The significance of buying salt at the beginning of the year
Buying salt at the beginning of the year is a traditional Vietnamese custom. On the first day of the new year, people usually buy salt to bring home. This salt is called lucky salt, with the meaning of seeking good luck, wishing for a prosperous and fulfilling new year.
According to folklore beliefs, salt, with its salty taste, has the power to ward off negative energy, prevent bad luck, and drive away evil spirits. Salt also brings good luck to the family. In addition, based on the saying “spicy ginger, salty salt,” salt also symbolizes the unity of family members.
In the Red River Delta region, many people believe that buying salt at the beginning of the year will bring luck, wealth, and success throughout the year.
Currently, many places still maintain the tradition of buying salt at the beginning of the year. People will buy salt after the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve or on the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year. Buying salt at the beginning of the year will bring good luck to the family.
During the New Year, people avoid buying lime because lime is believed to symbolize dullness (as dull as lime). Not buying lime at the beginning of the year is to avoid bad luck, conflicts, and disagreements. Instead, the elders often taught to buy lime at the end of the year (buy salt at the beginning of the year, buy lime at the end of the year).
What should you buy at the beginning of the year?
In addition to buying salt, you can also buy other items to bring good luck.
– Buy fire
According to feng shui, fire symbolizes wealth, warmth, and happiness. Therefore, many families believe that buying fire at the beginning of the year will bring prosperity and warmth for the whole year. Buying fire means buying fire-making devices such as lighters, matchboxes.
Currently, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, many people sell small packets of salt along with lighters or matchboxes. You can buy these items to bring good luck.
– ‘Buy’ characters
Asking for calligraphy at the beginning of the year is a long-standing tradition of the Vietnamese people, showing a reverence for learning and valuing knowledge. Asking for calligraphy at the beginning of the year also expresses the desire to fulfill personal and family aspirations.
Information for reference and contemplation.