During Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet, it is customary to give gifts such as lucky money in red envelopes, flowers, fruits, and traditional Vietnamese foods. These gifts symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the recipient in the coming year.
During Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet, it is customary to give gifts that symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the recipient in the coming year. Some common gifts exchanged during Tet include lucky money in red envelopes, flowers, fruits, and traditional Vietnamese foods. These gifts hold special meanings and are integral to the celebrations of this festive occasion.
Red envelopes, known as “li xi” or “tien li xi,” are a popular gift during Vietnamese New Year. They are often filled with cash, typically crisp and new bills, and given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good fortune and blessings for the upcoming year. The red color of the envelope is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Flowers play a significant role in Tet celebrations as they represent the renewal of life and the arrival of spring. One of the most cherished flowers during Tet is the apricot blossom, known as “hoa mai,” which symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Other flowers commonly gifted during this time include peach blossoms, chrysanthemums, and marigolds, each carrying its own symbolic meaning.
Fruits are also a popular gift during Vietnamese New Year as they symbolize abundance and fertility. Among the favored fruits are oranges, pomelos, and kumquats, which are believed to bring luck, wealth, and prosperity. The display of these fruits in homes during Tet is considered auspicious, and they are often arranged in decorative baskets or trays.
Traditional Vietnamese foods hold special significance during Tet, and they make for delightful gifts to share with loved ones. One iconic dish is “banh chung,” a square sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. Banh chung represents the Earth and the ancestral homeland, symbolizing gratitude and unity. Another popular treat is “mut,” which refers to candied fruits and preserves, typically presented in beautifully decorated boxes.
To add more depth to the topic, here is a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist:
“Sharing our blessings with others sparks a chain reaction of goodwill and kindness. The act of giving not only brings joy to the receiver but also fills the heart of the giver with warmth and happiness.”
Interesting Facts about Vietnamese New Year (Tet):
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Tet is the most important holiday in Vietnam, lasting for several days and marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year.
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The exact dates of Tet vary each year but generally fall in late January or early February.
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Preparation for Tet often begins weeks in advance, with cleaning, decorating, and shopping for gifts and special foods.
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Vietnamese families typically gather for a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve to honor their ancestors and welcome the new year together.
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Fireworks, lion dances, and traditional music performances are common festive activities during Tet.
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Giving and receiving “lucky money” is considered a cherished tradition during Tet, symbolizing blessings and well wishes for the recipient.
Table:
Gifts for Vietnamese New Year (Tet) |
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1. Lucky Money in Red Envelopes |
2. Flowers (Apricot blossom, peach blossoms, chrysanthemums, marigolds) |
3. Fruits (Oranges, pomelos, kumquats) |
4. Traditional Vietnamese Foods (Banh chung, mut) |
Response to your question in video format
The YouTube video focuses on the preparations for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Tết. It covers various aspects including decorating homes with peach blossoms and kumquat trees, using lucky colors like red and yellow, buying Tết candies and presents, giving red envelopes with lucky money, and making banh chung. The video also highlights cultural traditions such as celebrating the Kitchen God’s Day, burning votive paper, cleaning houses and altars, and purchasing new clothes. Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for more Tết-related content.
Some more answers to your question
Money is placed inside the red envelopes and given to children and young adults as gifts. Traditional Tet gifts given to families are rice cakes called banh chung made from white rice, marinated strips of pork, and yellow mung beans.
If you are a Westerner coming to Vietnam around Tết, here are some great gift ideas:
- Authentic Scotch whiskey – there is a lot of forgery of high-end whiskeys in Vietnam, so an authentic foreign-sourced whiskey will be very well received.
Modern and Traditional Gifts for Vietnamese New Year
- 1) Fruits, Flowers, and Plants – Perfect gifts For Prosperity Meaningful fruit gift basket // Photo on mamafood.vn
- 2) Wine Bottles – The Right Gifts For Health
Modern and Traditional Gifts for Vietnamese New Year 1) Fruits, Flowers, and Plants – Perfect gifts For Prosperity. The Tet Holiday marks the welcoming of Spring, and… 2) Wine Bottles – The Right Gifts For Health. Wine, typically rice wine, has long been a traditional meaningful Tet gift… 3) Tea
I’m sure you will be interested
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