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Tet, or the "Vietnamese Lunar New Year," is the most important and popular festival in Vietnam.
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Tet, also known as "Tet Nguyen Dan," marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar calendar, the same one used by Chinese culture.
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The days leading up to Tet are a whirlwind of activity, as Vietnam fills with color, noise, and movement.
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Families meticulously prepare by cleaning their homes to drive away bad luck and decorating with mandarin trees, yellow apricot blossoms, and peach flowers, symbols of prosperity and longevity.
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Markets are crowded with shoppers seeking all kinds of traditional products, from sweets and fruits to new clothes to welcome the new year.
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But beyond material preparations, the Vietnamese also prepare spiritually, making offerings to their ancestors and mending personal relationships.
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In kitchens, families gather to prepare special dishes.
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One of the most important is Banh Chung, a sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in leaves.
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The Banh Chung symbolizes the sky and the earth, while the cylindrical version, Banh Tet, symbolizes the desire for reunion within each Vietnamese family.
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The New Year's Eve is an intimate, family-oriented time, families gather for a big dinner to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.
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At midnight, families offer prayers to their ancestors and exchange red envelopes called li xi, which contain lucky money.
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With the arrival of midnight,
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the skies of Vietnam light up with fireworks,
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marking the start of a new cycle.
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During the early hours of the morning, families visit their parents' and grandparents' homes.
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It is a time of respect, where generations gather to share blessings.
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Families enjoy traditional sweet dishes, such as sunflower seeds, coconut jam, dried fruits, and more.
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During Tet, Vietnamese people have the tradition of asking for calligraphy writings.
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These generally represent wishes for peace, happiness, health, fortune, or longevity.
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Tet is more than just a celebration; it is a time to connect with the deepest aspects of Vietnamese culture, with family, and with the hope for a future full of happiness.
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Chúc mừng năm mới!
Speaker C
Happy New Year!
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