When is Vietnamese Tet 2024?
Vietnamese Tet 2024, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan or Lunar New Year, will fall on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. This marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, which is considered a sign of power, prosperity, and good luck.
Tết, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam, celebrated with a series of customs and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. It is a time for families to reunite, give thanks for the past year, and welcome the new one with hope and optimism.
When is Tet 2024?
Vietnamese New Year 2024, also called Tet 2024, falls on February 10th, 2024 in the Gregorian calendar and January 1st, 2024 in the Lunar calendar. Tet often changes year by year due to the leap month every 3 years in the Lunar Calendar. However, it ranges from late January and early February in the Solar calendar.
Tet is shortened from Tet Nguyen Dan which means the celebration of the first morning of the year. Tet 2024 is the biggest festival in Vietnamese culture in 2024. Tet marks not only the transition between the old and new year, but also an occasion for us to pay respects to ancestors and reunite with family.
How long does it last?
Non-natives may wonder about the commencement and duration of Tet when Vietnamese people discuss and make arrangements for it weeks or even months beforehand. While it’s a public holiday with roughly 7 official days off, the Vietnamese New Year celebration extends over 20 days.
Tet 2024 lasts from 23rd December 2023 until 15th January 2024 in the Lunar Calendar. It includes a series of celebrations and activities with different meanings in the spiritual life of Vietnamese. We can divide Tet 2024 into 3 main periods:
- Before New Year’s Eve (23/12-30/12)
- New Year’s Eve (30/12)
- The New Year (1/1-15/1)
Lunar Dates, Solar Dates, and Activities
Lunar Dates | Solar Dates | Activities | Meanings |
– | – | – | – |
23 December | 2 February | Kitchen God Day – Clean altar, set offerings, release carp | Also known as Tet Ong Cong – Ong Tao – the day of the kitchen gods who protect and govern all works of the family. This day is to say farewell to these gods to come back to heaven for the annual report. Cleaning the altar, setting new offerings, and releasing carp are ritual ceremonies to help the gods on their way back to heaven. |
24 – 30 December | 3 – 9 February | Wrap Chung Cake – Tet Cake | Chung Cake or Tet Cake is traditional and unmissable food on Tet’s feasts. Family members will gather to wrap Chung /Tet Cake (normally from 26 – 28th Lunar December) to place on ancestors’ altar and used to feast guests on New Year meals. |
24 – 30 December | 3 – 9 February | Clean and decorate house | A neat space and intimate atmosphere are very important to every Vietnamese home on Tet. Cleaning and decorating the house is believed to wipe out all bad luck and old things and get ready to welcome good luck and happiness in the new year. |
24 – 30 December | 3 – 9 February | Prepare five-fruit trays | The five-fruit tray represents abundance and fullness. Preparing a five-fruit tray for ancestors not only shows respect but also prays for fullness and happiness in the new year. |
24 – 30 December | 3 – 9 February | Visit ancestor’s grave | Vietnamese often clean and burn incense at ancestor’s graves before Tet to send thankfulness for the blessing in the old year and pray for peace, health, and happiness in the new year. This is also to show remembrance of ancestors and prior generations. |
30 December | 9 February | Give offerings to ancestor’s altar | Preparing a hearty food tray with other offerings on the ancestor’s altar is a vital ritual ceremony before the new year comes. It is to end the old year, pray for good luck in the new year, and invite ancestors to return home for Tet. |
30 December | 9 February | Xông đất – first visit in the house | The first person visiting the house having a good spirit is believed to bring good luck to the host family for the whole year. The chosen person must have good morality, education, or success and match the astrology of the owner’s house. |
1 January | 10 February | Visit relatives on father’s side | According to tradition, we spend the first day of the year visiting our father’s side first. After greeting members of our small family, we come to relatives’ houses together to send our best new year wishes to them. Family members often give lucky money to the elderly to wish them longevity and children to wish them health and good studying. |
2 January | 11 February | Visit relatives on mother’s side | After father’s side, family members gather to visit mother’s relatives on the second day of the new year. |
3 January | 12 February | Visit teachers | We highly appreciate the hard work of teachers and take the third day of the year to show them respect. On the 3rd of January, students come to teachers’ houses with gifts or flowers and give best wishes to them. |
4 – 5 January | 13-14 February | Visit other relatives, neighborhoods, friends | During the rest of the holiday, we can visit friends, neighborhoods, and further relatives to stay connected. We often ask about the previous year and intentions for the future. Families may go to the pagoda to pray for luck or simply rest at home to prepare to return to work. |
15 January | 24 February | Tet Nguyen Tieu – First full moon | Also known as Ram Thang Gieng – the very first full moon of the year. We believe this day is Buddha’s Day with luck gathered for the new year. We go to pagodas and temples to give offerings and pray for happiness, peace, success, and luck for the whole family. |
What is the animal sign of Vietnamese New Year 2024?
