Experience the Vibrant Festivities of Vietnam New Year 2017: Customs, Traditions, and Celebrations

Celebrate Vietnam New Year 2017 with fireworks, dragon dances, and traditional feasts. Discover the rich culture and beauty of this festive season.

It's that time of the year again when the streets of Vietnam come alive with stunning colors and vibrant sounds. The Tet holiday, also known as the Vietnamese New Year, is the biggest and most important celebration in the country. As the clock strikes midnight on January 28, 2017, millions of people across Vietnam will welcome the Year of the Rooster with fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and lots of delicious food.

But before we delve into the festivities, let's talk about the preparations. One of the most interesting things about Tet is the tradition of cleaning the house. Vietnamese families believe that sweeping the floor and throwing away old items will sweep away bad luck and make space for good fortune to enter the home. So, if you're planning to visit Vietnam during Tet, don't be surprised to see people scrubbing their floors and washing their curtains with utmost diligence.

Another exciting aspect of Tet is the food. Vietnamese cuisine is already famous for its bold flavors and exotic ingredients, but during Tet, it reaches a whole new level. From sticky rice cakes (banh chung) to candied fruits and pickled vegetables, the Tet table is a feast for the senses. And let's not forget the ubiquitous roasted pig, which is considered a symbol of wealth and abundance.

If you're in Vietnam during Tet, you'll also get to witness some unique customs and rituals. For instance, on the first day of the lunar year, it's believed that whatever you do will determine your luck for the rest of the year. That's why many Vietnamese people avoid arguing, crying, or breaking things on this day. Instead, they try to do something auspicious, like visiting a temple or giving gifts to children.

Of course, no New Year celebration is complete without fireworks, and Tet is no exception. In fact, the Vietnamese government has allocated a whopping 1.5 million USD for this year's fireworks display, which will take place in 15 locations across the country. So, if you want to witness a pyrotechnic extravaganza that will light up the sky and your heart, head to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi or Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh City.

But perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of Tet is the reunion of families. Many Vietnamese people work far from their hometowns, so they use Tet as an opportunity to travel back and spend time with their loved ones. From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone comes together to eat, drink, play games, and share stories. It's a time of laughter, tears, and reminiscing, and it's one of the most cherished traditions in Vietnam.

And let's not forget the fashion! During Tet, Vietnamese people love to dress up in new clothes that represent their hopes and aspirations for the New Year. Women wear ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress, while men opt for suits or smart casual outfits. Children, too, get to choose their own outfits, often featuring cute animal motifs to welcome the Year of the Rooster.

Speaking of roosters, did you know that each year in the Vietnamese zodiac cycle is represented by an animal? The rooster is the tenth animal in the cycle, and is believed to symbolize honesty, confidence, and hard work. So, if you were born in the Year of the Rooster (which includes 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, and 2005), you're in luck – this year is said to be especially auspicious for you.

Now that you know all about the customs, food, fashion, and symbolism of Tet, it's time to experience it for yourself. Whether you're a foreign visitor or a local resident, Tet is a time of joy, unity, and optimism. So, eat, drink, laugh, and make the most of this special holiday. Chuc mung nam moi! (Happy New Year!)

Introduction

It's that time of the year again, folks! The Vietnamese New Year, known as Tet, is just around the corner. With all the preparations underway, I thought I'd give you a humorous rundown of what you can expect during this festive season.

The Cleaning Frenzy

Before Tet, Vietnamese people go into a cleaning frenzy, and I mean it. Every nook and cranny of the house must be spotless. Even the walls get a good scrubbing. It's like the whole country has turned into Monica from Friends. If you don't get your cleaning game on, you'll be judged by all your neighbors and relatives.

The Food Coma

Tet is a time for feasting, and boy do the Vietnamese know how to feast. There's an endless array of food, from sticky rice cakes to braised pork belly. You'll eat so much that you'll slip into a food coma and won't wake up until the next day. But hey, it's all part of the fun, right?

The Red Envelopes

One of the most exciting things about Tet is receiving red envelopes filled with money. It's tradition for adults to give children and unmarried young adults these envelopes for good luck. You might even get some from your boss or coworkers if you're lucky. Just don't spend it all in one place!

The Fireworks Show

Tet wouldn't be complete without a fireworks show. Vietnamese people go all out when it comes to fireworks. It's like a competition to see who can make the loudest and brightest display. Be prepared for a few sleepless nights if you're living in a residential area.

