Superstitions and taboos are prevalent in many cultures, and Vietnam is no exception. Food plays a significant role in Vietnamese culture, and certain beliefs surround what one should and shouldn’t eat at the start of the month or year.
1 What to Avoid on the First Day of the Month
Superstitions dictate that specific actions and foods are best avoided at the beginning of the month, especially the first day of the year. For business owners, this is considered a time to be cautious to ensure a prosperous start.
Aside from food restrictions, people also refrain from certain activities, such as cutting hair and nails, eating garlic before visiting temples, breaking things, picking up money off the street, going out at night, borrowing or lending money, and more.
Superstitions: What to Avoid at the Start of the Month
2 Ten Foods to Avoid on the First Day of the Month
Dog Meat
Consuming dog meat on the first day of the month, especially during the Lunar New Year (Tết), is considered taboo. It is believed to bring bad luck to the individual and their family. Instead, it is recommended to eat dog meat towards the end of the month or year to ward off any lingering misfortune.
Dog Meat: Taboo on the First Day of the Month
Duck Meat
The Vietnamese phrase “lạch bạch như vịt” means “waddling like a duck.” Similar to dog meat, duck meat is considered unlucky at the start of the month, particularly in Northern and Central Vietnam. It is believed that consuming duck meat will bring bad luck and hinder smooth progress.
Duck Meat: Unlucky According to Superstitions
Squid
Despite being a delicious and nutritious food, squid is avoided at the beginning of the month due to the phrase “đen như mực,” which means “as black as squid.” This phrase is used to describe unfortunate situations, and eating squid is thought to bring bad luck for the rest of the month or year.
Squid: A Food to Avoid for Good Luck
Shrimp
Shrimp have a distinctive appearance with a large head and a small tail, and they swim backward. According to ancient beliefs, consuming shrimp at the start of the month can lead to stagnation and hinder smooth progress in one’s plans and career.
Shrimp: A Superstition to Avoid for Smooth Sailing
Fermented Shrimp Paste
In Northern Vietnamese culture, fermented shrimp paste is considered taboo at the start of the month and year due to its strong odor. It is believed to bring pollution and bad luck, and offering it at a temple on the first day of the month is considered an offense to the gods.
Fermented Shrimp Paste: A Taboo Food
Balut
In Southern and Central Vietnam, balut is believed to bring good fortune when facing bad luck. However, as the start of the month and the new year are times for family gatherings and celebrations, consuming balut is thought to reverse this good fortune.
Therefore, if you plan to eat balut, it is recommended to choose another day.
Balut: A Superstition to Avoid at the Start of the Month
Black Carp
The Vietnamese word for black carp, “cá mè,” sounds similar to “mè nheo,” which means “to whine or complain.” Additionally, black carp has a strong fishy odor and is bonier than other fish. It is believed that consuming black carp can lead to choking on fish bones and bring obstacles in one’s path.
Despite its tasty and nutritious qualities, it is best avoided at the start of the month.
Black Carp: A Food to Avoid for a Smooth Path
Banana
In Southern Vietnam, the word for banana, “chuối,” sounds similar to “chúi,” which means “to bow one’s head.” As a result, people in this region usually avoid eating bananas on the first day of the month or when starting something important.
Banana: A Superstition in Southern Vietnam
Durian
Durian is avoided at the start of the month, despite its appealing taste. This belief stems from a sad folk tale associated with the fruit. Additionally, the word “sầu” in durian (“sầu riêng”) means “sadness” or “grief,” and its strong smell is unpleasant to some. Thus, durian is considered a fruit that brings sadness and bad luck.
Durian: A Fruit with a Sad Story
White Porridge
White porridge is commonly offered during ceremonies to appease wandering spirits. Therefore, eating it on the first day of the month is believed to invite the wrath of these spirits, bringing trouble and bad luck. Additionally, white porridge is associated with poverty and deprivation, making it a food to avoid.
White Porridge: A Food to Avoid for Good Fortune
3 What to Eat on the First Day of the Month for Good Luck
Fruits
Watermelon
Watermelon is a popular choice at the start of the month due to its red interior symbolizing good luck and its round shape representing completeness. People often eat watermelon, hoping to attract money and wealth. It can be enjoyed fresh or used in smoothies, juices, or watermelon jelly.
Watermelon: A Lucky Fruit for the New Month
Red Dragon Fruit
The pink hue of red dragon fruit is believed to bring good luck throughout the month. Enjoy it fresh or blended into a smoothie.
Red Dragon Fruit: A Lucky Treat
Jackfruit
Jackfruit represents abundance and richness, making it a popular choice during the Lunar New Year (Tết) and on the first day of every month.
Jackfruit: A Symbol of Abundance
Papaya
Papaya symbolizes completeness and fullness, and many believe that eating it at the start of the month will bring warmth and abundance for the rest of the month.
Papaya: A Fruit for Fullness and Warmth
Pomelo
Pomelos are usually round and full, symbolizing wealth and peace. Eating pomelo at the start of the month is believed to bring these blessings to the family. Enjoy it fresh or as pomelo juice.
Pomelo: A Fruit for Wealth and Peace
Mango and Grapes
Mangoes are often eaten at the start of the month, symbolizing financial abundance for families. Grapes, with their lush clusters, symbolize wealth and abundance.
Mango and Grapes: Fruits of Abundance
Coconut
In Southern Vietnam, the word for coconut, “dừa,” sounds similar to “vừa,” which means “just enough.” Thus, drinking coconut water and eating coconut meat at the start of the month is believed to bring just enough warmth and fullness for the days ahead. The sweet and refreshing taste of coconut water symbolizes the hope of sweet rewards after hard work.
Coconut: A Refreshing Symbol of Hope
Dishes
Chicken Dishes
The golden color of chicken meat symbolizes wealth and prosperity, making it a lucky food for the new month. Some popular chicken dishes include […].
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