Lunar New Year (Tet)
Vietnam Lunar New Year 2021 will fall on February 12. 2021 is the year of the Buffalo.
About Tet
Vietnamese Lunar New Year, commonly referred to as Tết Nguyên Đán or Tet, remains the most significant and celebrated holiday in Vietnam. Much like the Lunar New Year festivities in South Korea and China, Tet marks the arrival of spring according to the Lunar Calendar, extending from the first day of the first Lunar month (typically late January to early February) and often celebrated for a minimum of three days. In 2025, the public holiday is expected to span from February 10 to February 14, with many Vietnamese enjoying a break of five to seven days from work to celebrate Tet.
Celebrations
Various customs characterize the Tết celebration in Vietnam, including ancestral worship, giving lucky money (lì xì) to children and elders, preparing traditional foods, and decorating homes, alongside many other unique customs. The celebrations can be articulated into three main periods: Tất Niên (Before New Year’s Eve), Giao Thừa (New Year’s Eve), and Tân Niên (the New Year).
Before New Year’s Eve: Many overseas Vietnamese make the journey back to their homeland for family reunions, leaving behind past troubles and fostering hope for a prosperous new year. Preparations involve adorning their homes with cherry blossoms (in the northern regions), hoa mai - Ochna integerrima (in central and southern regions), along with other decorative plants such as kumquat trees, marigolds, lavender, and paperwhite flowers, complemented by traditional Dong Ho paintings and calligraphy.
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Photo: baogiaothong.vn
On New Year’s Eve: It is customary for the head of the household to step outside a few minutes before midnight and return precisely as the clock strikes twelve, performing the traditional "xông đất" ritual. This practice is believed to invite good fortune to the family for the entire year ahead.
After lighting incense on the family altar—a representation of ancestral worship—the entire family gathers for a celebratory dinner. The following days are spent visiting relatives, friends, and teachers while exchanging warm wishes such as “Chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year) or “Cung chúc tân xuân” (gracious wishes for the new spring), paired with wishes for prosperity and luck. Children receive red envelopes (lì xì) from their older relatives as blessings for the year ahead.
Food for Tet
Food plays a crucial role in Tet celebrations, with signature dishes like bánh chưng, bánh tét (sticky rice cakes filled with meat and beans wrapped in banana leaves), and dưa hành (pickled onions) symbolizing this festive period. These dishes necessitate considerable preparation and are not just meals, but representations of cultural significance during Tet.
Read more about Essential Food for Tet holidays
Travel during Tet
Tet is an excellent time to visit Vietnam, although it may present some challenges. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City may appear deserted during the holiday, as many locals return to their hometowns, and most shops will be closed. Nonetheless, experiencing these dynamic cities in a quieter state offers a unique perspective.
One important travel tip is to book transportation early. As many people travel to their hometowns to celebrate Tet, you can expect prices for trains and air tickets to surge considerably as the holiday approaches.
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