1. When is the Lunar New Year celebrated in Vietnam?
Tết Nguyên Đán typically falls between late January and mid-February, following the lunar calendar. It marks the beginning of spring and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and paying respects to ancestors.
2. What do Vietnamese people often do to prepare for Tết?
Preparation for Tết usually begins well in advance. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away any bad luck from the old year and make room for good fortune. Families buy new clothes, decorate their homes with flowers like peach blossoms and kumquat trees, and stock up on special foods for the holiday feasts.
3. What do people usually do on the Lunar New Year?
On Tết, families gather together to honor their ancestors through rituals like offering incense and food at family altars. They also visit temples and pagodas to pray for good fortune in the upcoming year. Tết is a time for feasting on traditional dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), bánh dày (round glutinous rice cake), and various meats and fruits.
4. What do children often receive at Tết?
Children eagerly anticipate Tết because it's a time when they receive "lì xì" or lucky money in red envelopes called "bao lì xì" from their elders. The amount of money varies, but it's meant to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.
5. What activities shouldn't people do on the Lunar New Year?
There are several superstitions and taboos associated with Tết. For example, people avoid sweeping or cleaning on the first day of the new year, as it's believed to sweep away good fortune. Additionally, breaking dishes or arguing is discouraged, as it may bring bad luck for the rest of the year. It's also customary not to borrow or lend money during Tết to avoid financial difficulties in the new year.