Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a time for families to come together, to honor their ancestors, and to celebrate the start of the new year.
The celebration of Tet typically lasts for several days, and it is a time of great joy and festivity. People decorate their homes with brightly colored flowers and red lanterns, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
One of the most important traditions of Tet is the preparation of special foods and drinks. Many families spend days preparing traditional dishes such as banh chung, a sticky rice cake filled with meat and beans, and banh tet, a similar rice cake that is wrapped in banana leaves. These dishes are often made in large quantities and shared with friends and neighbors as a sign of goodwill.
Another important aspect of Tet is the exchange of gifts and red envelopes filled with money. These gifts are given to children and elderly family members as a sign of respect and to wish them good luck in the coming year.
During Tet, people also visit temples and offer incense and food to their ancestors, as a way of paying respect and showing gratitude for their guidance and support. This tradition is known as "worshiping the ancestors," and it is an important part of Vietnamese culture.
In addition to these traditional customs, Tet is also a time for people to come together and enjoy cultural performances such as lion dances and dragon dances, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
In conclusion, Tet is a time of great celebration and joy in Vietnam. It is a time for families to come together, to honor their ancestors, and to celebrate the start of the new year. Through the exchange of gifts, the preparation of traditional foods, and the participation in cultural performances, people in Vietnam embrace the spirit of Tet and welcome the new year with hope and optimism.