What Gifts Do Vietnamese Bring For Tet?

Giving gifts during the Tet Festival, a longstanding tradition in Vietnam's rich cultural heritage, symbolizes not only the close bonds between individuals but also the nuances of human connections. Vietnamese people are particularly mindful of their words and actions during the initial days of the New Year, as these can significantly influence their fortunes throughout the year.

In the Past and Present

Centuries ago, most Vietnamese, particularly those in rural areas, exchanged agricultural products as gifts when the Lunar New Year arrived. Items like a pair of sticky rice square cakes, a rooster, or wine stored in traditional pottery were believed to encapsulate the essence of heaven and earth; thus, they fostered goodwill among families and represented their hopes for prosperity and abundance in the future.

Photo @tavaco.vn

In earlier times, economic hardship meant that people often could afford new clothing only during the New Year. Consequently, children would gift their parents a new piece of red cloth or velvet scarf as an expression of respect, gratitude, and well wishes for health and happiness in the coming year.

Today, the practice of giving gifts during Tet has evolved into a cherished cultural tradition that is meticulously preserved and passed down through generations. As society has modernized, interpersonal relationships have shifted to adapt to rapid development; thus, gifting is no longer merely a ritualistic exchange but is seen as an important social custom. Beyond traditional ties among neighbors, friends, and family, gifting also reflects enduring partnerships among colleagues and business associates.

In contemporary Vietnam, many people are willing to invest significant amounts of money for luxurious gift baskets intended for their supervisors, hoping to secure their support for future endeavors.

What to Give for Tet Festival?

Choosing gifts for the Tet Festival is often a challenging task, owing to complex cultural norms and religious beliefs. Typically, Vietnamese avoid giving items like kittens (as their meows resemble the word for "poor" in Vietnamese), ink (with its black hue being associated with bad luck), and sharp objects like knives and forks. Traditional gifts such as clothes, scarves, and sticky rice cake remain popular, but there are also many modern items that make excellent presents.

Here are some of the most popular gifts for the Tet Festival:

A Branch of Peach Blossom

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Alongside the kumquat tree, the peach blossom is an essential decoration for Tet in Vietnam. Legend suggests that the peach blossom is a home to two deities that can drive away evil spirits; thus, having a branch of peach blossom during the New Year is thought to ward off negative forces and misfortune. There are several varieties of peach blossom, ranging from red and pink to white, depending on where they are cultivated, whether in mountainous or lowland areas. In Hanoi, the Nhat Tan flower garden is renowned for its meticulously cultivated peach blossoms, while Moc Chau features wild peach trees that bloom brilliantly.

Wine and Gift Baskets

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In the past, wine was typically stored in traditional pottery, but now it is more commonly found in modern bottles featuring esteemed brands from both local and international markets. Nevertheless, the significance of wine as a New Year gift remains unchanged. The lengthy fermentation and distillation processes make wine a highly valued gift in Vietnam. Furthermore, sharing wine evokes warmth and vitality, attributes that many hope for in the year ahead.

If you have a Vietnamese business partner, consider strengthening your relationship by sending them a tasteful gift basket that includes quality wine.

Red Items

Photo @12trad

Spring signifies the season of the most vibrant and luminous colors. Especially in Asian cultures, red is considered a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, joy, and happiness. Throughout Vietnamese streets during Tet, you will witness an explosion of red hues in decorations, lucky envelopes, and the traditional attire of the elderly. When selecting gifts for Tet, prioritize red and yellow items while steering clear of darker shades. For instance, if buying new clothes for children, opt for the brightest and most colorful garments available.

Greeting Cards

Photo @thiepmung.com

Exchanging greeting cards is a custom that has become increasingly popular in modern times. It is a quick, convenient option that aligns well with today’s fast-paced lifestyle. If you are a foreigner uncertain about what to gift a Vietnamese friend for Tet, a greeting card is an ideal choice. Typically portraying bright colors like red and yellow, Tet greeting cards feature evocative images such as apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, sticky rice cakes, and traditional couplets. Common well-wishes include “Happy New Year," “May all your wishes come true," and “Wishing you health and prosperity in the coming year!” A week before Tet, Vietnamese teachers often help their students create handmade cards, which children take home to express love and appreciation for their parents and family members.