My heart can feel Tet

TET holidays in Ho Chi Minh City

Early spring sprouts new life after the dull winter months. Tet usually arrives with overcast skies, remnants of the chilly winter. However, when the sun occasionally breaks through the clouds, it brings a wave of warmth that chases away lingering gloom. For the poetic spirits among us, the days leading up to Tet often seem surreal, shrouded in a hazy mist that elevates ordinary moments. When the sun brightens the day and warms the heart, one knows that Tet is finally approaching.

Tet is like rain gently falling in the narrow streets. Everyone seems to hear its rhythm and feel its touch. Much like a refreshing rain, Tet encourages people to hasten with unfinished tasks while simultaneously inviting them to slow down and listen to the changes in the air. Unlike a torrential storm, Tet brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Streets bustle with travelers throughout the day, yet honking horns remain subdued. While everyone is engaged in their preparations, it's hard to find an unhappy face, for this is a time of joy and anticipation for new beginnings.

As the peach blossoms brighten the northern landscape, and golden apricot blossoms warm the sunlight in the south, the people of Vietnam enter full preparation mode for Tet. Just as families bid farewell and send red carp to accompany the kitchen gods on their journey to heaven, the streets transform into vibrant displays of color. Flowers arrive in bicycle-drawn carts, bringing Tet to every household, while public spaces showcase dazzling blooms that illuminate the gray concrete jungle. This year has been particularly fruitful for flower farmers, as temperate weather has yielded a plentiful harvest. The sights of flourishing flora and radiant smiles suggest that the New Year will surely bring happiness.

This longstanding custom is still alive and well today. Tet symbolizes a fresh start, and it is traditional to enter the New Year feeling abundant and fulfilled. In the days leading up to Tet, buying and selling intensify. Perhaps this surge in activity is another reason for the widespread smiles. The festive occasion often encourages even the most frugal savers to spend a little more. Numerous events and activities unfold, with many believing that the process of preparing for Tet is the most enjoyable aspect of the celebration.

Despite the challenges faced during the Year of the Cat, some note that these hardships can lead to a more meaningful Tet. The economic climate has impacted many, and while some may experience a less plentiful celebration than in previous years, a simpler Tet can still evoke joy. It allows the community to take a break from the year’s struggles. A new milestone is reached, bringing hope for better days. Tet offers optimism for prosperity in the upcoming Year of the Dragon. After all, hope can empower even those facing the most significant challenges, and it is the essence of hope that Tet so generously provides.

Get ready for the scent of incense to fill every corner of the land! This unmistakable fragrance serves as a heartfelt reminder of the cherished New Year for every Vietnamese soul.

For more information about Tet specifics, visit our Tet-exclusive website.

Watch our latest video: My heart can feel Tet for the most vivid visuals of Tet celebrations in Vietnam.