Discover When Vietnamese New Year 2016 Begins: Dates and Traditions

Are you planning to visit Vietnam or want to know more about their culture? Then, don't miss out on the joyous celebration of the Vietnamese New Year – Tết Nguyên Đán!

If you're wondering when is Vietnamese New Year 2016, mark your calendar for February 8th. This day marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by many Asian countries.

But why should you care about this holiday? Well, first off, it's the most significant festival in Vietnam. Imagine Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Eve all rolled into one big celebration that lasts for days!

The Vietnamese prepare for Tết Nguyên Đán weeks in advance. They clean and decorate their homes with flowers and decorations, buy new clothes, and stock up on food and drinks for family gatherings. It's a time for reunions and honoring ancestors.

Did you know that the Tet holiday lasts for 7 days in Vietnam? Imagine having a week-long break from work or school to spend time with loved ones and feast on delicious Vietnamese dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake) and chả giò (spring rolls).

In addition to the traditional customs, more modern practices have become popular in recent years. For example, many Vietnamese people now send e-cards and messages to their friends and family instead of giving traditional lucky money envelopes (li xi).

Another interesting aspect of Vietnamese New Year is the superstitions surrounding it. People believe that what they do during Tet affects their luck throughout the year. For example, cleaning during the first day of Tet is forbidden as it's believed to sweep away good luck.

To sum it up, Vietnamese New Year 2016 is a colorful and festive holiday that you should experience at least once in your life. So, if you're lucky enough to be in Vietnam during this time, don't hesitate to join in the celebrations and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Vietnam.

Don't forget to try the traditional dishes, buy souvenirs, and enjoy the fireworks display on New Year's Eve. Vietnamese people are known for their hospitality, so you'll surely feel like part of the family during this joyous occasion!

In conclusion, learning about other cultures and their celebrations is an enriching experience that broadens our horizons. Understanding the significance and customs of holidays like Vietnamese New Year allows us to connect with others and appreciate the diversity of our world.

So, if you want to learn more about Tết Nguyên Đán or other cultural celebrations, keep an open mind and explore new perspectives. Who knows, you might discover something that speaks to your soul!

"When Is Vietnamese New Year 2016" ~ bbaz

Introduction

Vietnamese New Year is one of the most important and biggest celebrations in the country. It is a time where families and friends gather together, eat traditional Vietnamese food, and wish each other good luck for the coming year. Tet Nguyen Dan or Tet holiday takes place annually at the turn of the lunar calendar and usually falls in late January or early February. In 2016, the Tet holiday will begin on February 8th, and here’s all you need to know about the celebrations.

What is Vietnamese New Year?

Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, is the country's celebration of the lunar new year. The dates vary each year as it follows the lunar calendar, but it typically begins in late January or early February. This is the most important public holiday in Vietnam, where people go back to their hometowns and spend time with their families, visit relatives and friends, and clean and decorate their homes.

When does the Celebration start?

The celebrations usually last seven days, with the first day called Tet Nguyen Dan. However, some people begin preparing weeks in advance by buying souvenirs, new clothes, and decorations for their homes. The week preceding Tet is a frenzy of activity with shopping, cleaning, cooking, and visiting people to exchange New Year wishes.

How do people Celebrate Vietnamese New Year?

There are many significant traditions one should observe during Tet, such as Ong Tao, Lì Xì, Tet flowers and paying respects to ancestors. People also buy apricot blossoms, peach blossoms or kumquat trees, which symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness. There's a lot of traditional food to indulge in, with desserts like Banh Chung (square glutinous rice cake) and Banh Tet (round glutinous rice cake) being the most popular. Fireworks are also a big part of the celebrations, and families light them at midnight on the first day of Tet to ward off evil spirits.

What is the Tet Parade?

The Tet Parade is one of the many parties in which Vietnam celebrates its New Year. It is filled with live music, vibrant floats, and traditional dancing that has its roots in Vietnamese culture.

Where is the Best Place to Celebrate Tet in Vietnam?

There really is no one 'right' place to celebrate Tet as each city and town will have its traditions and ways of celebrating. However, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places to experience Tet as it draws visitors from across the country and has some unique events and customs. The vibrant streets adorned with blossoms and decorations make the city one of the most beautiful places during this time.

Conclusion

Vietnamese New Year is a time of celebration, friendship, and reflection. It is a festival that showcases its rich culture and traditions. If you're ever in Vietnam during Tet, be prepared to join the locals in their joyous celebration of life, eat some delicious food, and witness some incredible displays of firework. Have a Happy Tet!

When Is Vietnamese New Year 2016 - A Comparison Blog Article

Introduction

Vietnamese New Year, commonly known as Tết, is the most important and celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It is the time for family gathering, special meals, and spiritual rituals aimed at bringing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. In this article, we will compare and contrast the different aspects of Tết 2016 based on regional customs, date, and traditions.

Timing

Lunar Calendar

Vietnamese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which means the exact date varies every year. In 2016, Tết falls on February 8th, marking the beginning of the Year of the Monkey. The lunar new year celebration typically lasts for three days, but the preparation and rituals can take up to a month before the actual holiday.

