The meaning of the 3 days of Tet and the customs and traditions of Vietnamese New Year
Tet Nguyen Dan (or Lunar New Year) is the most anticipated holiday of the year for everyone. It marks the beginning of a new year, the end of the old year, and, most importantly, it’s a time for all family members to reunite for a special meal on Tet day. Today, let’s explore the meaning of the 3 days of Tet and the customs and traditions that Vietnamese people often follow during Tet!
The Meaning of the 3 Days of Tet – Something You Must Know
The three traditional days of Tet in Vietnam express the values of “Remembering one’s roots” and “Respecting teachers and morals” with the 1st day – Father’s Tet, the 2nd day – Mother’s Tet, and the 3rd day – Teacher’s Tet. Through these three Tet days, people show gratitude and respect to those who contributed to their birth, upbringing, and education, especially during the Tet season.
The 1st Day of Lunar New Year – Father’s Tet
According to ancient beliefs, the 1st day of Tet is the most important. It’s the first day of the year, symbolizing new beginnings. Therefore, on the 1st day of Tet, families pay homage to their ancestors first and then visit their maternal and paternal families. Additionally, on this day, spouses, children, and siblings gather at the paternal side to pay respects to their ancestors, wish their grandparents a happy new year, and express filial piety by sharing the first meal of the year together.
On the 1st day, it’s also a tradition for Vietnamese people to visit each other’s homes. The hosts often choose guests of the same age or older, believed to bring good fortune to the house.
The 2nd Day of Lunar New Year – Mother’s Tet
After spending time with the maternal family on the 1st day, on the 2nd day, people visit their paternal relatives. They offer good wishes, give lucky money, and celebrate together in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
This day is particularly significant for daughters who have married and moved away from their hometowns. It’s an ideal opportunity for them to reunite with their parents and extended family, as they might have been away for an extended period.
The 3rd Day of Lunar New Year – Teacher’s Tet
The last day of the traditional Tet celebration is dedicated to teachers. It’s a day to express gratitude and respect to those who have contributed to our education and upbringing. This day is often referred to as “Vietnamese Teachers’ Day” in the past, before November 20th was officially designated for this purpose. It’s an occasion for students of all ages to show their appreciation to their mentors and to gather with old friends after a long time without meeting.
These three days of Tet hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in Vietnamese society. They emphasize the values of family, gratitude, respect for elders, and honoring those who have played a significant role in our lives.
Customs and Traditions of Vietnamese People on Tet
Making Chung Cakes (Banh Chung) and Tet Cakes (Banh Tet)
Most of us are familiar with the legend of Chung cakes and Tet cakes in Vietnam. According to the legend, after defeating the An invaders, the 6th Hung King ordered his descendants to present offerings to the king. The most significant offering would determine the next ruler. The 18th prince of Hung King, Lang Lieu, was known for his kindness and filial piety but didn’t know which precious dish to offer to his father. He ended up offering two cakes, now known as Chung cakes and Tet cakes. These cakes were the most delicious dishes his father had ever tasted. Since then, Vietnamese people have been making Chung cakes and Tet cakes to offer during the Lunar New Year.
Making Chung Cake on Tet holdiday. Source: Internet
Square-shaped Chung cakes symbolize the solidity of the earth. They are meticulously wrapped in banana leaves, with the filling consisting of mung beans and pork surrounded by a layer of glutinous rice. Despite its simple and readily available ingredients, Chung cakes have become a cultural icon in the traditional Vietnamese Tet customs.
Buying Tet Decoration Flowers
As spring approaches, various types of flowers compete to show their vibrant colors, especially apricot and cherry blossoms. In the southern region, people often buy apricot blossoms to decorate their homes during Tet. The fresh golden yellow color of apricot blossoms brings a lively Tet atmosphere. In the northern region, people typically purchase cherry blossoms, which is a unique cultural aspect of northern Tet celebrations. Cherry blossoms thrive in colder climates, while apricot blossoms do not, making cherry blossoms the preferred choice in the north.
Arranging the Five-fruit Tray
Arranging the Five-fruit Tray for the Tet of the Golden Cat Year 2023. Image source: Internet
Arranging the five-fruit tray is also an indispensable tradition during Tet in Vietnam. Depending on the region, the decoration of the five-fruit tray may vary.
Cleaning the house
Cleaning the house before Tet. Source: Internet
Visiting ancestors graveyards
Cleaning graves on the 30th day of Tet. Source: Internet
Ceremony on the night of the 30th of Tet
Before the moment of transition to the new year, every household boils chicken and prepares delicious dishes to offer to their ancestors on the night of the 30th of Tet. With the hope of wishing for a prosperous year ahead, good health, and abundant luck in all endeavors.
Collecting lucky plants at the temple.
Harvesting luck at the beginning of the year at the temple. Image source: Internet.
To first foot
The Lunar New Year “first foot” tradition of the Vietnamese people
Happy wishes and Lucky envelops
Giving out lucky envelops. Source: Internet
Celebrating birthdays for the elderly and children has become an indispensable tradition on Tet days for the Vietnamese people. This tradition also serves as a way to convey good wishes to the recipients, wishing them a prosperous and healthy New Year.
Above are the meanings of the three Tet days and the customs and traditions of the Vietnamese people. We hope this provides interesting information for our readers. Somo Farm Cuu Long wishes you a joyful and peaceful New Year. Happy New Year – Quy Mao 2023.
