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The Curious Case of the New Year Carp: Why Do We Leave the Tail Behind?

Eating the head of a carp at the beginning of the year was believed by our ancestors to bring good luck, but it was important to avoid eating the tail.

Administrator

9 February, 2024

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Tet Nguyen Dan, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a significant occasion for the Vietnamese. Culturally and spiritually, it is believed that one’s fortune for the year is determined by the Lunar calendar. Hence, various spiritual rituals are performed during this time.

To usher in good luck for the new year, our ancestors had specific taboos and rituals, including dietary practices. Vietnamese families are advised to refrain from consuming strong-smelling foods believed to bring bad luck, such as dog meat, duck, catfish, shrimp paste, squid, and shrimp. Instead, they are encouraged to eat traditional lucky foods like candied fruits, sticky rice cakes (*bánh chưng*), *giò* (a type of sausage), *chả* (meatballs), sugarcane, and sweets.

Among the lucky foods, a special emphasis is placed on the way carp is consumed.

Can Carp Bring Good Fortune All Year Round?

In Vietnamese culture, the carp holds a special symbolic value. It represents success and achievement, as depicted in the story of the carp leaping over the dragon gate. Therefore, eating carp is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the family.

The image of the carp transforming into a dragon after successfully leaping over the dragon gate symbolizes tremendous growth, success, and good fortune.

As a result, our ancestors advised their descendants that consuming carp during the first three days of the new year would bring academic and career success. Many families buy carp to eat during Tet, hoping for a year filled with harmony, happiness, and abundance.

Why Shouldn’t We Eat the Tail of the Carp?

Although our ancestors recommended eating carp to attract good luck, they specifically excluded the tail. This spiritual practice stems from the belief that leaving the tail intact symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Eating the tail, which represents the end, is avoided to ensure a year of surplus and wealth.

This information is for superstitious reference only

Frequently asked questions

Tet Nguyen Dan, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a significant cultural and spiritual occasion for the Vietnamese people. It is believed that one’s fortune for the year is determined by the Lunar calendar, and thus, various rituals and traditions are followed during this time.

During Tet, Vietnamese families are advised to avoid consuming strong-smelling foods such as dog meat, duck, catfish, shrimp paste, squid, and shrimp, as these are considered unlucky. Instead, they are encouraged to eat traditional lucky foods like candied fruits, *bánh chưng* (sticky rice cakes), *giò* (a type of sausage), *chả* (meatballs), sugarcane, and sweets.

The carp holds a special symbolic value and represents success and achievement. The story of the carp leaping over the dragon gate depicts transformation and growth, and thus, eating carp is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness. Our ancestors advised consuming carp during the first three days of the new year for academic and career success.

Our ancestors recommended leaving the tail of the carp intact as it symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Eating the tail, which represents the end, is avoided to ensure a year of surplus and wealth.