Discover the Date of Vietnamese New Year - Celebrate Tet with Joy
Are you curious to know when the Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan, takes place? As a traditional and significant holiday in Vietnamese culture, it's worth discovering the date and customs associated with the celebration.
Firstly, let's get the dates locked in your calendars! Generally, Vietnamese New Year occurs on the same day as Chinese New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar. This year, Tet falls on February 12th.
Not only is Tet a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in delicious food, but it's also a time to honor ancestors and pay special attention to spiritual beliefs. Vietnamese families typically spend weeks preparing for the holiday, from cooking traditional dishes like Banh Chung to cleaning their homes and decorating with red and gold ornaments.
In addition to these preparations, many Vietnamese individuals also believe in doing things to ensure good luck for the coming year. This can mean everything from visiting temples and burning incense to purchasing and wearing new clothes for the first day of the year.
One of the most famous features of Tet is the giving of red envelopes, or li xi. These envelopes are filled with lucky money and given to children, unmarried adults, and older relatives. It's a fun and meaningful way to encourage generosity, kindness, and gratitude among family members.
Another fascinating aspect of Vietnamese New Year is the zodiac system. The lunar calendar assigns each year an animal, with twelve total in the cycle. 2021 is the year of the Ox, which symbolizes hard work, diligence, and dependability. Those born in the year of the Ox are believed to possess these traits and often display them in their personalities and choices.
As with any cultural celebration, there are countless traditions and practices associated with Tet that extend beyond the few mentioned above. However, no matter how one chooses to observe Vietnamese New Year, it's a time of joy, reflection, and connection.
In conclusion, if you're looking to experience a unique and meaningful holiday, mark your calendar for February 12th and celebrate Tet Nguyen Dan with friends and family. Whether it's through traditional dishes, zodiac predictions, or red envelopes, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of year.
"When Is Vietnamese New Year" ~ bbaz
The Festive Season of Vietnamese New Year
Vietnamese New Year, popularly known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is a highly significant celebration that marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It is a time when families come together to celebrate and honor their ancestors by performing traditional rituals such as offering food, incense sticks, and burning effigies. The holiday lasts for around seven days, with many businesses closing during this period to allow everyone to enjoy the festivities.
When does the Vietnamese New Year Occur?
Vietnamese New Year follows the lunar calendar, meaning that it falls on different days each year. The exact date of the holiday varies, but it typically starts sometime between January 21st and February 20th according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, the Vietnamese New Year fell on February 12th, 2021.
The Legend behind the Holiday
Tet is based on the legend of the Kitchen Gods, who visit heaven every year to report back on the behavior of Vietnamese families. According to the story, the gods can travel to heaven only by means of a carp that appears in the kitchen's earthenware pot. To ensure a good report, families clean their homes thoroughly and prepare offerings of food and drink. The ceremony, known as Ông Táo, is held on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month and signals the start of Tet celebrations.
Significance of Traditional Festivities
Although there are many customs associated with Vietnamese New Year, some stand out as key elements of the celebration. One of the most familiar symbols of Tet is the peach blossom tree, which is used to decorate homes and public spaces throughout the country. Each family also prepares a tray of festive foods, including traditional rice cakes, dried fruits, and candied vegetables. The most important event of Tet is the visit to the family's ancestral altar, where offerings are made to ancestors.
Tet - a Time for Reunion
While the festivities of Tet vary in different regions of Vietnam, it is a time when families come together, and the younger generations pay respect to their elders. Children and young adults often visit neighbors and friends, and there are numerous street-side games and entertainment options available throughout the holiday. In Vietnam, it is also customary for adults to give small amounts of money or fruit to children as part of the celebrations.
New Year, New Clothes
An essential part of many Vietnamese New Year celebrations is the wearing of new clothes on the first day of the holiday. It is believed that this act will bring good luck and keep any negative energies at bay. Customarily, red and yellow colors are worn, as they symbolize happiness and prosperity, respectively.
The Sound of Fireworks
During Tet, the sound of firecrackers and fireworks fills the streets of Vietnam, signaling the beginning of the New Year. It is a tradition that dates back several centuries and represents a way to scare away evil spirits with loud noises. However, most cities have now banned firecrackers due to injury and environmental concerns.
The Ending of Tet
This period of jubilation comes to a close on the seventh day when people celebrate the birthday of all humans. The final day of Tet is marked by a colorful street procession that features lion dancers, drummers, and a host of other performers. This event, known as the Tet Parade, marks the official conclusion of the festival.
Conclusion
Vietnamese New Year is a time of joyous celebration, family gathering, and honoring of ancestral spirits. This colorful occasion is the most significant cultural event in Vietnam, and it is celebrated with eagerness by all generations. Despite its religious and historical significance , it brings together people from all walks of life and brings about unity amongst the Vietnamese Community.
