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Tet commonly known as Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is Vietnam's most important event. It represents the start of a new year and is a time for family gatherings, ancestral worship, and new beginnings. During Tet, Vietnamese people think that what they do or do not do in the first few days of the year will influence their luck, health, and success in the next months.
Because of this belief, Tet comes with many meaningful customs, traditions, and taboos that may seem unfamiliar to foreign visitors. Know what Vietnamese people traditionally do and avoid during the Tet holiday not only helps travelers show respect for local culture, but also allows them to experience Tet in a deeper and more authentic way.
Visiting pagodas at the beginning of the Lunar New Year has long been a beautiful traditional custom in Vietnam. During the first days of the new year, many families go to pagodas together to pray for peace and good fortune for their loved ones. It is also a time to let go of the worries of the past year, keep the mind calm, and look forward to a better and more positive year ahead.
Vietnamese people often go to pagodas during the Tet Holiday
In the days leading up to Tet, the image of the whole family gathering to wash dong leaves, rinse glutinous rice, marinate pork, and carefully wrap each bánh chưng has become a familiar sight in many rural areas of Vietnam. Adults guide younger family members on how to fold the leaves neatly into a perfect square and tie the bamboo strings firmly. Children sit nearby with excitement, listening to stories about Tet holiday in the past, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
After being wrapped, “Bánh Chưng” is boiled for many continuous hours. Staying up all night together to watch over the pot - chatting, sipping hot tea, or roasting sweet potatoes and corn by the fire is an unforgettable Tet memory for many Vietnamese people.
Tourists enjoy making their own “banh chung” during the Tet Holiday
Asking for calligraphy couplets is a traditional Vietnamese Tet custom. Before the Lunar New Year, people visit calligraphers to receive red paper couplets with meaningful wishes for good luck, prosperity, and happiness. These couplets are then displayed in the home as New Year blessings and a symbol of respect for tradition and knowledge.
People ask for couplets at the temple
After a year of hard work and living far from home, Tet is a meaningful occasion for people to remember their ancestors and express respect for those who have passed away. Visiting ancestral graves during Tet holiday is a way to invite ancestors to return home and celebrate the New Year with the family. It reflects deep gratitude, filial piety, and remembrance from younger generations toward their ancestors. This is a beautiful cultural tradition and a long-standing custom of the Vietnamese people.
Everyone brought brooms and rags to clean up the resting place of their ancestors
Red and yellow are the most popular colors during Tet holiday. These colors symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness. Therefore, in the first days of the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese people often choose bright and colorful outfits, while avoiding black or dark-colored clothing to keep away bad luck.
The streets were vibrant with colorful clothes
When Tet arrives and spring comes, fresh flowers are an essential part of every household. According to traditional Asian beliefs, blooming flowers in the home bring good fortune and prosperity to the family. In addition, decorating the house with ornamental plants and flowers makes the home look more vibrant, festive, and full of new life.
Decorating the house for Tet Holiday
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“Xông đất” or “xông nhà” is a long-standing Vietnamese custom. It is believed that on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the first person to visit a home plays an important role in determining the family’s luck for the year. If this person is compatible in age and destiny with the homeowner, the family is believed to enjoy good fortune, prosperity, and success throughout the year.
First Visitor of the Year may determine the family’s luck
According to folk beliefs, sweeping the house or throwing away trash during the first days of the Lunar New Year may also sweep away good luck and fortune, leading to financial difficulties for the family. Therefore, many families avoid sweeping on the first day of Tet. If cleaning is necessary, the trash is usually gathered in one corner instead of being thrown out.
Sweeping the House may also sweep away good luck and fortune
Breaking household items is considered a bad omen, symbolizing separation, loss, or misfortune. For this reason, people are especially careful during the first days of the New Year to avoid damaging objects in the home.
Breaking objects is considered an omen of separation and loss
It is commonly believed that arguing or raising one’s voice on the first day of the Lunar New Year may result in a year filled with conflict and disharmony. Therefore, people try to control their emotions and maintain a peaceful, warm atmosphere to ensure a happy and harmonious year ahead.
Black and white are traditionally associated with mourning and sorrow. As a result, people tend to avoid outfits dominated by these colors during the first days of the Lunar New Year. Instead, bright colors such as red and yellow are preferred, as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the entire year.
Avoid wearing black and white during Tet holiday
During the early days of the New Year, people are encouraged to control negative emotions and focus on joy and positivity. According to traditional beliefs, crying or feeling sad on the first day of the New Year may set the tone for the rest of the year.
Sharp objects such as knives and scissors are believed to carry negative energy and symbolize separation or broken relationships. Therefore, at the beginning of the Lunar New Year, people often put away sharp items and keep only those that are truly necessary.
According to folk beliefs, during the first days of the New Year, deities bring good luck and prosperity by visiting each household. It is believed that keeping the doors closed may prevent these blessings from entering the home, which is considered disrespectful and may lead to bad luck or financial difficulties throughout the year. Although this is a traditional belief, many families choose to keep their doors open during Tet holiday to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
Avoid Keeping the House Closed
At the beginning of the year, people are encouraged to be mindful of their words, speaking kindly and avoiding negative or unlucky expressions. Traditional beliefs suggest that saying unlucky things during Tet may cause them to come true. While this is a spiritual belief, choosing positive words not only during Tet but at all times helps create a more optimistic and fortunate life.
Tet is a special time to experience Vietnam at its most meaningful. By knowing what Vietnamese people traditionally do and avoid during Tet holiday, visitors can interact more respectfully with locals and feel more connected to the spirit of the celebration. Book your Vietnam tour or contact Asia King Travel today to plan an authentic Tet experience.
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