New Year’s Eve, known as Giao Thừa, is the most sacred moment of the year for Vietnamese people. It is not only the transition between the old year and the new one, but also a time when people turn their hearts toward ancestors, heaven and earth, and the spiritual values deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.
Despite changes in modern lifestyles, Vietnamese New Year’s Eve traditions have been carefully preserved as a meaningful cultural practice that reflects beliefs, hopes, and the long-standing moral principle of honoring one’s roots.
In traditional belief, the term Giao Thừa means “passing on the old and receiving the new.” It represents the moment when yin and yang shift, marking the end of one year and the beginning of another. Vietnamese people believe this moment carries powerful spiritual energy that influences fortune and well-being throughout the coming year.
Spiritually, New Year’s Eve is a time to set aside the worries of the past year and look forward to renewal and hope. Families gather together in a solemn yet warm atmosphere, expressing wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity.
Vietnamese New Year’s Eve customs originate from folk beliefs and are influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. According to traditional belief, each year is governed by a celestial deity known as the Hành Khiển. On New Year’s Eve, the deity of the old year hands over responsibilities to the deity of the new year.
As a result, Vietnamese families perform New Year’s Eve rituals to bid farewell to the old guardian and welcome the new one, praying for protection and good fortune in the year ahead.
The outdoor New Year’s Eve offering is meant to send off the deities of the old year and welcome those of the new year. Folk belief holds that these deities travel swiftly, so offerings are placed outdoors to properly receive them.
The outdoor offering typically includes incense, flowers, candles, betel leaves and areca nuts, banh chung or banh tet, rice wine, fruits, and ceremonial dishes depending on each household’s means. Above all, sincerity is considered the most important element.
After the outdoor ceremony, families conduct the indoor ritual to honor their ancestors. This practice reflects the Vietnamese tradition of filial piety and respect for lineage.
The indoor offering usually consists of the Tet feast prepared in advance and is placed solemnly on the ancestral altar. The head of the household offers incense and prayers, asking ancestors to bless the family with health, peace, and success in the new year.
New Year’s Eve is the most meaningful time for family reunions. Family members gather together, share stories from the past year, and exchange wishes for the year ahead.
This sense of togetherness forms the emotional core of Vietnamese New Year’s Eve traditions.
The transition into the new year is awaited with reverence and anticipation. Today, many families watch countdowns on television or enjoy fireworks displays to mark the moment.
Although the form may change, the sense of hope and belief in a fresh beginning remains unchanged.
After midnight, many people practice hái lộc, which involves picking a small budding branch or receiving a symbolic blessing from a temple. This custom represents wishes for luck, prosperity, and peace in the new year.
In modern times, people are encouraged to observe this tradition responsibly to protect nature and public spaces.
Immediately after New Year’s Eve, family members exchange New Year greetings and give lucky money to children. This symbolizes the passing of good fortune and expresses affection across generations.
Many people also visit pagodas or temples either late at night or early on the first day of the New Year to pray for peace, health, and success. The tradition of first-footing (xông đất) is especially important in Northern Vietnam.
According to folk beliefs, New Year’s Eve is spiritually sensitive. Vietnamese people avoid arguments, negative words, and breaking household items during this time.
Maintaining a positive, harmonious mindset on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring good luck for the entire year.
In Northern Vietnam, New Year’s Eve is often solemn and ritual-focused. Central Vietnam emphasizes formality and proper ceremonial order. Southern Vietnam, by contrast, celebrates New Year’s Eve in a more relaxed, joyful, and open manner.
Despite regional differences, New Year’s Eve traditions across all three regions share common values: family unity, ancestor veneration, and hopes for a prosperous year.
In contemporary society, New Year’s Eve celebrations have evolved with public events, media broadcasts, and entertainment activities. However, essential rituals such as family gatherings, ancestral offerings, and New Year greetings remain intact.
The blend of tradition and modernity allows Vietnamese New Year’s Eve customs to continue thriving in today’s fast-paced world.
New Year’s Eve traditions are more than religious rituals; they serve as a bridge connecting past, present, and future. This sacred moment allows people to reflect on the past year while embracing the new one with optimism and faith.
Preserving Vietnamese New Year’s Eve traditions is a way of safeguarding cultural heritage, nurturing spiritual life, and passing down national identity to future generations.