The Lunar New Year, or Tết, is one of the most important traditional celebrations in Vietnam. Many families pass down customs regarding what should and shouldn’t be done during this time to bring luck and happiness for the coming year.
Here are some of the most common practices.
Dos
- Buy Salt:
- An old saying goes, “Start the year by buying salt, and end the year by buying lime.” Salt is believed to ward off evil spirits and promote harmony in relationships.
- Visit Pagodas:
- On the first day of the new year, many people visit pagodas to pray for peace, health, and prosperity for themselves, their families, and the world. Some even visit multiple pagodas in one day to enhance their blessings.
- Pick a Lucky Branch (Hái Lộc):
- Picking a small branch from a tree at a pagoda or receiving lucky money (lì xì) symbolizes blessings and encouragement to strive for success through honest efforts rather than relying on luck or divine intervention.
- Wish Others a Happy New Year:
- Visiting family and friends to exchange warm wishes is a cherished custom that fosters goodwill and strengthens bonds.
- Wear Bright Colors:
- Colors like red or pink symbolize joy, luck, and celebration, making them popular choices for New Year outfits.
Don’ts
Avoid Mourning Activities: Families in mourning traditionally do not visit others or participate in New Year celebrations to avoid dampening the festive atmosphere.
Refrain from Wearing Black or White: These colors are associated with mourning and are considered inauspicious for the festive season.
Do Not Sweep the House or Take Out Trash: Sweeping or throwing out trash during the first three days of the new year is thought to sweep away good luck and fortune. Most families clean thoroughly before New Year’s Eve to avoid the need for cleaning during Tết.
Be Careful with Breakables: Breaking items like bowls, plates, or glasses is seen as a bad omen, symbolizing broken relationships or misfortune in the coming year.
Avoid Loud Arguments: Maintaining a cheerful and harmonious atmosphere is essential during the New Year to ensure a peaceful and joyful year ahead.
Avoid Certain Foods: Some foods, such as dog meat, duck, bananas, or fertilized duck eggs, are avoided due to their associations with bad luck. For instance:
- Bananas: In Southern Vietnam, the word for bananas sounds like “falling” or “failing.”
- Fertilized Duck Eggs: Avoided in the North, though considered a dish for dispelling bad luck in the South.
Avoid Traveling on the 5th Day of the Lunar Month:
- The 5th day is believed to be an unlucky day for starting new ventures or journeys.
Children Should Be Home Before Midnight: It’s customary for children to return home before midnight to avoid being the first to enter someone else’s home, which could bring bad luck.
A Note from Experts
Many of these practices stem from folklore and are not rooted in science or religion. For example, in Buddhist teachings, there is no emphasis on avoiding sweeping or cleaning during Tết. Maintaining cleanliness and organization is seen as essential for a healthy and beautiful living environment, even during the New Year.
While these customs carry cultural significance, they are meant to inspire positive habits and preserve traditions rather than enforce strict rules.
