As the lunar calendar approaches the dawn of a new year, Vietnam eagerly prepares to usher in Tet Nguyen Dan, the vibrant and culturally rich Vietnamese New Year. In the year 2024, Tet promises to be a tapestry of tradition, family reunions, and festive celebrations. Join us on a journey to explore all aspects of Tet Nguyen Dan 2024, from the symbolic rituals on Tet Eve to the joyful reunions with family and friends during the following days.
WHAT AND WHEN IS VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR 2024?
Vietnamese New Year, called Tet, is a very special celebration in Vietnam. It doesn’t have a fixed date like our New Year; instead, it changes each year, usually happening in late January or sometime in February.
Tet lasts for about a week, starting from the last day of the old year to the first three days of the new year. It’s a time when families come together, clean and decorate their homes, and cook special foods. People also visit friends and family, give and receive lucky money, and wish each other well for the upcoming year.
According to the lunar calendar, the 30th day of Tet in 2024 will fall on a Friday, February 9, 2024, and the 1st day of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon (Giáp Thìn), will be on Saturday, February 10, 2024. In the Year of the Dragon, Giáp Thìn, it will begin on February 10, 2024, and end on January 28, 2025, in the Gregorian calendar.
Tet is all about starting fresh, and it’s a happy time filled with traditions and celebrations.
THE STORY BEHIND THE CELEBRATION OF VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR
Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, is the biggest celebration in Vietnam. The story behind Tet is a mix of legends and historical traditions.
Family Reunion Legend behind Vietnamese New Year Celebration:
- Long ago, a mom in Vietnam had 100 kids. Half went with their dad to the sea, and the other half stayed in the mountains with their mom. Tet is like a party to remember when these brothers and sisters reunited.
Farmers and New Year:
- Tet also connects to farming and the lunar calendar. It says bye to winter and hello to spring, getting ready for a new year of planting crops.
Respecting Ancestors - Vietnamese New Year:
- During Tet, families visit where their ancestors are buried. They clean and decorate the graves to show love and thanks to their family from the past.
Kitchen God Tradition:
- Before Tet, families do a special thing for the Kitchen God, who watches over them. They give him gifts to make sure he tells the gods in heaven good things about the family.
Fresh Start with a Vietnamese New Year:
- Tet is like hitting the refresh button. People clean their houses super well, pay off debts, and fix any problems to start the new year with good luck.
Fun Celebrations:
- Tet is not just serious stuff. People have lots of fun, making special foods, doing dances with dragons and lions, and lighting up the sky with fireworks. It’s a big party that brings joy to everyone.
Tet is a time for family, happiness, and hopes for a great year ahead. It’s a big deal in Vietnam, and everyone comes together to celebrate.
