Lunar New Year, also known as Tet in Vietnam, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in the country. Celebrated according to the lunisolar calendar, the date of Tet changes from year to year, but it usually falls in late January or early February.
In 2024, Lunar New Year will begin on Saturday, January 27th, and end on Sunday, February 2nd. This year, Tet will be celebrated under the sign of the Dragon, which is considered a powerful and auspicious animal in Vietnamese culture.
Below, we provide all the information you need to know about Lunar New Year 2024 in Vietnam. From traditions and customs to things to do and see, this guide will help you make the most of this special holiday.
Lunar New Year 2024 Vietnam
Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a time for family reunions, feasts, and fireworks.
- Date: January 27th – February 2nd, 2024
- Animal Sign: Dragon
- Traditions: Family reunions, feasts, fireworks
- Customs: Giving lucky money, visiting temples
- Things to Do: Watch dragon dances, attend Tet markets
- Things to See: Decorations, lanterns, flowers
- Food: Banh chung, sticky rice, candied fruits
Tet is a vibrant and colorful holiday that is celebrated throughout Vietnam. It is a time to come together with family and friends and celebrate the new year.
Date: January 27th – February 2nd, 2024
Lunar New Year 2024 in Vietnam will begin on Saturday, January 27th and end on Sunday, February 2nd. This is according to the traditional lunisolar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun.
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Start Date:
The first day of Tet, known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is Saturday, January 27th, 2024. This is the most important day of the holiday, and it is a time for families to come together and celebrate the new year.
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End Date:
Tet ends on the seventh day, which is Sunday, February 2nd, 2024. This day is known as Tet Doan Nguyen, and it marks the end of the holiday period.
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Public Holidays:
The first three days of Tet, from January 27th to January 29th, 2024, are public holidays in Vietnam. This means that most businesses and schools will be closed, and many people will take time off work to celebrate with their families.
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Dragon Year:
2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to the Vietnamese zodiac. The Dragon is a powerful and auspicious animal in Vietnamese culture, and it is said to bring good luck and fortune.
Tet is a time for joy, celebration, and renewal. It is a time to come together with family and friends, and to celebrate the new year with hope and optimism.
Animal Sign: Dragon
2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to the Vietnamese zodiac. The Dragon is a powerful and auspicious animal in Vietnamese culture, and it is said to bring good luck and fortune.
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Symbolism:
The Dragon is a symbol of strength, power, and good luck. It is also associated with the element of water, and is said to bring rain and fertility.
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Characteristics:
People born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be confident, ambitious, and intelligent. They are also said to be loyal, honest, and compassionate.
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Fortunes:
The Year of the Dragon is said to be a lucky year for those born under this sign. It is a good time to start new projects, pursue new opportunities, and make important decisions.
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Celebrations:
The Year of the Dragon is celebrated with special decorations, food, and activities. Dragon dances are a popular tradition during Tet, and many people wear clothing with dragon motifs.
The Dragon is a beloved animal in Vietnamese culture, and the Year of the Dragon is a special time to celebrate. It is a time to come together with family and friends, and to hope for good luck and fortune in the new year.
Traditions: Family reunions, feasts, fireworks
Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions, feasts, and fireworks. These traditions are deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, and they play an important role in the celebration of the new year.
Family Reunions:
Family reunions are the most important part of Tet. For many Vietnamese people, Tet is the only time of year when the entire family can come together under one roof. Family members travel from near and far to be with their loved ones, and they spend time eating, drinking, and talking together. It is a time to catch up on each other’s lives, to share stories, and to laugh together.
Feasts:
Feasts are another important part of Tet. During Tet, families prepare special foods that are only eaten during this time of year. These foods include banh chung (sticky rice cakes), thit kho (braised pork), and canh mong (sour soup). Families also gather together to eat a special New Year’s Eve dinner, which is often the most important meal of the year.
Fireworks:
Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate Tet. Fireworks are set off throughout the night on New Year’s Eve, and they are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck in the new year. Many people also light incense and candles during Tet, as these are also believed to bring good luck.
These are just a few of the many traditions that are associated with Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Tet is a time for joy, celebration, and renewal. It is a time to come together with family and friends, and to celebrate the new year with hope and optimism.
Customs: Giving lucky money, visiting temples
In addition to the traditions of family reunions, feasts, and fireworks, there are also a number of customs that are associated with Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Two of the most popular customs are giving lucky money and visiting temples.
Giving Lucky Money:
Giving lucky money, known as “li xi” in Vietnamese, is a popular custom during Tet. Lucky money is given to children and unmarried adults by their elders, and it is believed to bring good luck and fortune in the new year. The amount of money given varies depending on the age and relationship of the giver and recipient, but it is typically a small amount of money.
Visiting Temples:
Visiting temples is another popular custom during Tet. Many Vietnamese people visit temples on New Year’s Day to pray for good luck and fortune in the new year. They also pray for the health and happiness of their families and friends. Some people also make offerings to the gods and ancestors at the temples.
These are just a few of the many customs that are associated with Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Tet is a time for joy, celebration, and renewal. It is a time to come together with family and friends, and to celebrate the new year with hope and optimism.
Things to Do: Watch dragon dances, attend Tet markets
In addition to the traditions and customs associated with Lunar New Year, there are also a number of things to do during this special holiday. Two of the most popular activities are watching dragon dances and attending Tet markets.
