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How to Choose the Right Age for the Lunar New Year’s ‘Lucky’ Visitor – Bringing Prosperity to Your Household

Introducing the ancient Vietnamese tradition of 'Xông Đất' - a unique and beautiful way to welcome the Lunar New Year. With the Year of the Rat just around the corner, it's time to discover the secrets of choosing the perfect 'age' to bring good fortune to your home. Join us as we explore this fascinating custom and learn how to select the right age to usher in a prosperous and joyful new year.

Administrator

11 August, 2024

The tradition of choosing a “first-foot” or “xông đất” is an important one in Vietnamese culture. It is believed that the first guest to enter a home on the first day of the new year brings luck to the host family for the rest of the year. Thus, families take great care in selecting a guest whose age is compatible with their own. There are two popular methods: choosing by age or by element.

If you’re unsure what “xông đất” is, check out this article:

> Learn how to welcome wealth and prosperity into your home this new year.

1Choosing a “First-Foot” by Age in 2020, According to the 12 Animals of the Vietnamese Zodiac

Host family age: Tý (Rat) – Choose a guest who is age Thân (Monkey), Thìn (Dragon), or Sửu (Ox).

Host family age: Sửu (Ox) – Choose a guest who is age Tỵ (Snake), Dậu (Rooster), or Tý (Rat).

Host family age: Dần (Tiger) – Choose a guest who is age Ngọ (Horse), Tuất (Dog), or Hợi (Pig).

Host family age: Mão (Rabbit) – Choose a guest who is age Mùi (Goat), Hợi (Pig), or Tuất (Dog).

Host family age: Thìn (Dragon) – Choose a guest who is age Tý (Rat), Thân (Monkey), or Dậu (Rooster).

Host family age: Tỵ (Snake) – Choose a guest who is age Sửu (Ox), Dậu (Rooster), or Thân (Monkey).

Host family age: Ngọ (Horse) – Choose a guest who is age Dần (Tiger), Tuất (Dog), or Mùi (Goat).

Host family age: Mùi (Goat) – Choose a guest who is age Mão (Rabbit), Hợi (Pig), or Ngọ (Horse).

Host family age: Thân (Monkey) – Choose a guest who is age Tý (Rat), Thìn (Dragon), or Tỵ (Snake).

Host family age: Dậu (Rooster) – Choose a guest who is age Sửu (Ox), Tỵ (Snake), or Thìn (Dragon).

Host family age: Tuất (Dog) – Choose a guest who is age Dần (Tiger), Ngọ (Horse), or Mão (Rabbit).

Host family age: Hợi (Pig) – Choose a guest who is age Mão (Rabbit), Mùi (Goat), or Dần (Tiger).

2Choosing a “First-Foot” by Element

Host family with Kim (Metal) element: Choose a guest with Thổ (Earth), Thủy (Water), or Kim (Metal) element.

Host family with Mộc (Wood) element: Choose a guest with Thủy (Water), Hỏa (Fire), or Mộc (Wood) element.

Host family with Thủy (Water) element: Choose a guest with Kim (Metal), Mộc (Wood), or Thủy (Water) element.

Host family with Hỏa (Fire) element: Choose a guest with Mộc (Wood), Thổ (Earth), or Hỏa (Fire) element.

Host family with Thổ (Earth) element: Choose a guest with Hỏa (Fire), Kim (Metal), or Thổ (Earth) element.

In addition to age and element compatibility, there are other superstitions to consider when choosing a “first-foot.” It is believed that the guest should be someone who has had a fortunate year, with no scandals or troubles in their personal life. They should not be dressed in white or black, and they should not be hired for the task. If a couple arrives together, the husband should enter first.

Note

Guests who come to “xông đất” should avoid wearing white or black clothing.

Do not hire someone to be your “first-foot.”

If a couple arrives, the husband should enter first.

We hope that this article has helped you determine who would be a suitable “first-foot” for your family this new year. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, prosperous, and lucky year ahead!

Frequently asked questions

The age of the lucky visitor is important and should be chosen carefully. It is believed that the age of the visitor represents the flow of luck and prosperity into your household. A person in their prime, usually between the ages of 30 and 50, is considered ideal as they are believed to be at the peak of their power and success. However, this doesn’t mean that younger or older individuals cannot bring luck and prosperity. Each age group has its own unique blessings to offer.

Younger individuals, especially those in their teens and early 20s, represent new beginnings, vitality, and fresh opportunities. They bring a vibrant and optimistic energy to your home. Older individuals, aged 60 and above, symbolize wisdom, longevity, and a connection to ancestral blessings. They bring stability and a sense of calm to your household. Middle-aged individuals, as mentioned, are believed to be at the peak of their success and can bring a flow of abundance and good fortune.

Absolutely! Inviting multiple lucky visitors can enhance the flow of prosperity and blessings into your home. Each additional guest adds a layer of good fortune and brings their unique energy to the celebrations. Just ensure that the ages of your guests are varied to represent a balanced approach to luck and prosperity.

Yes, besides age, it is important to consider the overall energy and personality of your lucky visitors. Choose individuals who embody positivity, success, and a generous spirit. They should be people who have a positive influence on your life and those around them. Additionally, consider the relationship you have with these individuals. Strong and harmonious relationships can further enhance the luck and prosperity brought into your household.

Remember, the age range is a guideline, and the most important aspect is the energy and blessings the individual brings. If you cannot find someone within the ideal age range, focus on the qualities they possess. An older individual who embodies success and wisdom can still bring tremendous luck, just as a younger person filled with vitality and a positive outlook can infuse your home with fresh energy and opportunities.