Tet - A Celebration of Family and Tradition

Tet is a festival that my family celebrates every year. It is a time when we come together to honor our ancestors, express gratitude, and celebrate the arrival of spring. One of the most important aspects of Tet is the food that we eat. One traditional dish that we always have during Tet is Banh Chung, a square-shaped sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. It is made with glutinous rice, mung bean, and pork, and it symbolizes the Earth and the sky. During Tet, my family gathers around the table to enjoy the delicious Banh Chung together. It is a time for us to bond and share stories, laughter, and love. We also have other traditional dishes such as pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and various types of fruits. The food not only satisfies our taste buds but also represents the abundance and prosperity that we wish for in the coming year. Apart from the food, there are many activities that my family and I engage in during Tet. One of the most common activities is visiting relatives and friends to exchange well wishes and gifts. We also clean and decorate our house to welcome the new year. This includes putting up red and gold decorations, flowers, and displaying the traditional Tet symbols such as the peach blossom tree and the kumquat tree. Another important activity during Tet is giving and receiving lucky money. It is a tradition for adults to give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried individuals. This symbolizes good luck and blessings for the new year. As a child, I always looked forward to receiving these red envelopes, as it was a symbol of good fortune and a way to start the year with positivity. In conclusion, Tet is a festival that holds great significance for my family. It is a time for us to come together, enjoy delicious food, and engage in meaningful activities. It is a celebration of family, tradition, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. Tet brings us closer as a family and reminds us of the importance of love, gratitude, and unity.