The Four Things You Shouldn’t Hoard During the Lunar New Year: A Single Misstep Can Lead to a Year of Hardship and Misfortune

7 February, 2025

Tet Nguyen Dan, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a significant holiday for Vietnamese people, a time for families to reunite and prepare for a prosperous new year. However, not everything that is stored in the house during Tet brings good luck.

So, this Tet, have you unintentionally stored things that you shouldn’t have in your house? Let’s find out what four things to avoid having in your home this Tet!

Four Things Not to Store at Home During Tet: A Guide to a Prosperous New Year

1. Expired or Spoiled Food

During Tet, many families stock up on food to avoid frequent shopping trips. However, if you store too much perishable food, such as meat, fish, vegetables, and sweets, spoilage is inevitable. In folk beliefs, expired or stale food brings bad luck and negative omens for the new year.

Having spoiled food in the house can affect your family’s luck, leading to difficulties throughout the year. Make sure to thoroughly check all the food stored in your refrigerator and other corners of your home, discarding anything past its expiration date or showing signs of spoilage.

2. Old and Broken Items

Tet is the perfect time to refresh your living space, creating a clean and fresh atmosphere. Therefore, it’s best to get rid of old, broken, or unusable items. In feng shui, old items tend to bring negative energy and can cause bad luck for the upcoming year.

Consider donating or discarding old clothes, broken appliances, or unused items rather than keeping them in your home during Tet. Instead, declutter, replace necessary items, and create a spacious and clean environment for the new year.

3. Garbage and Unnecessary Items

Before Tet, many families engage in spring cleaning to welcome the new year. However, this process can generate a lot of clutter, garbage, and unusable items. Leaving these things in your home, especially during Tet, not only creates a messy environment but also, according to feng shui beliefs, attracts bad luck and hinders your family’s luck.

Ensure everything is tidy and organized before Tet arrives. If you have items you no longer use, don’t hesitate to let them go. This will help refresh your living space and attract more positive energy and good fortune.

4. Unpaid Debts and Unfinished Business

An essential aspect of Tet preparations is mental and emotional well-being. According to ancient beliefs, debts, unfinished tasks, and unstable relationships should not be carried into the new year. Tet is about new beginnings, so settling debts and completing pending tasks will help your family enter the new year with a calm and relaxed mindset.

Unpaid debts can burden your finances and mental well-being, casting a shadow over your Tet celebrations. Try to clear any outstanding debts and resolve pending issues before Tet arrives, ensuring that the new year truly marks a hopeful beginning.

Tet is a time to set aside your worries and embrace prosperity and good fortune. Pay attention to what you store in your home, avoiding any negative influences that may impact your family’s luck. Ensure a clean, organized, and comfortable living space, and resolve any pending issues to welcome the new year with optimism and freshness. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and abundant new year!

Four Things Not to Store at Home During Tet: A Guide to a Prosperous New Year