When is Tet Nguyen Dan?
Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly referred to as Tet or Vietnamese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in Vietnam. This celebration marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and is usually celebrated in late January or early February each year. It is an occasion for family reunions, special foods, good luck wishes, and thanksgiving.
The Vietnamese Lunar Calendar
The Vietnamese Lunar Calendar, also known as the agricultural calendar, follows a 12-year animal cycle, each animal symbolizing different characteristics. Tet Nguyen Dan begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, which means that its date varies from year to year according to the Western calendar.
| Year | Date of Tet |
|---|---|
| 2020 | January 25th |
| 2021 | February 12th |
| 2022 | February 1st |
| 2023 | January 22nd |
The Festive Period
The festive period lasts for three days, but celebrations usually start before the date until the Lantern Festival, which is four weeks later, kicking off the Spring Festival season. This period is also known as the season of happiness and the Spring Festival. The preparations for this festive period start weeks or even months ahead of the date.
Preparation for Celebration
The Vietnamese people follow various beliefs, and they take part in many rituals and customs leading up to Tet Nguyen Dan. Many customs revolve around avoiding negative vibes and keeping a positive and peaceful environment. The preparations involve cleaning the house: From sweeping, dusting, arranging furniture to buying new clothes, home décor items, and food.
Tet Festivities
The festivities begin at midnight on the eve of Tet. Vietnamese families perform traditional rites to greet the New Year peacefully. Family and friends gather together to share large feasts with traditional foods like banh chung (sticky rice cake), mut (candied fruit), and goi cuon (spring rolls).
The Color Code
The Vietnamese New Year radiates vibrant colors, with red and yellow being popular. The Vietnamese consider these colors auspicious and believe they signify prosperity and fertility. People dress in red and adorn their homes with flowers, including peach blossoms, daisies, kumquats, and apricot blossoms. They are believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Cultural Significance
The Vietnamese New Year holds immense cultural significance in Vietnam, representing an older generation's values, beliefs, and traditions passed onto the younger ones. It symbolizes a fresh start, a time to reflect and appreciate all the previous year's successes and challenges, and make resolutions for the New Year ahead.
Difference from Chinese New Year
Many people confuse Tet with Chinese New Year since the dates of the two events are close to each other. Both festivals have similar cultural and religious roots, but there are differences in cultural practices and symbols. Vietnamese Tet focuses more on family and ancestor worship, while Chinese New Year prioritizes luck and fortune. Moreover, Tet celebrates the veneration of one's ancestors, but the Chinese New Year centers around the deity Nian.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tet Nguyen Dan is a festive period of love, peace, and family time for the Vietnamese people. It marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and it is celebrated through various cultural practices and customs meant to bring good fortunes and happiness in the New Year. It is a reminder that despite the evolution of time and beliefs, one must never forget their roots, culture, and tradition.
When Is Vietnamese New Year: A Guide to Celebrating Tết
If you’re planning on visiting or living in Vietnam, it’s important to learn about the country’s most important holiday: Tết, or Vietnamese New Year. Tết is celebrated at different times each year, as it follows the lunar calendar. In this article, we’ll provide a guide on what to expect during Tết and when it’s celebrated.What is Tết?
Tết is the most important holiday in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It’s a time for families to reunite, pay respect to their ancestors, and hope for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. In Vietnamese culture, Tết is a time to leave behind the old and welcome in the new.When is Tết?
Tết usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2021, Tết falls on February 12th. The holiday typically lasts from three to seven days, but celebrations can start weeks before and continue well after the official holiday.Preparing for Tết
In the weeks leading up to Tết, Vietnamese people clean their homes, pay off debts, and buy new clothes. The days before Tết are the busiest time of the year, as people rush to purchase food, decorations, and gifts. Common Tết decorations include flowers, such as peach blossoms and kumquat trees, and the traditional Tết banner, which features Chinese characters for good luck and prosperity.What to Expect During Tết
During Tết, families gather together to eat special foods, such as bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes), and enjoy traditional activities. These can include playing games, visiting temples, and watching lion dancers perform. The first day of Tết is reserved for visiting family, with younger members paying respects to their elders by giving them lucky money in red envelopes.What to Wear During Tết
Vietnamese people typically wear new clothes or traditional costumes during Tết. Women may opt for áo dài, a long dress, while men often wear áo gấm, a silk shirt with a mandarin collar, and khaki pants. It’s also common to wear bright colors during Tết, as they symbolize good fortune.Etiquette During Tết
If you’re spending Tết with Vietnamese locals, it’s important to be mindful of etiquette rules. Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and be sure to bring a small gift, such as fruit or flowers. When receiving lucky money, it’s polite to show gratitude and wish the giver good luck in return.Celebrating Tết Abroad
If you’re celebrating Tết outside of Vietnam, try to find local Vietnamese communities that observe the holiday. Many cities around the world host Tết festivals, featuring traditional food, cultural performances, and decorations. You can also make your own Tết decorations, such as paper lanterns, to bring a bit of Vietnam into your own home.Tips for Celebrating Tết
If you’re planning to celebrate Tết in Vietnam, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, book your travel and accommodations well in advance, as this is the busiest time of the year. Also, be prepared for closures and limited transportation options during Tết. Finally, embrace the chaos and excitement of the holiday, and immerse yourself in all the unique traditions and customs.Conclusion
Tết is an exciting and meaningful holiday for Vietnamese people, and a great opportunity to experience the country’s rich culture. By understanding the significance of the holiday and its traditions, you can fully embrace the spirit of Tết and create lasting memories with your loved ones.When Is Vietnamese New Year?
