What is Tet? Celebrations, Food & Traditions

Tet is the native name for the Vietnamese New Year. This occasion falls on the first day of the lunar calendar; the Chinese and Koreans also use this calendar. The Vietnamese welcome in the New Year by simultaneously lighting up firecrackers at midnight time. This practice, however, is recently banned in Vietnam due to the dangers associated with it. Celebrations for Tet generally last for two weeks, with the first three days being the most important. There are many traditions and customs associated with Vietnamese Tet festival. This Q&A answers the essential question of what is Tet and offers some insights into Tet celebrations, food, and traditions.

1. What is Tet?
A: Tet, or the Lunar New Year, is the most important occasion in the Vietnamese culture. The significance of Tet comes from the fact that age (in Eastern culture) is determined by the first day of the year rather by birth date. In effect, all Vietnamese turn one year older on Tet making this the birthday of the entire population. People celebrate this event by dressing up their homes, offering to one another happy greetings, and giving away lucky packets or red envelopes.

2. When is Tet?
A: On the Gregorian calendar, Tet falls on February 2 (2011), January 23 (2012), February 10 (2013), January 31 (2014), and February 19 (2015).

3. How is Tet celebrated?
A: In the days leading to Tet, the Vietnamese decorate their homes with festive plants such as ochna integerrima, peach blossoms, kumquat bonsai, and chrysanthemum as well as symbolic fruits like papaya and mangos. On the first three days of the Vietnamese New Year, traditions dictate that people (dressed in nice clothes) visit friends and relatives to offer auspicious wishes. Young people are given red envelopes (stuffed with a small amount of cash) by their elders.

4. What are some Tet food and sweets?
A: Food is an important part of Tet celebration. The Vietnamese consume a special cake called Bang Trung (made with glutinous rice, mung bean, and fatty pork) for the Lunar New Year. Other festive delicacies include roasted watermelon seeds and sweet dried fruits.