Celebrating Lunar New Year and Tet
2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake
A Time for Family, Tradition, and New Beginnings
The Lunar New Year is a time-honored celebration observed across many Asian cultures, marking the arrival of spring and the start of a new lunar calendar year. Among the most vibrant and meaningful of these celebrations is Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Both traditions are steeped in rich history, cultural significance, and cherished customs, making this a joyous occasion for millions worldwide.
The Essence of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China and Seollal in Korea, typically falls between late January and mid-February. The festivities last for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
Each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals, and 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake. This celebration is deeply rooted in the themes of renewal, gratitude, and family.
Preparations for the Lunar New Year begin weeks in advance. Families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, decorate with red and gold (symbols of prosperity and happiness), and prepare elaborate meals. Key traditions include giving red envelopes (lì xì in Vietnamese, hóngbāo in Chinese) filled with money to children and elders, as well as lighting firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.
For the Vietnamese, Tết Nguyên Đán is the most significant celebration of the year. It is more than just a New Year—it’s a time to honor ancestors, reconnect with loved ones, and set intentions for the year ahead.
Tết celebrations begin with a solemn ceremony to pay respect to ancestors, involving offerings of food, incense, and flowers at the family altar. This is followed by days of lively festivities, including:
Special Foods: Bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake) are iconic dishes of Tết, symbolizing gratitude to the land and ancestors. Other delicacies include pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and candied fruits.
First Footing: Known as "xông đất," the first visitor to a home after midnight is believed to influence the household’s fortune for the year. Families carefully select this person for their positive traits and good luck.
New Clothes and Decor: Wearing new clothes, particularly in vibrant colors like red and yellow, is believed to bring good fortune. Homes are adorned with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and red banners bearing auspicious phrases.
Shared Values, Unique Expressions
Despite regional variations, the Lunar New Year and Tết share universal themes of renewal, gratitude, and community. It’s a time to reflect on the past, set aspirations for the future, and cherish the bonds of family and friendship.
Whether you're celebrating with a dragon dance in Chinatown, preparing a tray of five fruits for your family altar in Vietnam, or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, the Lunar New Year is a reminder of life’s blessings and the promise of new beginnings.
Wishing You Prosperity and Joy
As we usher in the Year of the Wood Snake, may your year be filled with health, happiness, and prosperity. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Happy Lunar New Year!