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Unveiling the Symbolic Meanings Behind Each Gift in the Lunar New Year Hamper

If you're unsure about what thoughtful gift to give this Tet holiday, then look no further!

14 July, 2024

Gift-giving during Tet is not just an act, but also a way to express our sentiments and respect for Vietnamese culture. The tradition of giving gifts during Tet has been a long-standing custom in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people. Let’s explore the meaning behind each gift in the Tet holiday hamper with us!

1 Significance of Gifting Wine During Tet

Significance of Gifting Wine During Tet

Wine carries the message of “congratulations” and is often given during festive occasions with the hope that the recipient will find happiness. Sharing and drinking wine together also creates a warm and unique atmosphere for the occasion.

Savoring imported, foreign, or fine wines has long been considered an elegant pastime. Therefore, a bottle of fine wine is a meaningful and dignified gift to exchange during Tet.

2 Significance of Gifting Cookies and Candies During Tet

Significance of Gifting Cookies and Candies During Tet

During Tet, it is customary for Vietnamese people to treat themselves and their loved ones to baskets filled with an assortment of cookies and candies. These treats symbolize well-wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and lucky new year. The baskets typically include an assortment of cookies, candies, and other sweets, presented in an appealing and colorful display to enhance the festive atmosphere.

These cookies and candies are not only enjoyed by the recipients but also offered to ancestors as a sign of respect and remembrance. Additionally, a basket of treats is often placed in the living room to showcase the host’s hospitality and enthusiasm during the Tet holiday.

The absence of cookies and candies during Tet may dampen the festive spirit. Along with the treats, a thoughtful greeting card with heartfelt Tet wishes can add a special touch to the gift, making it even more meaningful.

For reference: A collection of Tet gifts from only VND 100,000 that are luxurious, prestigious, and high-class

3 Significance of Gifting Fruits During Tet

Significance of Gifting Fruits During Tet

A basket of fresh fruits is not only a symbolic gift but also a practical one, especially with the growing emphasis on healthy and green living.

As we all know, fruits are packed with essential nutrients and provide our bodies with valuable energy. Gifting a basket of fruits is a thoughtful way to contribute to a healthier lifestyle, as opposed to giving alcoholic drinks, flowers, or other typical gifts. Additionally, fruit gifts reduce waste compared to gifts like flowers and candies, as they can be consumed in their entirety without any part going to waste.

Furthermore, a basket of colorful fruits represents abundance and wealth. The harmonious blend of colors reflects the balance of yin and yang and symbolizes a wish for the recipient’s life to be filled with happiness and prosperity. Wishing someone good health is one of the most valuable blessings, and a basket of fresh fruits embodies this sentiment perfectly.

4 Significance of Gifting Dried Foods During Tet

Significance of Gifting Dried Foods During Tet

Similar to the traditional Tet flowers like apricot, peach blossoms, and kumquat trees, dried foods are an integral part of the Tet holiday. Gifting dried foods such as , , and is a way to share the unique flavors of Tet with the recipient. It’s also an opportunity to introduce specialities from your hometown to friends and family living in different regions, allowing them to experience the diverse tastes of Tet.

5 Why Spices are Commonly Gifted During Tet

Why Spices are Commonly Gifted During Tet

During Tet, families often cook and prepare feasts. Gifting kitchen spices is a unique and thoughtful idea. Cooking any dish requires a variety of spices, and basic spices like , , , and … make excellent gifts for friends and family during Tet.

You can also explore foreign spices and herbs to add an exotic twist to your gift, enhancing the flavors of traditional Tet dishes.

6 Significance of Gifting Beverages During Tet

Significance of Gifting Beverages During Tet

One of the most practical gifts during Tet is a selection of popular drinks. A basket containing a , , and … is an excellent choice. These drinks are essential for any household during Tet, as they are used to welcome and treat guests. Such practical gifts are sure to bring blessings of abundance, good fortune, and happiness for the new year.

7 Significance of Gifting Home Decor During Tet

Significance of Gifting Home Decor During Tet

Home decor items make excellent Tet gifts. Consider unique items like feng shui decorations or artwork. These gifts showcase the artistic and nostalgic tastes of the giver. Alternatively, you can opt for simpler items like decorative flower vases, stone flowers, or other familiar household items. Gifting home decor items is not only useful but also reflects the giver’s thoughtful spirit.

8 Significance of Gifting Health-Promoting Gifts During Tet

Bird’s nest is one of the health-promoting gifts suitable for Tet

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, each of us grows a year older. With age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize our health, especially for the elderly. Therefore, health supplements and functional foods make excellent gifts for older family members, such as grandparents and parents, as well as other loved ones.

Gifting health-promoting items during Tet shows your concern for the well-being of your loved ones. It also emphasizes the value of “filial piety,” a noble tradition in Vietnamese culture. Such gifts are sure to bring joy and happiness to the recipients.

Through this article, we hope that you can easily choose meaningful Tet gifts for your loved ones and friends!

Frequently asked questions

The gifts in a Lunar New Year hamper typically carry symbolic meanings that are rooted in traditional customs and beliefs. Each item is carefully selected to convey wishes for prosperity, health, and luck for the recipient in the coming year.

Foods and drinks like fruit, candy, wine, and tea are often included as they represent abundance and celebration. For example, oranges and tangerines symbolize gold and wealth, while candies and sweets represent a wish for a sweet year ahead.

Lucky money, often placed in red envelopes, is a common gift during the Lunar New Year. The red color symbolizes good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits. The money inside is thought to bring prosperity and is usually given to children or unmarried young adults.

Gifts that are sharp or pointed, such as knives or scissors, are generally avoided as they are believed to sever relationships and bring bad luck. Additionally, items associated with funerals or mourning, such as handkerchiefs or white or black colored items, are also considered inappropriate as they symbolize sadness and death.

The presentation and arrangement of the hamper are significant. The hamper is usually wrapped or decorated in red and gold, which are considered lucky colors. The gifts are arranged symmetrically to represent balance and harmony, and the hamper is often filled to the brim to symbolize abundance and a prosperous new year.