Tet is a significant celebration in Vietnamese culture, and each day of this festival holds a special meaning. While the first three days of Tet are widely celebrated and known, the fourth day of Tet, or Tet Day 4, is equally important and holds a unique significance in Vietnamese tradition. Let’s explore the meaning and interesting facts about Tet Day 4!
1. What is Tet Day 4?
What is Tet Day 4?
Tet Day 4, according to ancient Vietnamese customs and beliefs, is also known as “Con Nuoc” and is the day when families perform the traditional ritual of “Hoa Vang” or “gold burning.” However, as time went by, many Tet rituals were simplified, and the significance of Tet Day 4 gradually faded, causing the practice of “Hoa Vang” to diminish and only be carried out in a few places.
“Hoa Vang” is the ritual of burning paper offerings, such as clothes, houses, and gold, to send off the spirits of ancestors and wish them well in the afterlife. This tradition is an ancient and integral part of Vietnamese culture, passed down through hundreds of years of history.
“Hoa Vang” ritual: burning paper offerings to send off ancestors’ spirits
The items burned during “Hoa Vang” are believed to reach the ancestors in the afterlife, expressing the gratitude and respect of the living descendants. This practice stems from the traditional Vietnamese belief of “tran sao, am vay,” which means that the afterlife reflects the material world. In some places, the “Hoa Vang” ritual is accompanied by solemn and respectful Chèo (traditional Vietnamese opera) songs.
2. When is Tet Day 4 in 2024?
When is Tet Day 4 in 2024?
For the year 2024, Tet Day 4 will fall on Tuesday, February 13th, according to the Gregorian calendar. This day marks the end of the Tet holiday, and it is an ideal time for families to go on vacations or gather with friends after visiting relatives and elders.
3. Is Tet Day 4 in 2024 a Good or Bad Day?
Is Tet Day 4 in 2024 a Good or Bad Day?
According to the Vietnamese lunar calendar, Tet Day 4 in 2024 falls on the day of Quy Mui, month of Giáp Dần, and the year of Quý Mão. It is considered a fortunate day, suitable for important activities such as traveling, groundbreaking, worshiping, engagement, and gatherings.
The auspicious hours on Tet Day 4, 2024, are as follows:
- Giáp Dần (3 am – 5 am)
- Ất Mão (5 am – 7 am)
- Đinh Tỵ (9 am – 11 am)
- Canh Thân (3 pm – 5 pm)
- Nhâm Tuất (7 pm – 9 pm)
- Quý Hợi (9 pm – 11 pm)
Auspicious hours for traveling on Tet Day 4, 2024
For traveling, the following hours on Tet Day 4, 2024, are believed to bring good luck and fortune:
- Hour of Sửu (1 am – 3 am): Brings prosperity in business, harmony in the family, and good health for loved ones.
- Hour of Mão (5 am – 7 am): Grants good luck and smooth sailing in all endeavors, ensuring a peaceful family life.
- Hour of Thìn (7 am – 9 am): Favors livestock farming and brings positive news upon returning from a journey.
- Hour of Mùi (1 pm – 3 pm): Promotes career advancement and thriving business ventures, ensuring smooth sailing in all aspects.
- Hour of Dậu (5 pm – 7 pm): Brings happiness to the family and good news, favoring business endeavors and prosperous sales.
- Hour of Tuất (7 pm – 9 pm): Bestows peace and good luck, ensuring a joyful family atmosphere and the arrival of pleasant news.
4. What Should and Shouldn’t Be Done on Tet Day 4?
What Should and Shouldn’t Be Done on Tet Day 4?
To ensure a prosperous and smooth year ahead, here are some recommended activities for Tet Day 4:
- Wear bright and red-colored clothing.
- Refrain from picking or forcing flowers to bloom; instead, let them blossom naturally.
- Prepare a complete offering table and necessary items for the “Hoa Vang” ritual.
- Choose an auspicious hour for traveling.
- Maintain a cheerful and positive mindset.
Additionally, it is advisable to avoid the following:
- Breaking household items or valuables.
- Borrowing or lending money, as well as collecting debts.
- Losing your temper or being irritable.
We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the significance of Tet Day 4 in Vietnamese culture and offered interesting insights into this special day. Wishing you a peaceful and warm Tet holiday in 2024, surrounded by your loved ones!