Tet Nguyen Dan more commonly known by its shortened name Tet, is the most important and popular holiday and festival in Vietnam. It is the Vietnamese New Year marking the arrival of spring based on the Lunar calendar. The name Tet Nguyen Dan is Sino-Vietnamese for Feast of the First Morning.
It takes place from the first day of the first month of the Lunar calendar (around late January or early February) until at least the third day. During Tết, Vietnamese visit their relatives and temples, forgetting about the troubles of the past year and hoping for a better upcoming year. Due to the high regard in which people hold it, Tết, as often as not, is consumed with unique, distinctive colors and flavors. Let’s take a look at some traditions and customs typical of this special holiday in Vietnam.
Peach, kumquat and apricot trees have gone on sale at Nhat Tan Flower Village and are in high demand as Hanoians prepare for the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival (Tet).
Peach trees are in blossom. Some gardens have found ways to make peach trees bloom early as Hanoians have a habit of purchasing peach trees in December as an offering to their ancestors.
A woman plucks peach leaves to make them bloom early.
A peach blossom in full bloom. For Hanoians, peach blossoms are a symbol of a peaceful and wealthy life.
View of light pink peach blossoms
A woman takes care of peach trees. A branch of peach trees often sell for US$2.21 (VND50,000) each.
A peach tree with huge roots
View of a kumquat tree
A man trimming peach and kumquat trees.