Comparison with Western Calendar

Tết in 2016 is approximately four weeks earlier than in 2015 due to the differences between the lunar and western calendars. However, some regions in Vietnam celebrate Tết on different dates based on their local customs or beliefs. For example, those living in central Vietnam may celebrate Tết one day before others in the north or south.

Traditions and Customs

Cleaning and Decoration

Before Tết, Vietnamese people often clean and decorate their homes to welcome the new year and get rid of bad luck. They hang red banners with cheerful phrases, display peach blossoms and kumquat trees, and arrange offerings to ancestors on the family altar. It is also customary to buy new clothes, especially red ones, which symbolize good luck.

Food and Drinks

Tết is a time for feasting and indulgence, with many traditional dishes and drinks that are only served during the holiday. Sticky rice cake (bánh chưng or bánh tét), pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and various kinds of sweets are among the most popular food items. Vietnamese people also drink rice wine (rượu) and smoke water pipes (điếu cày) as part of their Tết celebration.

Visiting and Gifting

During Tết, it is customary to pay visits to relatives, friends, and acquaintances, in order to exchange greetings, wishes, and gifts. Red envelopes containing money (li xi) are given to children, unmarried adults, and employees by their bosses. The amount of money varies depending on the giver's relationship with the receiver and the quality of the envelope design.

Rituals and Beliefs

Tết is not only a social event but also a spiritual one, with many rituals and beliefs associated with it. Vietnamese people believe that what you do on Tết will have an impact on your fortunes for the whole year. Therefore, they often perform special rituals such as worshipping the Kitchen God, lighting incense sticks, or burning fake money. These rituals are meant to appease the gods and honor the ancestors, who are believed to bring blessings and protection.

Regional Differences

Northern Tết

Tết celebrations in northern Vietnam tend to be more traditional and solemn compared to other regions. People here value simplicity and modesty, and often emphasize the role of family reunion. The most famous Tết flower in this area is the peach blossom, which is believed to bring hospitality, generosity, and longevity.

Central Tết

In central Vietnam, Tết is often marked by more lively and colorful activities, such as parades, dragon dances, and singing contests. People here tend to be more superstitious and practice more elaborate rituals, especially those related to mythical creatures such as the Kitchen God or the God of Wealth. The traditional Tết flower in this area is the marigold, which represents wealth and prosperity.

Southern Tết

Tết in southern Vietnam is relatively more modern and dynamic than in other regions, reflecting the urban lifestyle and cosmopolitan culture. People here are more open-minded and diverse, often blending traditional customs with Western trends. The most popular Tết flower in this area is the apricot blossom, which symbolizes happiness, luck, and love.

Conclusion

In summary, Vietnamese New Year 2016 is an occasion for joy, reunion, and hope not only for Vietnamese people but also for anyone who wants to experience a rich and vibrant culture. Despite its regional variations, Tết reflects the unity and diversity of the nation, and showcases the timeless values of faith, family, and community. Whether you are in Hanoi, Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City, Tết will surely leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions.

When Is Vietnamese New Year 2016?

Introduction

Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is one of the most important celebrations in the Vietnamese culture. It is celebrated on the first day of the Lunar New Year and this year 2016, it falls on February 8th.

The Significance of Vietnamese New Year

Tet Nguyen Dan is significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it’s an opportunity for Vietnamese people to celebrate the arrival of spring and new beginnings. It’s also a time when families come together to spend quality time with one another, to honor their ancestors, and to pay respects to the gods hoping for a prosperous year ahead.

The Preparation Period

The preparation for Tet Nguyen Dan can take weeks, and it usually involves cleaning the house and decorating it with red and gold, which are considered to be lucky colors. People also stock up on food and other household items, so they don’t have to leave the house during the New Year period, as it’s believed to be unlucky to do so.

The Food During Tet Nguyen Dan

Vietnamese cuisine plays a significant role during the holiday, with families and friends gathering around the table to share special dishes like banh chung, sticky rice cakes filled with pork and mung beans, and bo kho, a hearty beef stew served with bread.

Activities During Tet Nguyen Dan

During Tet Nguyen Dan, there are many traditional activities that Vietnamese people participate in. One common activity is visiting temples or pagodas to pray for good luck and fortune. The streets are also filled with colorful dragon dances and fireworks displays.

The Gifting Culture of Tet Nguyen Dan

Like many other festive occasions, Tet Nguyen Dan is also a time for gifting. Children usually receive a red envelope called li xi, which contains lucky money from their elders. It’s also common practice for adults to gift friends and family with flowers, fruits, and traditional foods.

Celebrating Tet Nguyen Dan Overseas

Tet Nguyen Dan is celebrated not only in Vietnam but also in other countries worldwide where there are Vietnamese communities. In many cities, there are parades, performances and cultural events organized to mark the occasion.

