It is very great if you have a chance to experience the Tet – the most biggest and important holiday in Vietnam. Also because of that, the Vietnamese highly cares about customs and taboos these days to get more wishes of luck, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year. Though you are a newbie or oldie, you absolutely should know some things the Vietnamese people do and do not in their Tet when you are invited to their home or travel Vietnam at this time. With the expertise of a Vietnam tour operator, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the Tet holiday.
What Should Do during Tet Holiday in Vietnam?
Pay all the Debts before Tet
The Vietnamese people believe that it is bad luck if still keeping the debts and borrowed things from the old year. Also, it means they can be stuck in debts in the New Year as they did in the old year. Thus, they should pay all debts before Tet.
Clean & Decorate House
On the few last days of the old year, the Vietnamese will clean their houses, gardens, and altars. They also decorate their house with peach trees, balloons, couplets. People in the South of Vietnam often store their brooms because they think that their assets will be stolen if their brooms are lost in Tet.
Shop New Clothes
The conception of getting more luck in the New Year, the Vietnamese often buy and wear new, bright colorful clothes in the New Year. Red, yellow, blue are colors symbolizing good luck and prosperity. On the other hand, traditional costumes like colorful áo dài and áo gấm overwhelming in all Vietnamese streets.
Lucky Money – “Lì xì”
A special custom of the Vietnamese is to give “lì xì” on the first day of the Tet holiday. Adults will prepare some lucky money to give children and kids who visit their homes. This is considered as a symbol of luck for the next New Year. Besides, the adults say best wishes together, which expresses their expectation of taking and giving luck, prosperity, and happiness to all their family and neighbors.
Take & Give Presents
Giving gifts at the Tet festival is also a traditional custom in Vietnam. Gifts are often cookie boxes, fruits, wines, tea, coffee, or other drinks. This is to connect and enhance the relationship between neighbors and business partners.
What Should Not Do in Tet Holiday in Vietnam?
Say Bad Words
The Vietnamese people do not say bad things during the Tet holiday. They also avoid debating with others. When there are any conflicts, keep calm, a happy mind, and solve it peacefully.
Sweep House
Sweep house in Tet holiday is considered to sweep all luck and money out of their house. When visiting the Vietnamese house in Tet, you should avoid throwing trashes onto the floor.
Wear Black or White Clothes
Black and white are mainly used in Vietnamese funeral, thus it is an unlucky sign if you wear these colored clothes on the Tet holiday.
Ask for Fire or Water
Many hosts do not like those who ask for fire and water when coming to their house in the New Year because they believe that fire and water symbolize a blessing. Keep it in your mind to have a joyful Tet in Vietnam.