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Tet Festival in Vietnam: A Celebration of Tradition and Renewal

Tet Festival in Vietnam, also known as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in the country. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, it marks the transition from the old year to the new one according to the lunar calendar. Falling between late January and mid-February, the exact date of Tet varies annually but is typically determined by the appearance of the first new moon of the year. In the year 2025, Tet Festival will start from from Jan. 25 to Feb. 2, 2025.

Tet is not just a holiday; it is a time for Vietnamese people to honor their ancestors, reunite with family, and welcome a fresh start. The preparations for Tet Festival in Vietnam begin weeks in advance, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation across the country. Markets bustle with activity as families stock up on food, flowers, and decorations. Streets are adorned with vibrant red and gold ornaments symbolizing prosperity and good luck.

The festival revolves around various customs and traditions that reflect the Vietnamese people’s respect for their heritage. Cleaning and decorating homes is an essential part of Tet preparations, as it is believed to sweep away bad luck and invite good fortune for the coming year. Families often display hoa mai (yellow apricot blossoms) in the south or hoa dao (pink peach blossoms) in the north, alongside kumquat trees laden with fruit, which symbolize abundance and happiness.

One of the most cherished traditions during Tet is the preparation and consumption of special dishes. Foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake) are staples, symbolizing the earth and the sky, respectively. These delicacies are made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. Vegetarian variations are also common, especially for those following religious or dietary practices. Other traditional foods include thịt kho tàu (braised pork with eggs) and pickled vegetables, which add to the festive spirit.

Tet Festival in Vietnam is not only a time for feasting but also for spiritual reflection. Families set up ancestral altars adorned with offerings such as fruits, tea, and incense to pay homage to their forebears. Visiting the graves of deceased loved ones to clean and decorate them is another meaningful tradition observed during this period.

The holiday is also marked by lively activities and cultural performances. Lion dances, firecrackers, and traditional music bring an air of festivity to the streets. Children eagerly look forward to receiving lì xì (red envelopes containing money) from elders, a gesture that symbolizes blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

As the biggest festival in Vietnam, Tet holds immense cultural and emotional significance. It is a time for people to pause from their busy lives, reconnect with their roots, and look forward to new beginnings with optimism and hope. The celebration encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese culture, blending joy, gratitude, and spirituality into a unique and unforgettable experience.

Whether through its culinary traditions, ancestral worship, or vibrant celebrations, Tet Festival in Vietnam showcases the rich heritage and enduring values of its people. For both locals and visitors, it is a magical time to witness the unity and spirit of a nation welcoming the new year with open arms.

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