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Watch Dragon Dances:
Dragon dances are a popular tradition during Tet. Dragon dances are performed by teams of dancers who manipulate a long, colorful dragon puppet. The dances are often accompanied by music and drums, and they are believed to bring good luck and fortune in the new year.
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Attend Tet Markets:
Tet markets are held in cities and towns throughout Vietnam during the lead-up to Tet. These markets sell a variety of goods, including food, clothing, and decorations. Tet markets are a great place to experience the sights and sounds of Tet, and to pick up some unique souvenirs.
These are just a few of the many things to do during Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Tet is a time for joy, celebration, and renewal. It is a time to come together with family and friends, and to celebrate the new year with hope and optimism.
Things to See: Decorations, lanterns, flowers
During Tet, Vietnam is adorned with a variety of decorations, lanterns, and flowers. These decorations help to create a festive atmosphere and to celebrate the new year.
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Decorations:
Homes and businesses are decorated with red and gold decorations, which are considered to be lucky colors. These decorations often include lanterns, streamers, and banners. Some people also decorate their homes with kumquat trees, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
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Lanterns:
Lanterns are a popular decoration during Tet. Lanterns are often hung outside of homes and businesses, and they are also used to decorate streets and public spaces. Lanterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are often decorated with colorful designs.
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Flowers:
Flowers are also a popular decoration during Tet. Flowers are used to decorate homes, businesses, and temples. Some of the most popular flowers used during Tet include peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and marigolds. These flowers are believed to bring good luck and fortune in the new year.
The decorations, lanterns, and flowers that are used during Tet help to create a festive atmosphere and to celebrate the new year. These decorations are a reminder of the joy and hope that is associated with this special holiday.
Food: Banh chung, sticky rice, candied fruits
Food plays an important role in the celebration of Tet. Many special foods are prepared and eaten during this time, including banh chung, sticky rice, and candied fruits.
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Banh chung:
Banh chung is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork. Banh chung is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed for several hours. It is a popular dish during Tet, and it is often served with pickled vegetables and fish sauce.
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Sticky rice:
Sticky rice is another popular dish during Tet. Sticky rice is often served with grilled chicken or pork. It is also used to make a variety of desserts, such as xoi xeo (sweet sticky rice with mung beans) and che troi nuoc (sticky rice balls in sweet ginger syrup).
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Candied fruits:
Candied fruits are a popular snack during Tet. Candied fruits are made by boiling fruits in sugar syrup until they are crystallized. They are often used to decorate cakes and other desserts.
These are just a few of the many foods that are enjoyed during Tet. Food plays an important role in the celebration of this special holiday, and it helps to bring people together.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lunar New Year 2024 in Vietnam:
Question 1: When is Tet in 2024?
Answer: Tet will be celebrated from Saturday, January 27th to Sunday, February 2nd, 2024.
Question 2: What is the Animal Sign for 2024?
Answer: 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.
Question 3: What are some popular traditions associated with Tet?
Answer: Some popular traditions associated with Tet include family reunions, feasts, fireworks, giving lucky money, and visiting temples.
Question 4: What are some things to do during Tet?
Answer: Some things to do during Tet include watching dragon dances, attending Tet markets, and visiting temples.
Question 5: What are some popular foods eaten during Tet?
Answer: Some popular foods eaten during Tet include banh chung, sticky rice, and candied fruits.
Question 6: What are some tips for celebrating Tet in Vietnam?
Answer: Some tips for celebrating Tet in Vietnam include booking your accommodation and transportation in advance, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases, and respecting local customs and traditions.
Question 7: Is it possible to travel to Vietnam during Tet?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to travel to Vietnam during Tet, but it is important to be aware that many businesses and services will be closed during this time.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Lunar New Year 2024 in Vietnam. For more information, please consult the official website of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for celebrating Tet in Vietnam:
Tips
Here are some tips for celebrating Lunar New Year 2024 in Vietnam:
Book your accommodation and transportation in advance. Tet is a popular time to travel in Vietnam, so it is important to book your accommodation and transportation in advance. This will help you to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases will help you to communicate with locals and to get around more easily. Some useful phrases to learn include “Happy New Year” (“Chúc mừng năm mới”), “Thank you” (“Cảm ơn”), and “Excuse me” (“Xin lỗi”).
Respect local customs and traditions. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when celebrating Tet in Vietnam. For example, it is considered rude to speak loudly or to make a lot of noise during the first three days of Tet.
Be prepared for large crowds. Tet is a popular time to travel in Vietnam, so be prepared for large crowds. This is especially true in popular tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable Tet celebration in Vietnam.
Tet is a special time to visit Vietnam. It is a time to experience the country’s rich culture and traditions. By following these tips, you can help to make the most of your Tet celebration.
Conclusion
Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a time for family reunions, feasts, fireworks, and other special traditions. Tet is also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the new year with hope and optimism.
In 2024, Tet will be celebrated from Saturday, January 27th to Sunday, February 2nd. The Animal Sign for 2024 is the Dragon, which is a powerful and auspicious animal in Vietnamese culture.
If you are planning to celebrate Tet in Vietnam, it is important to book your accommodation and transportation in advance. You should also learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases and be respectful of local customs and traditions. Tet is a special time to visit Vietnam, and it is a time to experience the country’s rich culture and traditions.
Chúc mừng năm mới! (Happy New Year!)