Vibrant Celebrations: Vietnam New Year 2017 Ushers in Excitement!

The Vietnam New Year, also known as Tet, is a vibrant and significant celebration that holds deep cultural and historical roots. As the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture, it marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is celebrated with immense joy and excitement. With its colorful festivities, traditional rituals, and mouthwatering delicacies, Tet captivates both locals and visitors alike. From the enchanting firework displays to the mesmerizing dragon dances, this annual event showcases the rich traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. So, let's explore the wonders of Vietnam New Year 2017 and delve into the fascinating world of Tet!

Introduction

Vietnam New Year, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, paying respects to ancestors, and welcoming the arrival of spring. In 2017, the Vietnam New Year will be celebrated on January 28th.

The Preparations

Tet preparations start weeks in advance, with families cleaning their houses and buying new clothes to symbolize a fresh start. Markets are bustling with people shopping for traditional foods such as sticky rice cakes (banh chung), fruits, and flowers. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation as everyone gets ready for the festivities.

Decorations and Customs

Homes are adorned with colorful decorations during Tet. Peach blossoms and kumquat trees are popular choices as they symbolize luck and prosperity. Families also set up altars to honor their ancestors, offering them food, incense, and other items. Traditional customs like giving lucky money to children and visiting pagodas are followed to ensure a prosperous year ahead.

Reunion Dinners

On New Year's Eve, families gather for a sumptuous reunion dinner called Tet Nguyen Dan. This meal is considered the most important of the year, and it typically includes various traditional dishes such as boiled chicken, pickled onions, and Vietnamese sausage. It is a time for loved ones to come together, share stories, and express gratitude for the past year.

The First Day of Tet

The first day of Tet is reserved for immediate family members. People dress in their finest clothes and visit their parents and grandparents to pay their respects. They offer well wishes, burn incense, and exchange gifts. It is believed that the first visitor of the year will bring luck and fortune to the household.

Visiting Relatives and Friends

After the first day, it is customary to visit relatives, friends, and neighbors to exchange New Year greetings. People often bring traditional gifts such as preserved fruits, wine, or flowers when visiting someone's home. This is a time for reconnecting with loved ones and strengthening relationships.

Tet Games and Activities

Tet is not just about family gatherings; it is also a time for fun and leisure. Traditional games like the bamboo swing (ghe tau), tug of war (cau ngu), and cockfighting are enjoyed by both children and adults. People also partake in calligraphy competitions, lion dances, and watch fireworks displays to bring good luck for the year ahead.

Special Tet Markets

During Tet, special markets called Cho Tet pop up in many cities and towns. These markets offer a wide range of goods, including traditional foods, flowers, clothes, and decorations. Strolling through these markets is a delightful experience, with the aroma of street food filling the air and vendors showcasing their festive merchandise.

Praying for a Prosperous Year

Temples and pagodas are crowded with worshippers during Tet. People come to pray for health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year. The scent of incense fills the air, and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of peace and tranquility. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and seeking blessings from the divine.

Conclusion

Vietnam New Year 2017 promises to be a joyous and meaningful celebration. From the preparations and decorations to the family reunions and cultural customs, Tet brings people together and marks a fresh start. It is a time of hope, gratitude, and best wishes for a prosperous year ahead. Whether you are in Vietnam or observing from afar, embracing the spirit of Tet is a wonderful way to experience the richness of Vietnamese culture.

Subheading 1: The Significance of Vietnam New Year 2017

Vietnam New Year, also known as Tết, holds immense importance and meaning for the Vietnamese people. It is a time to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open hearts and hopeful spirits. Tết signifies a fresh start, a chance to leave behind any negativity and embrace new opportunities. The celebration of Vietnam New Year 2017 holds even more significance as it marks the beginning of a new era filled with hope and promise.

