The atmosphere on these days is ver

The atmosphere on these days is very animated and joyful with the streets and markets are full of people, shops are brimful with products and all of people are eager to welcome Tet holiday. Especially, in 23rd day of twelfth month by Lunar calendar, Vietnamese people usually celebrate the traditional ceremony to see Kitchen God to return to heaven. On this occasion, people show their good desires and faith that are recommended to the image of Kitchen God, who is trusted that will bring their wishes to the God. “Tất niên” is also an integral ceremony in the week before Tet. It is celebrated to see off the old year with bad luck and illness then welcome the happy and lucky new year. Tet is a time for family members who live apart try to be together. Despite of their business, people get their time with their own family for preparing and celebrating Tet together. Moreover, Tet is the occasion for descendants to commemorate ancestors that expresses the elevated traditional culture passed from through Vietnamese generations.

The first day of Tet is the most important day and it is reserved for family. Children receive “lucky money” from their parents, grandparents or the elders. “Lucky money” is a sum of money that are wrapped by an red envelope. People believe that it could protect children from elves and also bring to them good fortune, healthy in new year. Usually, children wear new clothes and give the elders the best greetings before giving the “lucky money”. After having the breakfast in the first day of the year, people visit pagodas or temples to pray wishes for them or their own family, then they do cleaning and decorating the ancestral graves. This action, which is called “tảo mộ” is also one of the most important customs of Vietnamese people doing in Tet holiday.

Taking about food in Tet holiday, we cannot but mention to “bánh trưng” and “bánh dầy” in the northern part in Vietnam and “bánh tét” in the southern part. Traditionally, those are the kind of cake made of sticky rice, green peas and pork, all of which are wrapped by banana leaves or Dong leaves. Besides, there are so many kind of traditional food such as “mứt”- which means dried candied fruits, as well “hạt dưa” – roasted watermelon seeds and so on.

Vietnamese people usually decorate luxuriously their house at Tet, they believe that brings them more happiness and money in new year. Cherry blossom flower or apricot flower are liked to be decorated in house because its flowers symbolize the prosperity and healthy that the family hopes for in the coming year.

To everyone of Vietnam, Tet is a sacred and meaningful occasion in their heart and mind. It is not only the chance for Vietnamese to direct toward original point and express deference to their ancestors, but also this is a opportunity for family members to come back together after a year full of exhausting and strenuous business. Tet is coming closely. It is right in front of your house, just open window and enjoy the best things Tet bringing to you. By the way, happy new year!!!