes as visual prayers, reflecting the family's deepest aspirations for the New Year.
Visiting Temples and Pagodas for Peace
Visiting sacred sites early in the year is a spiritual ritual to purify the soul. Many believe each day has a specific purpose: the first day for peace, the second for wealth, and the fourth for family harmony. The scent of incense and the sound of temple bells offer a serene atmosphere to welcome the year with a calm mind.
Buying Salt at the Start of the Year
There is a popular saying: "Buy salt at the start of the year, lime at the end." Salt is believed to ward off evil spirits and symbolise warm, close-knit relationships. Buying a full bowl of salt ensures that your fortune remains plentiful throughout the year.
2. Don'ts During Tet According to Vietnamese Folk Beliefs
Alongside traditions that invite prosperity, there are several Tet taboos to keep in mind. These are not merely superstitions but reflect a symbolic vision where every gesture influences the year’s trajectory.
Avoid Sweeping and Taking Out the Rubbish
One of the most famous Vietnamese New Year superstitions is to avoid sweeping the floor or throwing away rubbish on the first and second days of Tet. Symbolically, sweeping is seen as "brushing away" the luck and wealth that has just entered the home. Vietnamese families perform a deep clean before New Year’s Eve so the house is pristine for the arrival of the New Year.
Avoid Negative Words
During Tet, words are prophecies. People carefully avoid topics related to accidents, illness, failure, or death. Instead, the air is filled with auspicious talk, kindness, and optimism, ensuring a harmonious start for the whole community.
Avoid Breaking Objects
Breaking plates, glasses, or mirrors is considered a bad omen. In Vietnamese culture, breakage is associated with separation or the loss of a bond. To avoid potential conflict or financial loss in the coming year, people move with extra care and mindfulness during the festival.
Do Not Give Away Fire or Water
In Vietnamese symbolism, fire represents vitality and luck, while water represents wealth and the flow of life. Giving away fire (lighters) or water during the first days is akin to giving away your own good fortune. Families ensure their water tanks are full and kitchens are stocked before the clock strikes midnight.
Avoid Collecting Debts or Borrowing Money
Starting the year in debt is seen as a sign of financial struggle for the months to follow. Similarly, demanding money from others is thought to bring negative energy. Most people aim to settle all debts before Tet to begin the year with a "free mind."
Avoid Sad Conversations or Mourning
As Tet is a sacred time of rebirth, discussions of death or funerals are avoided. Those in mourning often limit their visits to others' homes as a sign of cultural sensitivity, ensuring the atmosphere remains celebratory and hopeful.
Do Not Argue or Be Irritable
Perhaps the most important taboo is to avoid arguments. If you start the year with anger, it is believed the rest of the year will be plagued by tension. Even in frustrating situations, the Vietnamese prioritise patience and harmony, choosing to smile and defer difficult conversations to a later date.
The Lunar New Year is not just a date on the calendar; it is a profound period of inner and collective renewal. By following these Tet customs and etiquette, the Vietnamese people express their yearning for a year of harmony and joy. As a traveller, understanding these nuances allows you to connect more deeply with the spiritual beauty of Vietnam.
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