Subheading 2: Traditional Customs and Rituals

During the celebration of Tết in 2017, Vietnamese people follow a multitude of traditional customs and rituals. These practices are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. From ancestral worship to offering prayers at pagodas, every ritual holds a special significance in ensuring a harmonious and prosperous year ahead.

Subheading 3: Festive Decorations and Preparations

Prior to Vietnam New Year 2017, the streets and homes in Vietnam come alive with vibrant festive decorations. Red and gold colors dominate the scenery, symbolizing luck and wealth. Intricately designed flowers, such as peach blossoms and marigolds, adorn every corner, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement. Vietnamese households engage in meticulous preparations, cleaning their homes and buying new clothes to welcome the arrival of the new year.

Subheading 4: Meaningful Family Reunions

Vietnam New Year 2017 places great emphasis on family values and togetherness. It is a time for Vietnamese families to come together and celebrate their bond. Family members from near and far gather under one roof, cherishing each other's company and reminiscing about the past year. The reunion is seen as an opportunity to strengthen family ties and honor ancestors, creating a sense of unity and love.

Subheading 5: Exquisite Tết Cuisine

Tết cuisine is a highlight of Vietnam New Year 2017 celebrations. Traditional dishes such as bánh chưng (sticky rice cake) and chả giò (spring rolls) take center stage on the dining table. These delicacies are meticulously prepared using age-old recipes passed down through generations. Each dish carries a symbolic meaning, representing prosperity, luck, and good fortune for the upcoming year. Vietnamese people indulge in these exquisite flavors, savoring every bite with joy and gratitude.

Subheading 6: Traditional Attire

Dressing in traditional attire is an integral part of Vietnam New Year 2017 celebrations. Vietnamese people wear colorful and elegant garments, each with its own cultural significance. Women don áo dài, a long dress with intricate designs, symbolizing grace and beauty. Men opt for áo gấm, a silk attire representing sophistication and masculinity. The traditional attire not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that is deeply ingrained in every Vietnamese person.

Subheading 7: Fireworks and Festivities

Vietnam New Year 2017 is celebrated with vibrant fireworks displays and various festivities. The night sky comes alive with explosions of light and color, reflecting the excitement and joy of the occasion. People gather in public spaces to witness these spectacular shows, cheering and applauding as the fireworks dance across the sky. Alongside the fireworks, street parades, music performances, and traditional games add to the festive ambiance, creating unforgettable memories for all who participate.

Subheading 8: The Livelihood of Vietnamese Farmers

Vietnam New Year 2017 holds great significance for Vietnamese farmers, as agricultural traditions play a vital role in the celebration. Farmers take this time to rest and celebrate the fruits of their labor from the previous year. It is also an opportunity for them to pray for favorable weather conditions and a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The celebration of Tết acknowledges the hard work and dedication of Vietnamese farmers, highlighting their contribution to the nation's prosperity.

Subheading 9: The Legends and Mythology

Vietnam New Year 2017 is steeped in legends and mythology that shape the cultural beliefs and practices during the celebration. One such legend is the story of the Kitchen God, who is believed to watch over every household. Before the new year, families offer prayers and food to the Kitchen God, hoping for his blessings and protection. These mythical tales add depth and meaning to the festivities, connecting the present with ancient traditions and folklore.

Subheading 10: Hope for a Prosperous Year Ahead

As Vietnam New Year 2017 unfolds, Vietnamese people hold onto hopes and aspirations for the coming year. They believe that the beginning of a new year brings new opportunities and a chance for prosperity and success. Each family sets goals and wishes for the future, hoping for good health, happiness, and financial stability. Vietnam New Year is a time for reflection, gratitude, and optimism, fostering a sense of hope and unity among the Vietnamese community.

Vietnam New Year 2017: A Celebration of Tradition and Renewal

As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 2016, millions of Vietnamese people eagerly welcomed the arrival of the Lunar New Year, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan. This momentous occasion marked not only the start of a new year but also a time for families to gather, pay respects to ancestors, and embrace age-old customs and traditions.