2024 is the Year of the Dragon. In traditional Asian culture, each year is associated with an animal in the 12 zodiacs in a certain order: rat, ox, tiger, cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Since 2023 is the Year of the Cat, Vietnamese New Year 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is one of the most powerful and auspicious animal symbols, showing unparalleled talent, strength, nobleness, luck, and success.
So 2024 is expected to be a very good year for those born in dragon years like 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, etc. 2024 is also considered a favorable year to give birth since babies born in dragon years are believed to have a kind, enthusiastic personality with high gratitude.
What is the duration of the Tet 2024 vacation?
Tet is the longest public holiday in Vietnam. Depending on the work schedule, Vietnamese will have a 5 to 9-day Tet holiday.
The Tet 2024 holiday is supposed to last from February 8th (29th Lunar December) to February 16th (5th Lunar January). This schedule is subject to change according to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs decision closer to the festival.
Although this is the official holiday for officials, employees, and students, some private companies, enterprises, or organizations in Vietnam may offer their holiday schedules.
Traditional Vietnamese TET
Decorations and Preparations
Tết preparations begin weeks in advance, as families clean their homes, prepare new clothes, and decorate their homes with traditional Tết symbols. Homes are typically adorned with red lanterns, gold foil, and fresh flowers, such as the yellow apricot blossom (hoa mai) and the peach blossom (hoa đào). These symbols represent luck, prosperity, and the arrival of spring.
Tet Eve Traditions
On Tết Eve, families gather to light candles, burn incense, and offer prayers to ancestors. They also prepare a special Tết feast, including dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes), bánh tét (glutinous rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves), and thịt kho tàu (braised pork belly with eggs).
New Year’s Day Visits
New Year’s Day is a day for visiting relatives and friends. Children exchange small red envelopes filled with money, called lì xì, and adults offer their best wishes for the new year. Traditional games, such as lion dances and múa lân (dragon dances), are also performed to bring good fortune.
Tet Traditions and Customs
Tết is a time for reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. Families often set up an altar to honor their ancestors and pray for their blessings. They also give thanks for their blessings and make resolutions for the new year.
Tet Foods and delicacies
Tết cuisine is a rich and diverse mix of flavors and textures. Traditional Tết dishes are often made with symbolism, such as bánh chưng and bánh tét, which represent the unity of the country. Other popular Tết foods include chè trôi nước (glutinous rice balls with sweet filling), thịt kho tàu (braised pork belly with eggs), and củ kiệu (pickled mustard greens).
Tet Celebrations and Festivals
Tết is a time for festivities and celebrations. People gather in markets to buy new clothes, fresh produce, and Tết decorations. Children enjoy playing traditional games, such as trốn tìm (hide-and-seek) and thả cá vàng (releasing goldfish).
Tet Gifts and Practices
Tết is a time for giving and receiving gifts. Adults often give children lì xì, small red envelopes filled with money. Other traditional Tết gifts include fruit baskets, flowers, and symbolic items like incense and candles.
Tet’s Cultural Significance
Tết is a deeply rooted cultural tradition that has been celebrated in Vietnam for centuries. It is a time for families to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and celebrate their shared heritage. The vibrant colors, delicious food, and joyous atmosphere of Tết make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Vietnamese cuisine during the Tet holiday
Vietnamese cuisine during Tet holiday is a vibrant and diverse tapestry of flavors, textures, and symbolism. The Lunar New Year, known as Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam, is a time for family gatherings, forgiveness, and renewal, and the food that is prepared during this time reflects these important themes.
