Lunar New Year Guide 101: The Dos

When I was a kid, Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, were the happiest days when I got to meet my relatives and cousins, I was allowed to eat as many treats as I liked (like candy and dried fruit – and trust me, that’s the best thing a 4 year old kid could ever ask for!), and I got so many red envelopes from my friends and family, in which there was “lucky money”. Growing up, Tet is still the season that I enjoy most, since it reminds me of my parents who I only get to meet once or twice a year, due to the fact that we live half a globe away from each other. Many of my expat friends living in Vietnam enjoy Tet too, but as we talk, I realize that most of them are not aware of the Dos during Tet. This guide is intended to help you enjoy Tet to the fullest without “bringing in bad luck” or disappointing your Vietnamese friends!

DOS:

1. Pay your debts before Tet:

Living in the US where credit cards and financial debts are common, it’s surprising to me (at first) that people do not pay off their debts before New Year. In Vietnam, it’s believed that you should pay off your debts, no matter who your creditors are, before the first day of Lunar New Year. Carrying your debt into a new year will result in you being stuck with debts in that year, and will not get rich.

2. Give “lucky money” to children:

Adults (in this case, those who are working and are married) are supposed to give “lucky money” enclosed in a red envelope to children when visiting others’ homes as a symbol of luck for the coming year. They’re also expected to receive best wishes from the children when giving out the envelopes. These activities are done with the expectation that good things are brought to everyone.

3. Buy and wear new outfits (especially Ao Dai!)

It is thought that bright colors like red, orange and yellow can bring prosperity to people for the upcoming year, so the streets are often filled with Vietnamese people wearing ao dai, dresses and other costumes. People wear new clothes and take pictures with cherry blossoms or kumquat trees, with the hopes that their new year will be filled with happiness.

4. Chung cake, distich and fatty meat:

Chung cake (Bánh chưng) or Tet cake (Bánh tét) is a special cake cooked during Lunar New Year. Every family will have at least one cake to express their gratitude to their ancestors and homeland. Distich is often written by Thầy Đồ, or those who are highly educated, to wish for a good year. Fatty meat is believed to bring “richness” to the meals, wishing everyone a rich year filled with money ahead.

5. Visit pagodas:

It has been a tradition for Vietnamese people to visit pagodas during New Year. It shows the sincerity to Buddha and Gods of the pagodas or temples. People often visit pagodas, burn incense to wish for best wishes like healthiness, happiness and wealthiness. It helps demolish all the worries of the previous year and brings peace to people’s minds.