Traditional Activities To Experience During Vietnam Family Holidays

Tet, or the Lunar New Year, is the most cherished celebration in Vietnam, making it the perfect time for memorable Vietnam family holidays. This festive season is all about reconnecting with loved ones and honoring traditions. Join us as we explore the rich customs and vibrant activities that make Tet a genuinely unforgettable time for families visiting this beautiful country!

Activities Taking Place During The Tet Holiday

Spring Cleaning

For Vietnamese people, spring cleaning is more than just tidying up—it’s a way to welcome good fortune and let go of the past year’s troubles. Families clean and decorate their homes to create a fresh, inviting space for the new year. This practice is deeply rooted in the belief that a clean home attracts prosperity, health, and happiness.

Many also see it as a meaningful way to honor ancestors, ensuring their altars are spotless and adorned with fresh offerings. So, before Tet, spring cleaning becomes a joyful tradition that brings everyone together, preparing for a fresh start with hope and positivity.

Decorating House

Decorating the house is a way for families to create a warm, festive atmosphere and welcome good fortune into their homes. Popular decorations include red and gold ornaments, symbolizing luck and prosperity, and vibrant flowers like peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and marigolds, representing renewal and happiness.

Families also refresh their ancestor altars with fresh offerings and incense to show respect. This tradition reflects the importance of mentally and physically preparing for a new beginning. During Vietnam family holidays like Tet, house decorating becomes a joyful activity, bringing loved ones together to celebrate and share in the festive spirit.

Preparing Traditional Cuisine

Preparing traditional cuisine is a beloved activity on this very special occasion. Cooking unique dishes like “banh chung” (square sticky rice cake) or “banh tet” is not just about making food—it’s a way to preserve culture and family bonds. These dishes symbolize gratitude and prosperity, and their preparation often involves the whole family, with older members sharing recipes and stories while younger ones help out.

Traditional Tet meals also include pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and candied fruits, all thoughtfully prepared to offer balance and blessings for the year ahead. This shared experience in the kitchen adds warmth and togetherness, making it a highlight of Vietnam family holidays.

Worshiping the Ancestors

Worshiping ancestors is a deeply rooted tradition here! This practice reflects the Vietnamese value of filial piety and gratitude toward those who came before. Families prepare altars with offerings like fruits, flowers, and traditional dishes to honor their ancestors and invite their spirits to join the celebration.

Lighting incense and praying are everyday rituals to express respect and seek blessings. This tradition is spiritual and a way to bring family members closer as they gather to remember their roots. It’s a beautiful, meaningful part of local families that highlights love and connection across generations.

Watching Fireworks

Fireworks symbolize joy, prosperity, and the excitement of a fresh start. They are typically set off at midnight on New Year’s Eve to mark the transition into the new year, accompanied by cheers and festive celebrations.

Major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang host spectacular displays at iconic locations such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or along the Han River. Watching fireworks with loved ones is a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit, making it a highlight of your Vietnam family holidays during Tet.

Receiving Lucky Money

Receiving lucky money, or “lì xì,” is a cherished local tradition. Elders give red envelopes containing money to children and younger members to symbolize good luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead. The red color of the envelope represents happiness and fortune.

It’s not just about the money but also about sharing blessings and strengthening family bonds. This heartwarming tradition brings smiles to everyone and is one of the most anticipated moments of Tet, adding a festive and meaningful touch to the celebration.

Visiting Pagodas And Temples

This long-standing tradition is a way for people to pray for peace, health, and prosperity in the coming year. Families often visit together, lighting incense and making offerings to deities or Buddha as a gesture of gratitude and hope.

This practice also reflects the local belief in spirituality and the importance of harmony in life. Popular temples and pagodas, such as Hanoi’s Tran Quoc Pagoda or Hue’s Thien Mu Pagoda, have become vibrant with visitors. It’s a meaningful activity, blending cultural heritage with moments of reflection.

Receiving Calligraphy

Receiving calligraphy is a beautiful and meaningful tradition. Often written on red or yellow paper, calligraphy carries wishes for prosperity, happiness, and success. Traditionally, people visit calligraphy masters to request meaningful words or phrases, which are displayed in homes as blessings for the new year.

This practice reflects the local appreciation for knowledge, culture, and aesthetics. It also adds a cultural and spiritual touch to the festivities, making it a treasured part of Tet traditions.

Playing Cards And Bingo

Playing cards and “lo to” (a Vietnamese version of bingo) is a must for every local in this country. These games bring relatives and friends together in a lively, festive atmosphere. They’re not just for fun—playing cards and bingo are believed to invite good luck and fortune in the new year.

Small bets often add excitement but are kept lighthearted to keep the focus on bonding and enjoyment. Whether at home or in community gatherings, these games create laughter and cherished memories during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

In Summary

As you can see, Tet is filled with vibrant traditions that unite families, making it the perfect time for your Vietnam family holidays. So, if you’re planning to visit Vietnam during Tet, get ready to experience a holiday full of warmth, joy, and cultural richness. It’s an experience you’ll treasure for years to come!

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