A Time for Family and Reunion

Tet is considered the most important holiday in Vietnam, where family values and filial piety are deeply ingrained. As the New Year approaches, families embark on a journey to their hometowns, often traveling long distances to be reunited with loved ones. The air is filled with joy and excitement as relatives come together, sharing stories, laughter, and delicious feasts.

During Tet, it is customary for children to receive lucky money, or li xi, in red envelopes from their elders. This gesture symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the coming year. It is also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, as families put aside any conflicts or disputes, embracing the spirit of unity and renewal.

The Kitchen Becomes a Haven of Culinary Delights

No celebration in Vietnam is complete without a feast, and Tet is no exception. The kitchen becomes a bustling hub of activity, filled with aromas of traditional dishes being prepared with love and care. Families spend days meticulously crafting delicacies such as banh chung (sticky rice cake), nem (spring rolls), and xoi (sticky rice) to offer during ancestral worship and share with guests.

Each dish holds symbolic meaning, representing wishes for abundance, prosperity, and longevity. For example, banh chung symbolizes the Earth, while nem represents the Sky. These offerings are believed to bring good fortune and blessings to both the living and the deceased.

Welcoming the Kitchen God

One unique tradition during Tet is the ritual of bidden farewell to the Kitchen God, or Ong Tao, on the 23rd day of the last lunar month. It is believed that the Kitchen God will return to heaven to report on the family's actions over the past year. To ensure a favorable report, families offer him a sumptuous feast before he departs, hoping for a prosperous year ahead.

Tet Customs and Superstitions

Tet is also a time when various customs and superstitions are observed. For instance, cleaning the house before New Year's Day is believed to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. However, sweeping during the first three days of the New Year is considered taboo, as it might sweep away the good luck that has just arrived.

Fireworks and firecrackers are commonly used to ward off evil spirits and bring joy and prosperity. The loud bangs and colorful explosions fill the night sky, creating a festive atmosphere that engulfs the entire country.

Vietnam New Year 2017: Key Information

Date	January 28th, 2017
Duration	3 days
Customs	Family reunions Ancestral worship Offering lucky money Preparing traditional dishes Welcoming and bidding farewell to the Kitchen God
Beliefs	Cleaning the house before New Year's Day Avoiding sweeping during the first three days Fireworks to ward off evil spirits

Dear blog visitors,

As we bid farewell to the year 2016, Vietnam gears up to welcome the vibrant and joyous New Year of 2017. With its rich traditions and cultural heritage, the Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet, is a time of immense celebration and reflection for the Vietnamese people. It is a time when families come together, streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and the air is filled with the sound of laughter and fireworks.

First and foremost, Tet is a time for family reunions. Vietnamese people, no matter where they are in the world, make a special effort to return home to their loved ones during this auspicious time. The atmosphere is filled with warmth and love as families gather to pay respects to their ancestors and share traditional meals together. Generations come together, with elders passing on wisdom and stories to the younger members of the family. It is a time of bonding and strengthening family ties, which lies at the heart of Vietnamese culture.

Furthermore, Tet is a time for spiritual reflection and gratitude. Vietnamese people visit temples and pagodas to pray for good fortune and offer prayers of thanks for the past year's blessings. They seek guidance from spiritual leaders and hope for a prosperous year ahead. The streets come alive with vibrant displays of flowers and lanterns, symbolizing luck and prosperity. The cityscape is transformed into a spectacle of lights and colors, creating an enchanting atmosphere that cannot be missed.

In conclusion, Vietnam New Year 2017 is a time of joy, love, and reflection. It is a time to cherish the importance of family and to express gratitude for the blessings received. The Vietnamese people eagerly await the arrival of the New Year, ready to embrace its promises and embark on new beginnings. So, whether you are a local or a visitor to Vietnam, immerse yourself in the festivities, indulge in the traditional delicacies, and witness the magic of Tet unfold before your eyes. Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year!