On the first day of the year, households, especially those with businesses, look forward to welcoming guests who are believed to bring good luck for the upcoming year. This tradition is called “bringing good luck” or “stepping on the ground,” and it holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. So, who are these lucky guests, and what is the significance of this custom? Let’s delve into the answers below.
1 Unraveling the Concept of “Bringing Good Luck”
“Bringing good luck” is an age-old custom in Vietnam. According to this tradition, if the first visitor of the year is of the same age as the host, it is considered a sign of forthcoming prosperity and good fortune for the entire year. This belief holds a lot of importance for Vietnamese families, especially those involved in trade and business.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the custom of “bringing good luck” takes center stage in the first moments of the new year.
The tradition of “bringing good luck” is also known as “stepping on the ground” or “stepping on the house”
2 Understanding the Meaning Behind “Bringing Good Luck”
According to ancient beliefs, after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, everything in the house is considered new. Therefore, the host eagerly awaits the arrival of the first guest, who is thought to usher in good luck, fortune, and prosperity for the family in the coming year. This is why the first guest is held in such high regard.
This special guest, who arrives on the morning of the first day, is usually someone the host has arranged in advance. They bring fruits, cakes, and lucky money if there are children in the host’s household. The host warmly welcomes this guest and receives their well-wishes for the family.
The custom of “bringing good luck” at the beginning of the year is a brief one. The first guest typically stays for only about five to ten minutes, conveying their wishes for the host’s family to prosper throughout the year.
This short visit brings joy and the belief that the family will be blessed with good fortune all year round. The guest who brings good luck also feels happy, knowing that they have shared their good wishes and performed a kind deed.
3 How to Bring Good Luck at the Start of the Year
When “bringing good luck” at the beginning of the year, considerations such as Feng shui elements, colors, and the Five Elements come into play. According to the custom, the host invites guests of the same age from the moment of New Year’s Eve until the morning of the first day of the new year.
The guest who brings good luck must be of the same age as the host and the zodiac animal representing that year, avoiding ages that are in the “four conflicts” category, which signifies incompatibility. This guest brings lucky money, primarily intended for the children in the family. Then, both the host and the guest exchange good wishes, and the host offers a light meal and tea.
The meal and refreshments are symbolic, as the main focus is on the conversation and exchange of well-wishes. After about 20 minutes, the guest who brought good luck takes their leave. Other guests of different ages may arrive to greet the New Year, but even if they are of the same age, it will not impact the host’s luck. Additionally, some households use natural ingredients to fumigate and cleanse their homes, creating a fresh and auspicious atmosphere.
See also:
Strategies for bringing good luck at the beginning of the year
4 Selecting the Right Person to Bring Good Luck
In the past, there were specific criteria for choosing the person to bring good luck on the first day of the year.
Scholars and officials would opt for someone of the same age as the host, and this guest had to be the head of their family.
For laborers, the criteria were more relaxed. The chosen guest simply needed to be healthy, good-tempered, and come from a harmonious and prosperous family.
In certain regions, some families still hold on to the outdated belief that daughters or women bringing good luck at the beginning of the year will bring misfortune to the host. Consequently, on the first day of the year, women often refrain from visiting their brothers and sisters to greet the New Year. However, as society progresses and embraces modern values, this antiquated notion of “male superiority and female inferiority” is gradually being left behind.
Nowadays, people tend to focus more on choosing someone of the same age, regardless of gender. Additional preferences include individuals with a gentle and virtuous character and those who have achieved success in their studies or careers.
According to some feng shui experts, when selecting a person to bring good luck at the beginning of the year, the host should choose someone honest, innocent, prosperous in business, with a complete family (including sons and daughters), a bright and cheerful demeanor, and a healthy physique.
5 Choosing the Right Age to Bring Good Luck in the New Year of Giáp Thìn 2024
Firstly, it is advisable to select someone of the same age as the host, avoiding ages that are in conflict or disharmony. If you can find someone of the same age, it is believed that the host will enjoy good luck in business and make a fortune throughout the year, and the family will experience happiness and peace.
Men are generally preferred for bringing good luck, especially those with robust health, a cheerful demeanor, business acumen, and a sociable personality. It is thought that such qualities will attract positive energy and good fortune to the host’s family throughout the year.
The following are the lucky ages for each host in 2024
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Rat: Ox, Dragon, and Goat
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Ox: Rat, Dragon, and Rooster
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Tiger: Snake, Dog, and Pig
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Rabbit: Dragon, Dog, and Pig
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Dragon: Rat, Monkey, and Rooster
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Snake: Ox, Monkey, and Rooster
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Horse: Tiger, Rabbit, and Pig
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Goat: Rat, Rabbit, and Horse
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Monkey: Dragon, Snake, and Goat
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Rooster: Ox, Rat, and Snake
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Dog: Tiger, Rabbit, and Horse
- Lucky ages for the host born in the year of the Pig: Dragon, Rabbit, and Goat
Guidelines for choosing the right age to bring good luck in the new year of Giáp Thìn 2024
See also: Tet Giáp Thìn 2024 according to age
6 Things to Avoid When Bringing Good Luck at the Beginning of the Year
Guidelines for the person bringing good luck at the beginning of the year
The guest who brings good luck at the start of the year should refrain from wearing white or black clothing.
Additionally, individuals of the same age as the host who have a criminal record, stagnant career progress, or questionable morals are not considered suitable for bringing good luck.
Generally, men are believed to bring better luck because they are thought to possess more yang energy, which is associated with activity and prosperity, while the new year is a time when the home needs an infusion of this positive energy.
7 Can I Bring Good Luck to My Own House?
Exploring the possibility of bringing good luck to one’s own house
In today’s society, not everyone adheres strictly to the tradition of “bringing good luck.” In many cases, family members or relatives of the same age may bring good luck to each other.
According to feng shui expert Nguyen Song Ha, hosts can bring good luck to their own houses, and the choice of who to invite is entirely up to them.
As society evolves, customs and traditions also adapt to suit the changing times. While the custom of “bringing good luck” is still valued, it is now observed with more flexibility. The age and gender of the person bringing good luck are no longer considered crucial factors. Many families view “bringing good luck” as a heavenly blessing, and they embrace whoever arrives at the start of the year as a bringer of good fortune, celebrating the moment with joy.
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