The Traffic Nightmare

If you're planning to travel during Tet, be prepared for a traffic nightmare. Everyone is on the move, going back to their hometowns to celebrate with family. The highways are packed, and it can take hours just to go a few miles. It's like rush hour on steroids.

The Temple Visits

During Tet, it's common for Vietnamese people to visit temples and pagodas to pray for good luck and prosperity. You'll see people burning incense, making offerings, and bowing to statues of Buddha. It's a beautiful sight, even if you're not religious.

The Karaoke Sessions

Karaoke is a big part of Vietnamese culture, and Tet is no exception. You'll find karaoke machines in every household, and people will sing their hearts out until the wee hours of the morning. Just don't be surprised if someone busts out a Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey song.

The Drinking Games

Vietnamese people love to drink, and Tet is the perfect excuse to get drunk with friends and family. There are plenty of drinking games to keep everyone entertained, from the classic bottoms up to the more elaborate beer pong. Just make sure you don't overdo it, or you'll end up with a killer hangover.

The Family Reunions

At the heart of Tet is the idea of family reunions. Vietnamese people place great importance on family, and Tet is a time for everyone to come together to celebrate. It's a time to catch up with relatives you haven't seen in a while and to create new memories with loved ones.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. A humorous rundown of what you can expect during the Vietnamese New Year. It's a time for cleaning, feasting, fireworks, karaoke, and family reunions. Embrace the chaos, enjoy the festivities, and have a happy Tet!

Vietnam New Year 2017: A Feast for the Senses

Food, glorious food! If you're celebrating Vietnam New Year 2017, you'd better come with an empty stomach. This holiday is all about eating. And when we say all about eating, we mean ALL about eating. You'll find endless bowls of pho, mountains of sticky rice, and enough banh chung to feed an army. And don't even get us started on the desserts. You might gain a few pounds, but hey, it's the holidays.

Tet is the new Christmas

If you're used to celebrating Christmas, Tet might give you a bit of déjà vu. You've got the festive decorations, the gift-giving, and of course, the delicious food. The only thing missing is Santa Claus, but we're pretty sure Tet still has him beat when it comes to culinary delights.

Family time, whether you like it or not

Yes, we know family time can be tough. But during Tet, it's mandatory. Whether you're ready to bond with your relatives or not, you'll be expected to spend time with the fam. Just be prepared for the inevitable questions about your love life, career, and why you're not married yet.

Karaoke is king

If you're not into family bonding (or you need a break), head to the nearest karaoke bar. Karaoke is a Tet tradition, and it's serious business. You'll find singers of all ages belting out tunes in every key imaginable. Whether you're a Beyonce wannabe or a Frank Sinatra aficionado, there's a song for you.

Fireworks, fireworks, and more fireworks

Fireworks are an essential part of the Tet celebration. You'll see them lighting up the sky well before midnight on New Year's Eve, and for days after. It's a beautiful sight, unless you're trying to sleep. Then it's just a noisy annoyance.

Red and gold everywhere

If you're a fan of the color red, you're in luck. It's the color of Tet, along with gold. You'll see those hues everywhere, from the decorations to the clothing to the lucky money envelopes. Just be sure not to wear black, which is considered bad luck.

The traffic is insane

Be prepared for some traffic headaches during Tet. Everyone is on the move, visiting family and friends, and that means the roads are packed. It's all part of the holiday charm, right?

Lucky money time

Get ready to receive (and give) lucky money. It's a traditional gift during Tet, and it's always appreciated. Just don't be greedy – the amount you receive depends on your age and your relationship to the giver. So if your 75-year-old grandma hands you a few bucks, don't complain.

Cleaning fever

Before Tet, everyone's in a cleaning frenzy. Homes are scrubbed from top to bottom, and even the streets get a good scrubbing. It's all about sweeping out the old year and making way for the new. Just don't forget to take a break and enjoy some banh chung.

Tet is a time for reflection

Amid all the festivities, remember that Tet is a time for reflection and gratitude. It's a chance to honor ancestors and contemplate the year gone by. So take a moment to appreciate all that you have, and to set some intentions for the new year. And then get back to eating.

Overall, Vietnam New Year 2017 is a feast for the senses. From the mouth-watering food to the colorful decorations, there's something for everyone. So embrace the chaos, enjoy the company of loved ones, and indulge in all that Tet has to offer. Happy New Year!

