Vietnamese Lunar New Year: A Journey of Preserved Memories and Fresh Experiences At Furama Villas Danang

As the golden apricot blossoms begin to bloom and the vibrant beat of lion dance drums echoes through the streets, the spirit of Tết returns with indescribable excitement. More than just a time for family reunions, the Lunar New Year is a journey of preserving and continuing the timeless cultural values of the nation. Amid the rhythm of modern life, each traditional custom is still cherished as a bridge between the past and the present – from the shared family feast and green bánh chưng to the radiant apricot and peach blossoms. It is a moment for everyone to reconnect with their roots, to embrace the beauty of tradition, and to begin a new year filled with joy and fulfillment.

Sacred Tết Traditions Closely Tied to Vietnamese Life

1. Farewell to the Old, Welcome the New

On the threshold of the New Year, in the bustling atmosphere of Tết, Vietnamese families busily clean, sweep, tidy up their homes, and prepare new clothes. Every act of dusting and scrubbing is more than just household chores – it symbolizes the cleansing of misfortunes and worries from the past year. Carefully chosen new clothes in bright colors represent a fresh and joyful beginning. These customs embody the spirit of the ‘Tống Cựu Nghinh Tân’ ritual – bidding farewell to the old and joyfully welcoming the new, while conveying heartfelt wishes for peace, prosperity, and good fortune in the year ahead.

2. Worshiping the Land Genie and the Kitchen Gods

 On the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, Vietnamese people hold a ritual to bid farewell to the Land Genie and Kitchen Gods as they ride carp to Heaven to report to the Jade Emperor. On New Year’s Eve, families welcome them back, praying for blessings and harmony in the new year.

3. Making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét

These two traditional cakes are indispensable on the New Year’s feast table. Square-shaped bánh chưng represents the Earth, while cylindrical bánh tét symbolizes the Sky. Both remind younger generations of their roots and carry wishes for abundance and prosperity.

4. Flower Arrangements and the Five-Fruit Tray

The Tet Five-Fruit Tray is a long-standing cultural tradition, yet each region of Vietnam has its own way of arranging and selecting fruits that reflect distinctive local characteristics.

Northern Vietnam: The five-fruit tray often follows the concept of the five elements. Green bananas form the base, with pomelo or Buddha’s hand fruit placed in the center, surrounded by oranges, tangerines, persimmons, apples, and more. This combination symbolizes abundance, good fortune, and family reunion.

Central Vietnam: Less bound by strict rules, the five-fruit tray here focuses on harmony and diversity. Families typically choose dragon fruit, pineapple, mango, grapes, and oranges to express sincerity while bringing vibrant colors to Tet celebrations.

Southern Vietnam: The five-fruit tray is closely tied to a playful word combination: “Cầu – Sung – Dừa – Đủ – Xoài,” which sounds like a wish for happiness and prosperity. It embodies the hope for a new year of abundance, wealth, and warmth.

Despite regional differences in arrangement, the Tet five-fruit tray carries the same message across the country: heartfelt wishes for peace, good luck, and blessings for the family in the year ahead.

Peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, kumquat trees, and the symbolic five-fruit tray of “Cầu – Sung – Dừa – Đủ – Xoài” all represent luck, wealth, and prosperity. They are also the way Vietnamese people send New Year wishes to their families and loved ones.

5. New Year’s Eve Offering, First Visitor of the Year & Lucky Money

The transition from the old year to the new is considered a sacred time. It is believed that performing the offering at the exact moment of New Year’s Eve brings fortune for the family. On the first day of the year, the first visitor (xông đất) is thought to determine the household’s luck for the year. Red envelopes filled with lucky money, along with warm wishes, bring endless joy to children and strengthen family bonds.

Tết – The Soul of Vietnamese Culture

Through countless generations, these customs have shaped the unique identity of Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year. Tết is more than just a holiday – it is memory, pride, and a heartfelt longing to return home, to share a family meal, to gather around apricot blossoms and bánh chưng, and to feel the warmth of loved ones’ smiles.

Tết Nguyên Đán is truly a journey of preserving cherished memories while embracing hopeful new beginnings.

Find out more on the official Furama Villas Danang website.
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