When is Vietnamese New Year?
The Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tết, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, festive activities, and the honoring of ancestors. Tết is not only a cultural celebration but also a time to express gratitude and hope for a prosperous year ahead. In this article, we will explore the date of Vietnamese New Year and its rich traditions.
The Vietnamese New Year typically falls on the first day of the first lunar month in the Gregorian calendar. It usually occurs between January 21st and February 20th each year. The exact date is determined by the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. This means that the date of Tết can vary slightly from year to year.
The celebration of Tết begins with the Reunion Dinner, also known as the “Gala Dinner,” which takes place on the evening of the 30th day of the last lunar month. Families gather to share a sumptuous feast, symbolizing the unity and prosperity of the family. The dinner often includes traditional dishes such as spring rolls, dumplings, and sticky rice, which are believed to bring good luck and fortune.
On the first day of Tết, people wake up early to clean their homes and decorate them with red and gold, which are considered auspicious colors. The house is then sprinkled with water, a symbol of purity and renewal. It is also customary to hang red lanterns, paper cuttings, and other decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
The morning of Tết is dedicated to paying respects to ancestors. Families visit their ancestral tombs, clean them, and offer food, incense, and other offerings. This tradition is believed to honor the spirits of the ancestors and to seek their blessings for the coming year.
Throughout the festival, people engage in various activities to bring good luck and fortune. These include playing traditional games, giving red envelopes containing money (lucky money) to children, and wearing new clothes. It is also customary to visit friends and relatives, offering wishes of happiness and prosperity.
Tết is a time of joy and celebration, but it also holds deep cultural significance. It is a time to reflect on the past year, to appreciate the present, and to look forward to the future. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Vietnamese New Year, or Tết, is celebrated on the first day of the first lunar month, typically between January 21st and February 20th each year. It is a time for family reunions, festive activities, and the honoring of ancestors. Tết is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
