Phong tục đón Tết Nguyên Đán Canh Tý 2020 trong văn hóa Việt Nam
As the Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, approaches, the air in Vietnam fills with a palpable excitement and a rich tapestry of customs that date back centuries. The year 2020, designated as the Year of the Rat according to the Vietnamese zodiac, brought with it unique traditions and celebrations. Tết is not only a time to bid farewell to the year gone by but also an opportunity to welcome new fortunes with family reunions, elaborate feasts, and age-old rituals that are steeped in cultural significance. <br/ > <br/ >#### The Essence of Tết Preparations <br/ >In the weeks leading up to Tết Nguyên Đán, Vietnamese families engage in a flurry of activities, each imbued with deep cultural significance. One of the most pivotal aspects is the thorough cleaning of homes. This tradition, known as "Tổng Vệ Sinh," is believed to rid the house of bad luck from the old year and make space for new blessings. Markets bustle more than usual during this period, as everyone prepares for the most significant shopping spree of the year, purchasing new clothes and ingredients for the Tết feast. <br/ > <br/ >#### Culinary Delights of Tết <br/ >Food plays a central role in the celebrations of Tết Nguyên Đán, each dish rich with symbolism. The holiday's indispensable dish is Bánh Chưng or Bánh Tét, glutinous rice cakes filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. These cakes symbolize the Earth, reflecting the Vietnamese cultural reverence for agriculture. Another staple is Mứt Tết, a variety of candied fruits stored in ornate boxes and served to visiting guests. The act of sharing Mứt Tết fosters community and hospitality, essential values in Vietnamese culture. <br/ > <br/ >#### Rituals and Reunions <br/ >Tết Nguyên Đán is profoundly familial, focusing on the reunion of families and honoring of ancestors. On the eve of Tết, a ceremony called "Giao Thừa" is held. This is the transitional moment between the old and new years, where families pay respects to their ancestors at home altars. Offerings of food, flowers, and incense are made, inviting the ancestors to join in the celebration of the new year. This ritual underscores the Vietnamese value of filial piety and respect for one's roots. <br/ > <br/ >#### The First Visitor <br/ >One unique tradition observed during Tết Nguyên Đán is the concept of "xông đất" or "first-footing." The first person to enter a house after midnight on the eve of Tết is believed to determine the household's fortune for the entire year. This person is carefully chosen based on their zodiac sign and temperament; ideally, they should be successful and happy to bring good luck into the home. <br/ > <br/ >#### Festivities and Public Celebrations <br/ >Beyond family gatherings and private rituals, Tết Nguyên Đán is celebrated with vibrant public festivities. Streets are adorned with red and yellow decorations—colors believed to bring good fortune. Lion dances, fireworks, and folk music fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, public spaces become stages for cultural performances and community gatherings, reinforcing the communal spirit of Tết. <br/ > <br/ >As Tết Nguyên Đán Canh Tý 2020 unfolded, it was evident that the traditions and customs were not just mere formalities but a vibrant, living part of Vietnamese culture. From the meticulous preparations to the communal feasts and the reverent rituals, each aspect of Tết plays a crucial role in ushering in the new year with hope and joy. These traditions not only define the festivity itself but also reinforce the cultural values and familial bonds that are central to Vietnamese identity. As we reflect on the celebrations, it becomes clear that Tết Nguyên Đán is much more than a holiday—it is a profound expression of the Vietnamese way of life.