As the Lunar New Year approaches, households across China and Vietnam are abuzz with preparations for the most important festival of the year. Known as the Spring Festival in China and Tet in Vietnam, this time-honored celebration highlights the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two neighboring nations.
In both countries, the festivities begin long before the first day of the new lunar calendar. Families engage in thorough cleaning of their homes, a ritual believed to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune in the coming year. Streets and houses are adorned with vibrant red decorations—lanterns sway gently in the breeze, and poetic couplets are hung beside doorways, all symbolizing prosperity and happiness.
The anticipation culminates in the grand reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where family members, some traveling great distances, gather to feast on traditional delicacies. In China, dishes like dumplings and fish are served, each carrying auspicious meanings. Similarly, Vietnamese families enjoy banh chung (sticky rice cakes) and other festive foods steeped in cultural significance.
Children in both countries eagerly await the giving of red envelopes, known as “hongbao” in China and “li xi” in Vietnam, containing money and blessings for the new year. Fireworks and dragon dances illuminate the night skies and streets, chasing away evil spirits and heralding a fresh start.
These shared traditions not only reinforce familial bonds but also underscore the cultural affinities that unite China and Vietnam. Despite differences in language and local customs, the essence of the Lunar New Year as a time for renewal, reflection, and togetherness remains a common thread weaving through the fabric of both societies.
As the new year unfolds, the parallel celebrations serve as a reminder of the enduring friendship and shared heritage between the two nations. The Spring Festival and Tet are not just holidays; they are vibrant expressions of cultural identity and mutual respect that have been passed down through generations.
Reference(s):
Spring Festival: A shared tradition between China and Vietnam
cgtn.com
