The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year for Vietnamese people, marking the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. Originating from the agricultural civilization, Tet carries the meaning of family and community bonding and is also a time to honor ancestors and pray for a prosperous and peaceful new year. It is not only an occasion for family reunions but also holds deep spiritual significance. According to tradition, there are taboos that people must observe to avoid bad luck and welcome fortune and prosperity in the new year. Below is a detailed list of taboos during the Lunar New Year that you should know:
According to folklore, sweeping the floor or taking out the trash on the first day of the new year symbolizes sweeping away wealth and luck from the house. Therefore, people often clean their homes thoroughly before New Year’s Eve to avoid cleaning during Tet. Additionally, trash is usually kept until the end of the first day to ensure the "red fortune" of the year is not lost.
Breaking bowls, plates, or any objects during Tet is considered a bad omen, signifying separation or loss in the family. To prevent this, people are extra careful when handling fragile items. Moreover, if an accident happens, positive words are often used to counteract the bad luck.
Lending money or collecting debts during Tet is believed to symbolize financial loss. People believe that lending money at the beginning of the year means constantly spending without receiving, while collecting debts is seen as disrupting harmony, causing strained relationships.
The first days of the new year are considered to set the tone for the entire year. Therefore, quarreling, arguing, or saying negative things are all taboo. People usually avoid using pessimistic words or mentioning unfortunate events to maintain a joyful and happy atmosphere.
In ancient beliefs, disposing of wastewater during Tet is equivalent to "pouring away" the blessings and good luck of the new year. Thus, people try to avoid large-scale cleaning activities during this time.
Crying on the first day of the new year is seen as a sign of sadness and misfortune, leading to a year filled with troubles. Hence, everyone tries to avoid situations that might cause children or adults to cry during Tet.
Certain foods are considered to carry bad meanings and are avoided during Tet. For instance, squid is thought to symbolize "black luck," and bananas in Southern Vietnam sound like "struggling." On the contrary, people prefer foods with positive meanings, such as sticky rice cakes (symbolizing reunion) or red sticky rice (representing good luck).
Black and white colors are often associated with mourning, so people avoid wearing these colors during Tet. Instead, bright colors like red, yellow, and green are favored as they symbolize happiness and prosperity.
In Vietnamese culture, wishing New Year’s greetings to someone in mourning is considered inappropriate as it may bring bad luck to both parties. Families in mourning usually put up a notice to inform visitors and limit receiving guests during Tet.
It is believed that napping on the first day of the year will lead to laziness and hinder progress throughout the year. Therefore, people encourage each other to stay active, participate in games, and keep a lively atmosphere on the first day of the new year.
Cutting hair or nails during Tet is seen as "cutting away" one’s luck. People generally avoid these actions until after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
The Lunar New Year 2025 is an opportunity for families to reunite, explore popular spring destinations such as Perfume Pagoda, Hoi An Ancient Town, or famous eco-tourism areas. Additionally, traditional activities like calligraphy asking, visiting Tet fairs, or participating in local cultural festivals are ideal choices to fully enjoy the Tet atmosphere. This is also a great time to hunt for Tet promotions from famous brands such as MARC, OLV, JOVEN, COUPLE TX, KYMDAN, INOCHI, JYSK. You can choose unique gifts like HIMALAYA essential oils for relaxation and health care or personal care products like FACE WASH FOX to pamper the skin. These are meaningful and practical gifts that show care for the recipient’s health and beauty, perfectly suited for the Tet holiday.
When going out during Tet, choosing the right outfit is very important. Traditional ao dai is always a top choice, reflecting the beauty of tradition while exuding elegance and grace. You can pair ao dai with modern accessories such as necklaces, earrings, or small handbags for a stylish touch. For men, a modernized ao dai paired with leather shoes or loafers creates a look that blends tradition and modernity. Additionally, combining it with contemporary accessories can help create a unique fashion statement.
The taboos during Tet not only reflect the beauty of traditional culture but also carry spiritual significance, promoting harmony, joy, and hope for the new year. In particular, the younger generation plays a vital role in continuing and spreading these values, contributing to the preservation and development of traditional customs in the modern context. Observing these taboos shows respect for traditions and helps preserve cultural values. Share and apply these tips to welcome a peaceful and happy new year!