Last Day Of The Lunar Year: All Rituals Packed In 24 Hours

The final day of the year is a significant time as individuals strive to wrap up all essential tasks and prepare for the year ahead. The more diligently these tasks are completed on this day, the more fortune families are believed to attract in the coming New Year. Below are five common activities that Vietnamese people engage in on the last day of the Lunar New Year.

Cleaning and Decorating the House

During the first few days of the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese people usually avoid sweeping the house, as traditional beliefs consider this practice a means of pushing away “Thần Tài,” the God of Luck, who is believed to bring financial prosperity in the New Year. If he is expelled, families may face considerable financial challenges. Therefore, as the year concludes, everyone dedicates time to thoroughly clean their homes.

Photo @spyvietnam.com

Spending quality time with loved ones to tidy and beautify the home is also cherished.

Houses are adorned with traditional Tet trees, vibrant flowers, and small red decorations that symbolize Tet. This practice is reminiscent of Western traditions where Christmas trees are decorated on Christmas Eve.

Cleaning the Ancestor Altar and Setting Up “Mâm Ngũ Quả”

While the women in the family often focus on house cleaning or cooking, men, particularly fathers, typically take on the responsibility of cleaning the ancestor altar. In Vietnamese culture, there is a profound spiritual bond between the living and the deceased, and the ancestor altar serves as a gateway for deceased spirits to return during worship. Therefore, cleaning the altar is seen as a way to honor one’s ancestors, carried out with great care, using the freshest and cleanest materials.

Photo @place.vn

The ancestor altar, regarded as the most sacred space within the family, typically features “mâm ngũ quả” (a tray of five fruits). The five fruits, each representing a different natural element—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—also symbolize blessings for the New Year, such as wealth, luxury, longevity, health, and peace.

Tất Niên Meal - Year-End Gathering

Photo @vov.vn

The last meal of the year is the most significant event when every family member comes together, regardless of their busy schedules. This meal strengthens familial bonds as members share their feelings and experiences from the year—ranging from moments of joy to times of sorrow. Post-meal, any stress seems to dissolve, leaving the family rejuvenated and ready to embrace the New Year. This dinner is often the most delightful of the year, filled with the care and affection of mothers and sisters through a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Watching New Year’s Eve Television Shows

Photo @kenh14.vn

Engaging entertainment programs designed by various media outlets invigorate spirits and alleviate the anticipation leading to New Year’s Eve. In addition to special music and art performances, the comedy show “Gặp nhau cuối năm” continues to be highly cherished among Vietnamese viewers, showcasing renowned comedians portraying kitchen gods recounting the year’s events to the Jade Emperor in a humorous light, evoking meaningful laughter from audiences.

Prayer on Tet’s Eve

Photo @tamlinh.org

As the old year fades away and a new year dawns, it has become a cherished tradition for many Vietnamese to pray at the family altar. This meaningful ritual invites the spirits of departed relatives to unite with the family in welcoming the New Year. Many also take a moment to silently express their wishes for a prosperous year filled with health, luck, and joy. As the year shifts, numerous families gather near firework displays to count down together and celebrate the New Year alongside newfound friends.