Greetings, dear readers! Welcome to this article where we will explore the fascinating culture and traditions of the Vietnamese New Year, known locally as Tet Nguyen Dan. This holiday is one of the most significant festivals in Vietnam, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by individuals and families throughout the country.
The Vietnamese New Year follows the lunar calendar, which is why it falls on a different date each year according to the Gregorian calendar. Typically, the holiday takes place between late January and mid-February, and its exact date changes every year. This variation depends on the timing of the first full moon of the year, which normally occurs on either the 20th or 21st day of January.
In 2021, the Vietnamese New Year falls on February 12th. As this is a public holiday in Vietnam, most businesses and public institutions will be closed for several days to allow people to spend time with their loved ones, visit their hometowns, and engage in traditional festive activities.
Preparations for Tet usually begin several weeks before the official holiday. People often clean and decorate their homes with colorful flowers, ornaments, and banners, and they buy new clothing and gifts for their family members and friends.
In the run-up to Tet, many people pay respects to their ancestors by burning incense and offering food, drinks, and other items at family altars. They also visit pagodas and temples to make offerings and pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Many Vietnamese families also participate in a custom called Ong Tao, which involves saying goodbye to the Kitchen Gods. According to legend, these deities watch over the home throughout the year and report back to the Jade Emperor about the household's behavior. By offering food, flowers, and incense to the Kitchen Gods, families hope to ensure positive reports and blessings for the year ahead.
On the eve of Tet, families typically gather together for a lavish feast, known as Tet Eve. This meal often features traditional dishes such as Chung Cake, a savory rice cake stuffed with pork and beans, and sticky rice with pickled onions and meat. After dinner, many people stay up late playing games, spending time with loved ones, and waiting for the countdown to midnight.
One of the most popular and exciting traditions during Tet is the Dragon Dance. This lively procession involves performers dressed in colorful dragon costumes, dancing to the beat of drums and cymbals as firecrackers light up the sky. The dragon dance is said to represent good luck, prosperity, and the driving away of evil spirits, and it is a beloved part of Tet celebrations throughout Vietnam.
Another essential element of Tet is giving or receiving li xi, red envelopes containing lucky money. These envelopes are typically given by adults to children, and they are said to bring good fortune and prosperity to the recipients.
The Vietnamese New Year is an occasion for joy, renewal, and connection, and it is celebrated with enthusiasm throughout Vietnam and by Vietnamese communities around the world. Whether you are Vietnamese or simply interested in learning more about this vibrant culture and its traditions, Tet is a fascinating and enjoyable holiday to experience.
I hope you found this article informative and interesting! If you are planning to visit Vietnam during Tet, be sure to embrace the festive atmosphere and participate in some of these traditions. And if you cannot make it to Vietnam this year, consider celebrating Tet with your Vietnamese friends or experiencing the holiday from afar through food, music, and art.
Thank you for reading, and happy Tet!
When Is Vietnamese New Year
What is Vietnamese New Year?
Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most important traditional festival in Vietnamese culture. It marks the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
When does Vietnamese New Year take place?
Vietnamese New Year typically takes place on a different date each year, as it's based on the lunar calendar. The celebration usually falls between late January and mid-February.
What are some traditions associated with Vietnamese New Year?
Some popular traditions include cleaning the house before the New Year, decorating with flowers and red banners, giving lucky money to children, and preparing special foods like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake).
How long does Vietnamese New Year last?
Vietnamese New Year celebrations usually last for several days, with the official holiday lasting for three days in Vietnam. However, the festivities can extend up to a week or more in other parts of the world with significant Vietnamese populations.
What are some other names for Vietnamese New Year?
Besides Tết Nguyên Đán, Vietnamese New Year is also sometimes referred to as Tết, Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year (although it's not strictly a Chinese holiday).