Tet and Chinese new year is a significant holiday in both Vietnamese and Chinese cultures. While the two countries share similarities in celebrating the New Year, each has its unique traditions and customs.
Lunar New Year Traditions
In both Vietnam and China, the traditional Tet is celebrated according to the Lunar calendar. It is the most important holiday in these nations, symbolizing the farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one. It’s also a time for honoring ancestors and showing gratitude to parents and grandparents. The Tet holiday provides an opportunity for family reunions and exchanging good wishes for the year ahead.
However, beyond the shared meanings and rituals, each country has distinct traditions that set its Tet celebrations apart.
Names
One key difference is the name of the holiday. In Vietnam, it is called Tết Nguyên Đán, whereas in China, it is known as Chun Jie (Xuan Tiet – Spring Festival).
Duration
The duration of Tet also differs. In Vietnam, celebrations typically span from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month (the Kitchen Gods’ Day) to the 7th day of the first lunar month. In China, the Lunar New Year starts earlier and lasts longer, from the 8th day of the 12th lunar month until the 15th day of the first lunar month.
Customs
Traditional customs form the heart of Tet celebrations in both countries, with each passing generation inheriting and adapting these practices.
- In Vietnam, Tet is filled with vibrant activities rooted in ancient beliefs, aimed at bringing happiness, peace, and luck. Popular customs include sending off the Kitchen Gods on the 23rd of the 12th lunar month, making bánh chưng and bánh tét, preparing a five-fruit tray, setting up a New Year tree (cây nêu), “first footing” (xông đất), exchanging New Year wishes, burning votive paper offerings, and going on New Year outings.
- In China, families decorate their homes with red couplets, door gods, and red lanterns to invite good fortune and safety. A unique feature is hanging an upside-down “Fu” character, symbolizing the arrival of blessings (“Fu dao” – blessings arrive). Other customs include setting off fireworks, lion dances, and releasing floating lanterns.
Tet Cuisine
Tet cuisine in both countries showcases traditional dishes that symbolize good fortune for the New Year, yet they differ significantly.
- In Vietnam, Tet meals reflect the cultural diversity of the regions – North, Central, and South. Common dishes include bánh chưng, bánh tét, pickled vegetables (củ kiệu, dưa hành), frozen meat jelly (thịt đông), fried spring rolls (nem rán), pork head cheese (giò thủ), and bitter melon soup (canh khổ qua), among others. These dishes often carry deep meanings related to life and prosperity.
- In China, renowned for its vast culinary heritage, Tet menus are equally abundant and varied. Key dishes for New Year’s Eve include longevity noodles (wishing for health and long life), steamed fish (symbolizing abundance), and dumplings (representing prosperity). Unique traditional treats such as niangao (sticky rice cake), baozi (steamed buns), taro cakes, and radish cakes are common, alongside other signature dishes like Peking duck, Kung Pao chicken, tea eggs, and sweet-and-sour pork.
Although Vietnam and China share commonalities in observing Tet, their unique customs, traditions, and cuisines reflect their rich cultural identities. These differences make Tet celebrations in each country a fascinating blend of history and heritage.