Vietnam New Year 2017: A Humorous Perspective

The Festivities

It was the Year of the Rooster and Vietnam was buzzing with excitement. The streets were lined with colorful decorations and the air was filled with the sound of firecrackers. Everyone was getting ready for the most important holiday of the year - Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet.

As I walked through the bustling streets of Hanoi, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of people buying flowers, fruits, and other traditional items for their homes. The atmosphere was infectious, and even I, an outsider, felt a sense of belonging.

On New Year's Eve, families gathered around their dinner tables to enjoy a feast of traditional dishes such as bánh chưng (sticky rice cake) and nem (spring rolls). It was a time for celebration and reflection, a time to honor ancestors and welcome the new year with open arms.

The Customs

One of the most interesting customs I observed was the act of giving lucky money to children. It is believed that this will bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.

I also learned that it is customary to clean your house before Tet to get rid of any bad luck or negative energy from the previous year. And on the first day of Tet, it is important to wear new clothes and avoid sweeping or throwing away anything, as it is said to symbolize throwing away good luck.

The Food

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh, the food! From the savory dishes to the sweet treats, Tet was a gastronomic delight.

My personal favorite was the bánh tét, a cylindrical glutinous rice cake filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves. It was hearty, flavorful, and oh so satisfying.

And who could forget about the sweet treats? From candied fruits to coconut cakes, my sweet tooth was in heaven.

The Conclusion

All in all, Vietnam New Year 2017 was a memorable experience. The festivities, customs, and food all came together to create a truly unique and special celebration.

As I reflect on my time in Vietnam, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such a vibrant culture and to be a part of their most important holiday.

Tet Nguyen Dan may only come once a year, but its spirit and tradition will stay with me forever.

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Keywords: Vietnam New Year, Tet Nguyen Dan, Year of the Rooster, traditional dishes, lucky money, bánh tét, candied fruits, coconut cakes

Happy New Year from Vietnam!

Well, folks, it’s that time of year again – the Lunar New Year, or as we like to call it here in Vietnam, Tết Nguyên Đán. It’s a time for family, food, and festivities, and let me tell you, the Vietnamese know how to celebrate.

Now, I could give you a rundown of all the traditional customs and rituals associated with Tết, but let’s be real – you can find that information anywhere. Instead, I’m going to share some of my personal observations and experiences from my time here in Vietnam during this special holiday.

First of all, let’s talk about the food. Oh my goodness, the food. Tết is a time when families prepare elaborate feasts, often featuring traditional dishes such as bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), thịt kho (braised pork), and chả giò (spring rolls). But it’s not just the food itself that’s impressive – it’s the sheer quantity of it. I’ve never seen so much food in one place in my life. And the best part? You’re expected to eat as much as possible. It’s like Thanksgiving on steroids.

Of course, with all that eating comes a lot of drinking. And by “drinking,” I mean drinking copious amounts of alcohol. Beer, wine, rice wine – you name it, they’re drinking it. And let me tell you, the Vietnamese can hold their liquor. I’ve seen some impressive feats of drinking during Tết, and I’m not just talking about the men. The women can throw back a few shots of rice wine like it’s nothing. Respect.

But Tết isn’t just about food and drink – it’s also about family. And when I say family, I don’t just mean your immediate family. I mean your entire extended family, plus your neighbors, your coworkers, and anyone else you might know. Tết is a time for visiting and catching up with everyone you’ve ever met. And if you’re a foreigner like me, get ready for some serious attention. People will want to talk to you, take pictures with you, and feed you until you can’t move. It’s all in good fun, though.

One of my favorite things about Tết is the decorations. Everywhere you go, you’ll see bright red and gold banners, lanterns, and flowers. It’s like Christmas, but on steroids. And it’s not just the public spaces that are decorated – people decorate their homes and businesses too. I’ve seen some seriously impressive displays, including one house that had a giant dragon made out of flowers in the front yard. Talk about commitment.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fireworks. Oh, the fireworks. Let me tell you, the Vietnamese love their fireworks. And I’m not talking about a few measly sparklers – I’m talking about full-on, professional-grade fireworks displays. The kind that make your ears ring and your heart race. The kind that make you feel like you’re in the middle of a war zone. The kind that make you wonder how anyone could possibly sleep through all that noise. But somehow, they do.

So there you have it, folks – my brief (okay, not so brief) overview of Tết in Vietnam. If you ever have the chance to experience it for yourself, I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to eat a lot, drink a lot, and make a lot of new friends. Happy New Year!