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Tet Nguyen Tieu – A Beautiful Wrap-Up Of The Lunar New Year

ABROADER February 02, 2023 4 minute read

Giving a perfect end to the Lunar New Year with Tet Nguyen Tieu! No matter which country you call home, join us in this special tradition! 

For Vietnamese people, spring is the season of festivals. The festive atmosphere could last even further during the Lunar New Year period. By the time Lunar New Year ends, Vietnamese people celebrate Tet Nguyen Tieu. It is the first full moon of the month, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It traditionally marks the end of the Lunar New Year period. Not only Vietnamese but also Thai and Chinese people celebrate this special day.

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Flower garlands symbolize wishes for happiness and peacefulness.

What is Tet Nguyen Tieu? 

Tet Nguyen Tieu is considered the last day of the Lunar New Year period. After that, all the new year taboos are no longer in effect. If you walk along streets in Vietnam, you may see people taking down their New Year decorations. Originating from China, or Spring Lantern Festival, and closely related to Buddhism practice. However, Tet Nguyen Tieu in Vietnam brings its distinctive cultural aspects to Vietnamese people. 

In Vietnam, Tet Nguyen Tieu is widely believed to be linked to the agricultural practices of Vietnamese farmers for thousands of years. It is before the Full Moon of the first Lunar month. And it is also when the farmers have to work hard to prepare for farming for the whole year. On the night of the first full moon, Vietnamese farmers will burn dried leaves to get rid of harmful pests. After such strenuous tasks, the farmers will sit down and enjoy the beauty of the full moon. 

Vietnamese believe that the first full moon night in the Lunar New Year is the most important full moon. For many people, it marks the return of spring. Besides, it symbolizes the reunion of the family for those who could not celebrate Tet with their family. 

What do Vietnamese people do on the day of the First Full Moon?

On January 15th of the Lunar Calendar, families usually visit pagodas and wish for the best things for their family members and friends. 

Don’t be surprised if your host family eats vegan on this special day. Because people believe vegan foods bring peace of mind for the coming year. Vegetarianism is widely practiced to this day. 

Special food on this day

Eating Banh troi nuoc is an important custom occasion in both Vietnam and China. Banh Troi Nuoc can look like ball-shaped dumplings made of glutinous rice flour. The insides are white or brown sugar, sesame seeds, bean paste, or a combination of ingredients. Chinese people call it yuan xiao or tangyuan which is similar to tuanyuan, meaning the happy get-together of the whole family. Also the round shape of the cake and the bowls symbolize wholeness and reunion.  

In certain areas of Vietnam,  you may catch sight of colorful lanterns without having to travel to Hoi An. If you live in Ho Chi Minh City, you can have a breath of Vietnamese vibe at the Cultural Center of District 5. People decorate and exhibit lanterns in a gorgeous way and hung them up in rows along the streets. All give a sense of tranquility and nostalgia. 

In the North of Vietnam, Tet Nguyen Tieu can be more about paying remembrance to the ancestors. People will rush back and forth shopping for fruits and paper offerings to put up on the family altars. 

Being such a significant event in the religious life of Vietnamese, Tet Nguyen Tieu is a beautiful wrap-up to the Lunar New Year. It is when people will finally get over Post-Tet syndrome and focus back on work. 

If you are in Vietnam this time of the year, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience it!

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