Tet Festival
Introduction
The Tet Festival is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year. Officially known as "Tết Nguyên Đán", it is an occasion for Vietnamese people to express their respect and remembrance for their ancestors as well as welcoming the New Year with their families. It also reflects many aspects of the Vietnamese culture, such as customs, values, and beliefs.
Etymology
The term "Tết" is a shortened form of "Tết Nguyên Đán", which is Sino-Vietnamese for "Feast of the First Morning of the First Day". The festival is usually referred to as "Tết", except in formal contexts.
History
The origins of the Tet Festival can be traced back to ancient times. It is believed to have been influenced by the Chinese Lunar New Year due to the cultural exchange between the two nations over centuries. However, the Vietnamese have developed their own unique traditions and customs associated with Tet.
Customs and Traditions
The Tet Festival is rich in customs and traditions that reflect the Vietnamese culture and beliefs. Some of the most common customs include:
Preparing for Tet
Preparations for Tet start at least a week before the New Year's Day. This is a busy time for Vietnamese people as they clean their homes, prepare special holiday foods, and shop for new clothes. The idea is to get rid of the old year's bad fortunes and welcome the New Year with a fresh start.
Food
Food plays a crucial role in the Tet Festival. Some of the traditional foods prepared during Tet include Bánh chưng (rice cake), Giò lụa (Vietnamese sausage), Xôi gấc (red sticky rice), and various kinds of pickled vegetables. These foods are not only enjoyed during the festival but also offered to the ancestors' altars.
Ancestor Worship
Ancestor worship is an important part of the Tet Festival. Vietnamese people believe that their ancestors return to their homes on New Year's Eve, and they prepare a special meal to welcome them. This meal is placed on the ancestors' altars, along with incense sticks.
Lì xì
Lì xì is a custom of giving money as a New Year's gift. The money is usually kept in a red envelope and given to children and the elderly as a wish for their health and good luck in the New Year.
Significance
The Tet Festival is not just a time for family reunions and feasts. It is also a time for people to reflect on the past year and look forward to the New Year with hope and optimism. It is a time for self-improvement, forgiveness, and love.
Modern Celebrations
In recent years, the Tet Festival has seen some changes due to the influence of Western culture and the changing lifestyle of the Vietnamese people. However, the essence of Tet remains the same, with a focus on family, respect for ancestors, and the hope for a prosperous and happy New Year.