The Duration of Tet Nguyen Dan

Tet Nguyen Dan is typically celebrated over a period of three days, but it can be longer depending on the region or family traditions. The first day is when families come together to celebrate with a feast. The second day is when married daughters return to their parents' house to pay respect. Finally, the third day is dedicated to visiting friends and extended family members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tet Nguyen Dan is a significant holiday for Vietnamese people all over the world. It’s a time for reflection, to give thanks, and to look towards a promising future. Whether you’re celebrating this holiday at home or overseas, take time to enjoy the festivity and connect with loved ones. Chuc Mung Nam Moi! (Happy New Year!)

When Is Vietnamese New Year 2016?

Greetings from the land of the orient! The New Year is fast approaching, and just like any other culture, the Vietnamese people are also excited to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The Vietnamese New Year, which is also known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is a major festival celebrated by Vietnamese communities around the world. It is the most important holiday in their culture, and it marks the beginning of a new year, while it also serves as an opportunity for everyone to reunite with their families and loved ones.

The Vietnamese New Year typically falls on the same date as the Chinese New Year, which usually happens between January 21 and February 20. The date of the festival is based on the Lunar calendar, which is a calendar system that is widely used in many countries in Asia. According to the Vietnamese lunar calendar, 2016 is the year of the Monkey, and the festivities will kick off on February 8 – which is the first day of Tết Nguyên Đán.

As the Vietnamese New Year approaches, you can see how the locals start to prepare for the upcoming festivities. Homes are cleaned, and decorations are put up all over the cities, towns, and villages. The image of the zodiac animal representing the current year is also displayed on banners and other ornaments for good fortune and prosperity. The Tet atmosphere is heightened with vibrant markets and kiosks selling traditional snacks and decors.

The celebration of Tết Nguyên Đán lasts for three days, but preparations usually take two weeks or more. On the eve of Tết, the families gather for a reunion dinner, which is called “Ăn Tết.” A typical reunion dinner includes traditional Vietnamese dishes such as bánh chưng (glutinous rice cake wrapped in leaves), chả giò (deep-fried spring rolls), and thịt kho tàu (braised pork with eggs) to name a few.

During Tết Nguyên Đán, Vietnamese people observe many customs and traditions that have been passed down from generations to generations. One of the practices is giving Li Xi (lucky money) to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and wealth for the coming year. The young also pay respect to their elders by wishing them good health and prosperity with Chúc Tết – Tết wishes. Tết Tao Quân (Kitchen Gods offering ceremony) is one of the most significant events in the days leading up to Tết when families prepare offerings to worship their kitchen god, who is said to bless them with happiness and protection on their journey to heaven.

Furthermore, the Vietnamese also participate in flower-arrangement competitions, parades, dragon dances, and lion dances during Tết Nguyên Đán. The oldest son is in charge of conducting all the family's activities and religious obligations during this time. A visit to the pagoda, temple, or church is a must to seek blessings for a fulfilling year ahead. A cacophony of sound and colors fills the streets while people burn incense, offer prayers, and seek blessings from deities.

In conclusion, Tết Nguyên Đán is a time when the Vietnamese people express their love, thankfulness, and respect for their ancestors, friends, and family members. It is a time when people embrace new beginnings, wish for good fortune, and hope for a joyful year ahead. Although far away from our motherland, we Vietnamese take great pride in celebrating this occasion abroad too. So, whether you are in Vietnam or outside of the country, celebrate the Vietnamese New Year with your loved ones and share the spirit of Tết. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!

Thank you for reading this blog. We hope that you have gained useful insights into the celebration of Tết Nguyên Đán, and maybe you are now inspired to participate in the festivities. Feel free to leave your comments or share your experiences in the comment section below.

When Is Vietnamese New Year 2016?

People Also Ask About Vietnamese New Year Date and Traditions

What is Tet?

Tet Nguyen Dan, more commonly known as Tet, is the Vietnamese New Year celebration. It is the most important holiday in Vietnam and is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional foods, and special customs.

When is Tet?

The date of Tet varies each year, but it typically falls between January 21st and February 20th according to the lunar calendar. In 2016, Tet will be celebrated on February 8th.

How do Vietnamese people celebrate Tet?

Vietnamese people celebrate Tet with a variety of traditions, including:

• Cleaning and decorating the home to prepare for the new year
• Visiting family and friends to exchange good wishes and gifts
• Preparing special foods, such as sticky rice cake and candied fruits
• Burning incense and offering prayers to ancestors
• Watching dragon and lion dances and fireworks displays

Why is Tet important in Vietnamese culture?

Tet is important in Vietnamese culture because it marks the beginning of spring and a time of renewal and new beginnings. It is also seen as an opportunity to honor ancestors and show gratitude for their blessings. Additionally, Tet is a time to strengthen family ties and build new relationships.

How long does Tet last?

Tet celebrations typically last for several days, usually three to seven days. However, many businesses and schools may be closed for up to two weeks during the holiday.

Is Tet celebrated outside of Vietnam?

Tet is celebrated by Vietnamese people all over the world, including in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Many Vietnamese communities hold Tet festivals and parades to share their culture and traditions with others.