Happy Lunar New Year! Or as we say in Vietnam, Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! This is one of the most exciting times of the year in Vietnam, filled with vibrant traditions, delicious food, and joyful celebrations. Whether you’re in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or anywhere else in the country, the Lunar New Year (or Tết) is a time for family, luck, and new beginnings.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the magic of Tết, from the iconic peach blossoms to the mouthwatering dishes and the fascinating 10-day celebration. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to find free, copyright-free images to make your blog post pop. Let’s get started!
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Peach Blossoms: The Symbol of Tết

When you think of Tết, one of the first things that comes to mind is the beautiful peach blossoms (hoa đào). In Northern Vietnam, these delicate pink flowers are a must-have decoration during the Lunar New Year. They symbolize growth, prosperity, and good luck for the coming year.
- Why Peach Blossoms?
In Vietnamese culture, the pink hue of peach blossoms represents vitality and new beginnings. Families often place a branch or a whole tree in their homes to welcome positive energy and ward off bad luck.
- Where to Find Them:
If you’re in Hanoi, head to the Quang Ba Flower Market (near West Lake) to see rows of peach blossoms and other festive flowers. It’s a feast for the eyes and a great spot for photos!
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Tết Food: A Feast for the Senses
No Tết celebration is complete without an abundance of delicious food. Here are some traditional dishes you’ll find on every Vietnamese table during this time:

1. Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét
These sticky rice cakes are the stars of Tết. Bánh Chưng (square-shaped) is popular in the North, while Bánh Tét (cylindrical) is a Southern favorite. Both are filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed for hours.
2. Gio Lua (Vietnamese Pork Sausage)
This lean, savory sausage is thinly sliced and served with pickled vegetables and bánh chưng. It’s a must-have for any Tết meal.
3. Mut (Candied Fruits and Nuts)
These sweet treats are served in colorful trays and symbolize the sweetness of life. Popular options include candied ginger, coconut, and lotus seeds.
4. Xoi Gac (Red Sticky Rice)
Made with gac fruit, this vibrant red dish symbolizes luck and happiness. It’s often served as a dessert or snack during Tết.
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The 10 Days of Tết: What Happens Each Day
Tết isn’t just a one-day celebration—it’s a 10-day festival filled with meaningful traditions. Here’s a breakdown of what happens each day:
1. Day 1: Family Reunions
The first day is all about family. People visit their parents, grandparents, and relatives to exchange blessings and enjoy a big feast together.
2. Day 2: Visiting Friends
On the second day, people visit friends and neighbors to wish them good fortune and happiness for the new year.
3. Day 3: Teacher Appreciation
Students visit their teachers to show gratitude and respect. It’s a day to honor education and mentorship.
4. Day 4: Ancestral Worship
Families visit temples and pagodas to pray for their ancestors and ask for blessings.
5. Day 5: Business Blessings
Shop owners and businesses reopen after the holiday, often with a small ceremony to attract prosperity.
6. Day 6: Spring Festivals
Many communities host festivals with traditional games, music, and dancing. It’s a day to celebrate the arrival of spring.
7. Day 7: Human Day
Known as “Ngày Nhân,” this day celebrates the creation of humanity. People often eat a special dish called “thịt kho hột vịt” (braised pork with duck eggs).
8. Day 8: Rice Harvest Celebration
Farmers give thanks for a bountiful harvest and pray for a prosperous year ahead.
9. Day 9: Lantern Festival
In some regions, people release lanterns into the sky or rivers to symbolize letting go of the past and welcoming the future.
10. Day 10: Farewell to Tết
The final day marks the end of the celebrations. Families gather for one last meal and prepare to return to their daily routines.
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Tết Traditions: Red Envelopes and More
- Lì Xì (Red Envelopes):
One of the most exciting traditions for kids (and adults!) is receiving red envelopes filled with lucky money. These envelopes, called “lì xì,” are given by elders to wish good luck and prosperity for the new year.
- Spring Cleaning:
Before Tết, families clean their homes from top to bottom to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
- First Footing:
The first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring luck for the year. Families often invite someone they consider lucky to be their “first footer.”
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Conclusion: Embrace the Magic of Tết
Tết is more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of family, culture, and new beginnings. From the stunning peach blossoms to the delicious food and heartfelt traditions, there’s so much to love about this special time of year.
We hope this guide inspires you to celebrate Tết like a local, whether you’re in Vietnam or abroad. What’s your favorite Tết tradition or dish? Share your stories and photos in the comments below!
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Share your favorite Tết memories or traditions!
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