Banh Chung (Square Sticky Rice Cake)
This iconic dish is a ubiquitous presence on Tet tables throughout Vietnam. Made from glutinous rice, pork, green beans, and mung beans, all wrapped in banana leaves, Banh Chung is a symbol of unity and stability. The square shape represents the earth, the banana leaves symbolize prosperity, and the pork represents wealth.
Banh Tet (Cylindrical Sticky Rice Cake)
Similar to Banh Chung, Banh Tet is a sticky rice cake that is a staple of Tet cuisine. However, Banh Tet is elongated and wrapped in bamboo leaves, giving it a distinct flavor and aroma. It is often filled with mung beans and pork, and it symbolizes longevity and continuous growth.
Gio Cha (Vietnamese Sausage)
Gio Cha is a savory sausage made from pork, lemongrass, garlic, and other aromatics. It is often grilled or steamed and served during Tet as an appetizer or snack. Gio Cha symbolizes prosperity and wealth.
Mut (Candied Fruits)
Mut is a colorful assortment of candied fruits that is a popular dessert during Tet. The fruits are typically deep-fried and coated in a sweet and sticky glaze. Mut symbolizes happiness and good fortune.
Canh Bong (Vegetable Soup with Dried Pork Skin)
This simple but nourishing soup is a refreshing break from the rich and savory dishes that typically dominate Tet tables. The dried pork skin adds a unique texture and flavor, and the vegetables symbolize hope for the new year.
Ga Luoc (Boiled Chicken)
Boiled chicken is a common dish served during Tet, and it symbolizes fullness and well-being. The chicken is often cooked with ginger, green onion, and other spices, and it is served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, sugar, and lime.
Nem Cuon (Spring Rolls)
Nem Cuon, also known as summer rolls, are a light and refreshing dish that is often served during Tet. The rolls are made from rice paper filled with pork, shrimp, vegetables, and herbs, and they are dipped in a sweet and savory dipping sauce.
Banh Chung and Banh Tet are the two most iconic dishes of Tet holiday, representing unity, stability, longevity, and continuous growth. Gio Cha, Mut, Canh Bong, Ga Luoc, and Nem Cuon are other traditional Tet dishes that symbolize prosperity, happiness, good fortune, hope, fullness, and well-being. The diverse flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine during Tet reflect the richness of Vietnamese culture and the anticipation of a new year.
When is Vietnamese Tet Over the Next 10 Years?
Although the Vietnamese New Year date changes annually, the timeframe and traditions are similar. Tet in Vietnam ranges from late January to early February each year.
Here are the upcoming Lunar New Year dates for the next decade:
- 2024: February 10
- 2025: January 29
- 2026: February 15
- 2027: February 3
- 2028: January 22
- 2029: February 10
- 2030: January 30
- 2031: February 18
- 2032: February 7
- 2033: January 27
Vietnamese Tet 2024 Q&As
Q: When is Tet 2024?
A: Tet 2024, also known as the Lunar New Year, will fall on January 22, 2024.
Q: What is the significance of Tet?
A: Tet is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a time for families to celebrate the new year and to remember their ancestors.
Q: How do people celebrate Tet?
A: People celebrate Tet by decorating their homes with flowers and lanterns, giving gifts to their loved ones, and enjoying traditional foods such as banh chung (sticky rice cake) and thit kho (caramelized pork).
Q: What are some of the traditions associated with Tet?
A: Some of the traditions associated with Tet include:
- Giving lucky money to children
- Visiting pagodas and temples to pray for good luck
- Watching lion dances and other traditional performances
Q: How can I learn more about Tet?
A: There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you more about Tet. You can also visit a Vietnamese cultural center or community event to experience Tet firsthand.
Conclusion
The Vietnamese culture and traditions place great significance on the celebration of Tet, which is the most important festival. In 2024, Tet will occur on February 10th and it will be the Year of the Dragon. Knowing the specific details such as the timing of Tet, the customary activities, and their significance can aid in our appreciation of this significant occasion for Vietnamese families and communities. With this overview, we aim to provide useful insight into how to celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
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