7 Surprising Facts About Tet Nguyen Dan That You May Not Know

Usually known as a time for family gatherings, reminiscing old stories, and wishing for a smooth new year, Tet is a significant festival in Vietnam. Let’s explore 7 interesting facts about Tet!

1The origin of the name Tet Nguyen Dan

The name Tet Nguyen Dan originated from China. In Han script, the word “Nguyen” means ‘beginning’ or ‘first’, and the word “Dan” means ‘morning’. Therefore, Tet Nguyen Dan means ‘The first morning of the new year, the beginning of the spring festival’. Additionally, the word “Tet” can also be called “tiec” in Chinese, which means purity and luck.

The origin of the name Tet Nguyen Dan

2The legend of the first New Year blessings

According to a legend originating from China, demons often appear on New Year’s Eve and like to touch the heads of children, causing them to have a fever, cry, or even become foolish. In order to ward off these demons, parents would place coins wrapped in red paper on their children’s pillows, terrifying the demons with the shimmering coins and the red color of the paper. This tradition has been passed down and now, on New Year’s Day, adults give children red or gold money, symbolizing vitality and luck.

The legend of the first New Year blessings

3Tet flowers

According to legend, peach blossoms are grown in the homes of two gods who help dispel demons for the people. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, people plant peach blossoms in their gardens to avoid being disturbed by demons when the gods are absent. Since then, peach blossoms have become an indispensable flower during Tet, especially in the northern region.

Tet flowers

4New Year’s Eve worship

A significant cultural feature during Tet is the custom of worshiping on New Year’s Eve. This tradition allows Vietnamese people to express gratitude to the deities who have brought warmth and prosperity in the past year, while also welcoming the new deities of the upcoming year.

New Year’s Eve worship

5Five-fruit tray on Tet

The five-fruit tray on Tet not only symbolizes the achievements of labor in the past year but also signifies gratitude and filial piety towards ancestors. It is a wish for the new year to be smooth, peaceful, and full of luck. Additionally, the five-fruit tray symbolizes the harmonious interaction of yin and yang, as well as the growth and development of all things.

Five-fruit tray on Tet

6Tet Ao Dai

The Ao Dai, besides highlighting the beauty and gracefulness of Vietnamese women, carries the distinctive identity of the country and is a special pride of the Vietnamese people. It can be worn on various occasions during Tet, such as visiting pagodas, New Year greetings, and spring outings, regardless of age, gender, or wealth.

Tet Ao Dai

7Special days during Tet

• 1st and 2nd day: These are considered the two most important days for family members to share, express gratitude, and love. Families offer ancestral worship on the 1st day and visit relatives on the 2nd day.
• 3rd day: On this day, students wish their teachers a happy new year, and it is also a time for visiting distant relatives and neighbors to inquire about their well-being, share, and wish for a new year of good luck, peace, wealth, and prosperity.

Special days during Tet

Above are 7 interesting facts about Tet Nguyen Dan that you may not know. On this occasion, we wish you a joyful, meaningful, and warm Tet with your family, friends, and loved ones!