Tet, also known as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, typically lasts for three days in Vietnam. However, preparations and celebrations may begin a week or more before the official holiday and continue for several days afterwards.
Tet, also known as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a festive occasion that holds great significance in Vietnam. While it traditionally lasts for three days, the preparations and celebrations surrounding Tet extend beyond this timeframe, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere throughout the country.
The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is deeply rooted in tradition and customs that have been passed down through generations. Preparations for Tet begin well in advance, with families thoroughly cleaning their homes to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. Flowers and peach blossom branches are used to decorate houses, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity. Additionally, people often buy new clothes, visit pagodas to pray for good fortune, and make offerings to their ancestors.
The festivities officially kick off on New Year’s Eve, known as Giao Thua, with a family reunion dinner. This special meal brings all generations together to enjoy traditional dishes such as banh chung (sticky rice cake), nem (spring rolls), and mut (candied fruits). Following the dinner, families gather to light firecrackers and make loud noises to ward off evil spirits, welcoming the arrival of the new year.
Over the course of Tet, various customs and traditions are observed. One of the most prominent activities is the giving and receiving of lucky money, known as “li xi,” particularly among children and the elderly. This symbolizes blessings and good wishes for the recipients in the coming year. Moreover, people often visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings and well-wishes. It is also common to offer prayers at pagodas and temples, seeking blessings for the year ahead.
Tet is not limited to just three days; the celebrations can extend for several days afterwards. In Vietnam, it is a time for people to relax and enjoy leisurely activities. Traditional games and performances, such as lion dances, calligraphy contests, and folk music, are organized in villages and towns, adding to the festive ambiance. Furthermore, many Vietnamese take the opportunity during Tet to travel and explore different parts of the country with their loved ones.
To encapsulate the essence of Tet, I would like to quote Vietnamese American author Andrew Lam, who beautifully portrays the significance of this joyful occasion: “Tet is the time for old customs to rise up once again, the time to honor our ancestors, welcome the new year, Youth and Elders to partake fully in food preparations and ceremonials.”
Here are some interesting facts about Tet in Vietnam:
- Tet marks the arrival of spring and is considered the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture.
- The exact dates of Tet vary each year as it follows the lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and mid-February.
- The zodiac animal for the upcoming year is prominently displayed during Tet celebrations. Each year is associated with a different animal from the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
- People in Vietnam often turn off their household lights and electrical appliances on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing a fresh start and the release of the old year’s troubles.
- Sticky rice cake (banh chung) is a traditional Tet food, made with glutinous rice, mung bean, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for several hours.
To provide a visual representation, here is a table showcasing the days typically associated with Tet:
| Day | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-Tet | Preparations, cleaning, and decorating |
| New Year’s Eve | Family reunion dinner, fireworks |
| Day 1 | Visiting immediate family |
| Day 2 | Visiting extended family and friends |
| Day 3 | Returning to work and regular activities |
| Post-Tet | Festivities, games, and leisure time |
In conclusion, Tet holds immense cultural significance in Vietnam, with celebrations lasting beyond the traditional three days. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, exchanging well-wishes, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that accompanies the arrival of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
Video answer to “How long does Tet last in Vietnam?”
The YouTuber discusses the pros and cons of visiting Vietnam during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. They mention that it can be a great time to visit due to open businesses, festivals, and a lively atmosphere. However, they warn about the difficulty of finding accommodations and suggest having experience with motorbikes if planning to do a tour. The speaker also expresses frustration about the lack of activities and entertainment options during Tet when many people leave the cities. Despite the challenges, they believe visiting Vietnam during Tet can still be a magical and worthwhile experience.
Further answers can be found here
Tet lasts for a total of nine days and the first day of Tet is the most important. Good fortune on the first day of Tet is very auspicious for the remainder of the year. Vietnamese people believe that the first person to enter a household can determine that family’s fortune for the entire year.
Tet celebration in Vietnam starts on the 1st day of Lunar calendar and usually lasts for 3 days.
The Tet celebration in Vietnam usually lasts 3 days. It starts on the 1st day of the Lunar calendar.
By tradition, TET should last for 3 days, and each day is occupied by certain (family) activities.
I am sure you will be interested in this
Thereof, How long does Tet last in Vietnam 2023? The reply will be: seven days
Even though in 2023, Tet falls on January 22, businesses and factories in Vietnam will be closed for seven days, Friday, January 20, 2023 to Thursday, January 26, 2023. This includes five days promulgated by the Labor Code for the Tet holiday and the other four on the weekend for the 2023 Lunar New Year.
Keeping this in consideration, How long does the Tet last?
5-7 days
Tet Nguyen Dan, shortened to Tet, is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year and is the most important annual celebration and public holiday in Vietnam spanning 5-7 days.
Thereof, How long does Tet last in Vietnam 2024?
The answer is: three days
How long does Tet Holiday last? The celebrations for Tet last three days.
Are restaurants open during Tet in Vietnam?
Eating and drinking during Tết
If you’re wanting a culinary tour of Vietnam this may not be the ideal time. Outside of cities and touristy areas most restaurants will close over the holiday as families will eat together at home.
People also ask, How long does Tet last? The answer is: Tet celebrations can range from3 days and continue for up to one week. The festival is split into the day before New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. All of these days correspond to the Vietnamese or lunar calendar, so they will happen on a different date every year.
Also question is, When is Tet in Vietnam? Response: Tet is based on the lunar calendar, and generally celebrated on the same day as the Chinese New Year. The date changes annually, but fallsbetween mid-January and late February. Most Vietnamese people will have five days off for Tet. Tet celebrations can range from 3 days and continue for up to one week.
Beside this, What to do before Tet holidays in Vietnam? Answer will be: Before Tet holidays, people start having days off from December 26th to tidy up and decorate their houses. The work schedule are normally back to track at January 5th of Lunar Calendar. There are many customs in Vietnam dictating what to do and what not to do during these days.
Also Know, What is TT in Vietnam? Answer: Tết is by far the biggest celebration in Vietnam. Every year, millions of people fly, drive and float their way back to their hometowns to spend quality time with their friends and families. The meals are big, the songs are loud, and everyone’s in a good mood. Vietnamese people wait all year for this, but what is Tết?