New Year's Day

In Vietnam, New Year's Day primarily refers to Tết Nguyên Đán, the Lunar New Year, which is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in the country. Unlike the Gregorian calendar's January 1st observed as a public holiday, Tết marks the arrival of spring and is based on the lunar calendar, typically falling in late January or early February. For 2026, Tết will commence on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse. The holiday's origins trace back over 2,000 years to ancient agricultural practices and the worship of heavenly deities, with deep roots in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It symbolizes renewal, family unity, and the expulsion of evil spirits. Over centuries, Tết has evolved to incorporate regional customs, yet its core focus remains on honoring ancestors, paying debts, and starting the new year with positivity and good fortune. The government declared January 1, 2026, also as a public holiday, but for most Vietnamese, Tết holds far greater emotional and cultural weight, often involving extended work breaks and elaborate preparations lasting weeks.

Tết traditions are rich with symbolic acts designed to attract luck and prosperity. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai) in the south or peach blossoms (hoa đào) in the north, along with kumquat trees and colorful red couplets. Families prepare a five-fruit tray (mâm ngũ quả) as an offering to ancestors. On New Year's Eve, they gather for a sumptuous reunion dinner featuring iconic dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake with pork and mung bean), bánh tét (cylindrical version from the south), and pickled vegetables. The first visitor of the year (xông đất) is carefully chosen, as their characteristics are believed to influence the family's fortune. Children receive lucky money (lì xì) in red envelopes. Throughout the first three days, people visit relatives, temples, and friends, dressing in new clothes and exchanging greetings such as 'Chúc Mừng Năm Mới' (Happy New Year) or 'An Khang Thịnh Vượng' (Peace and Prosperity). Superstitions abound: sweeping is avoided to prevent sweeping away luck, and harsh words are forbidden. Public celebrations include lion dances, fireworks, and festivals like Hội Lim or Chùa Hương, creating a festive atmosphere nationwide.