Vietnamese Superstitions and Traditions

Hellooo mọi người yêu! Tết (Vietnamese New Year) is just a day away, and I wanted to share a little bit about my culture. Although I’ve never celebrated Lunar New Year in Vietnam itself, my parents made sure I grew up knowing the traditions and superstitions that make this holiday so special. Tết is the biggest celebration of the year for Vietnamese people, and every gesture and tradition holds deep meaning. Here’s a glimpse into the fascinating customs of Tết that continue to shape our celebrations.

1. Cleaning and decorating

A week or two before Tết, families dive into a thorough cleaning spree. This tradition symbolises sweeping away bad luck and making space for good fortune in the new year. But here’s the catch - once Tết begins, sweeping or cleaning is strictly forbidden for three days, as it’s believed to sweep away your good luck.

After cleaning, homes are decorated with kumquat trees, peach blossoms, or apricot blossoms, depending on the region. These plants symbolise prosperity, longevity, and happiness. Growing up abroad, it wasn’t easy to find these flowers, so we often settled for fake ones - which worked just as well! Homes are also decorated with red banners and envelopes (lì xì) featuring wishes for the new year, such as "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year).

2. First visitor of the year

One of the most significant superstitions revolves around the first person to enter your home on the first day of Tết. This individual is believed to bring good fortune to the household for the entire year. Usually, families invite someone cheerful, successful, and with a zodiac sign that aligns well with the year. If you’re chosen, it’s a huge deal - but no pressure at all!

One vivid memory I have is from the year of my zodiac sign (Year of the Goat) when my dad made me buy salt and step into the house exactly at midnight. I can’t recall if I left the salt outside or brought it in with me, but I never fully understood the reason behind it. Later, I learned that salt symbolises wealth and protection from bad luck and since it was my year, my dad made me become the "visitor" who brings in the wealth! 

3. Offering to ancestors

During Tết, honoring our ancestors is a must tradition. Families prepare a tray of offerings, including fruits, boiled chicken, sticky rice, and traditional cakes like bánh chưng (don’t be mistaken, it’s a salty cake made from sticky rice, pork, and mung beans all wrapped in banana leaves). This offering is placed on the ancestral altar to invite deceased family members to join the celebration and bless the household. Candles and incense sticks are lit as a sign of respect. My dad’s side of the family loves drinking alcohol, so my dad would offer shots of alcohol as an offering too.

4. Wearing red 

Red is the colour of luck and happiness, so wearing red during Tết is encouraged. In contrast, black and white are usually avoided because they are associated with bad luck and funerals (we wear white for funerals). 

5. Taboos and things to avoid

We are very mindful of our actions during Tết because it’s believed that what you do during these days sets the tone for the entire year. 

Here are some common taboos:

Avoid arguments - fighting or using negative language is believed to bring conflict into the new year.

Don’t break things - breaking dishes or mirrors is seen as a sign of shattered luck.

No borrowing or lending money - this is avoided to ensure a prosperous year for everyone.

6. Giving and receiving Lì xì (lucky money)

Lì xì is one of the most exciting traditions for children. Elders give red envelopes filled with money to younger family members as a blessing for health, happiness, and success. The amount of money isn’t important, but it’s always given in crisp, new bills to symbolise freshness and good fortune. Like many kids, I remember my parents "safeguarding" my lì xì for me - which often meant I didn’t see it again!

7. Firecrackers and lion dances

Firecrackers were traditionally set off to chase away evil spirits and welcome good luck. Their use has unfortunately been restricted in Vietnam, but I remember when it would still be allowed and my relatives would send me videos of it all the years. Instead, the streets are still filled with drumbeats from lion dances! These are a staple for Tết festivities as they bring fortune and drive away bad energy.

Tết is a time to honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future. Whether we’re in Vietnam or abroad, these traditions connect us to our roots and remind us of the importance of family, gratitude, and hope.

May your year be filled with happiness, health, and prosperity! I hope you guys enjoyed this and learned something new:) maybe you can try some of these for this Lunar New Year?