“Tet” known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is the Lunar New Year celebrated with unique regional variations across the North, Central, and Southern parts of the country. Here’s how each region celebrates this significant festival:
Northern Vietnam:
- Flowers and Plants: In the North, the peach blossom (hoa đào) is the iconic flower of Tet, symbolizing hope and the chasing away of evil spirits. It’s believed to bring luck and ward off bad omens. Kumquat trees are also popular, with their bright orange fruits symbolizing fertility and fruitfulness.
- Traditional Foods: The most famous dish is Bánh chưng, a square sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, filled with mung beans and pork, symbolizing the Earth. It’s associated with a legend about Prince Lang Lieu, who created this dish to win his father’s throne.
- Customs: There’s a strong emphasis on ancestor worship, with families visiting and cleaning ancestors’ graves before Tet. The “first footing” or “xông đất” tradition is also significant, where the first person to enter a house in the new year must be of good character to bring luck for the year.
- Weather: The celebrations occur in cooler weather, which affects the choice of flowers and activities, with people often gathered indoors for warmth.
Central Vietnam:
- Flowers: The Central region often uses a combination of flowers from both the North and South. Here, you might see both peach blossoms and yellow apricot flowers (hoa mai), although not as dominantly as in their respective regions.
- Foods: While Bánh chưng is still popular, Bánh tét might also be seen, especially in areas closer to the South, reflecting a blend of culinary traditions.
- Customs: Central Vietnam shares many customs with both North and South. For instance, like the North, they have the “first footing” tradition, but they also incorporate some Southern practices like a more relaxed approach to festivities.
- Weather: The weather here can be quite pleasant, allowing for a mix of indoor and outdoor celebrations.
Southern Vietnam:
- Flowers and Plants: The yellow apricot blossom (hoa mai) is the star of Tet in the South, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. It’s a vibrant contrast to the peach blossom of the North and is often seen in homes and public spaces.
- Traditional Foods: Bánh tét is the Southern counterpart to Bánh chưng, cylindrical in shape but with similar ingredients, symbolizing the sky. Additionally, Southern Tet meals might include other dishes like caramelized pork belly or bitter melon soup, which have a unique flavor profile due to local ingredients.
- Customs: Southerners often celebrate with a more relaxed and festive spirit, including more outdoor activities like visiting friends, traveling, or participating in public events. The approach to ancestor worship might be less formal than in the North, with a focus on communal joy.
- Weather: With a warmer climate, celebrations in the South are more likely to include outdoor activities, and the festive mood is often more lively, with streets bustling with markets, decorations, and celebrations.
- Cultural Blend: Due to historical influences, Southern celebrations might also include elements from Chinese New Year celebrations, like dragon and lion dances.
These regional differences reflect Vietnam’s diverse cultural landscape, where local customs, climate, and historical influences shape how Tet is celebrated, creating a rich tapestry of traditions across the country.