Before we know it, the year will be over, and a new year will come. Everyone is busy during these last days of the year preparing for a prosperous New Year. So, how does Tet in the 4.0 era differ from Tet in the past?
Old Tet: Firecrackers – New Tet: Fireworks
In ancient beliefs, the sound of firecrackers during Tet was meant to ward off evil spirits and wish for a smooth year of business and life. There were many types of firecrackers: tiny firecrackers, large firecrackers, cylindrical firecrackers, string firecrackers, mouse firecrackers, and sky rockets. However, to ensure public safety, the practice of setting off firecrackers during Tet has become less common. Instead, grand fireworks displays are organized in cities to welcome a prosperous new year.
Old Tet: Making Banh Chung – New Tet: Ordering Banh Chung
It was often joked that seeing Banh Chung means Tet is here. This saying holds true.
The tradition of wrapping Banh Chung and Banh Tet during Tet is a cultural hallmark of Vietnam. According to the legend “Banh Chung, Banh Day,” the practice of wrapping Banh Chung originated during the reign of the sixth Hung King. Since then, this custom has been passed down through generations and has become an indispensable offering to ancestors during Tet, reflecting the descendants’ gratitude for their roots. The Banh Chung symbolizes the Earth, representing abundance and prosperity, as it is made of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork.
Wrapping Banh Chung and Banh Tet during Tet is a long-standing tradition of our nation.
While wrapping Banh Chung used to be a tradition for families to gather around, today, due to the busyness of life, many people choose to buy Banh Chung from shops to save time.
Old Tet: Receiving Lucky Money – New Tet: Sending Lucky Money via Apps
The custom of receiving lucky money is popular in Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. Traditionally, on the first morning of Tet, families gather together. Children offer good wishes to their grandparents and parents and receive red envelopes of lucky money from the elders as a blessing for the new year. In Chinese culture, lucky money is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to children at the start of the year.
To keep pace with global developments, more and more money transfer apps are gradually replacing cash. Receiving lucky money is no exception. In the context of the pandemic, when people cannot have close contact, e-wallets have become increasingly popular. Thus, receiving lucky money online is no longer a difficult or unfamiliar task for many. Receiving lucky money online is quick, convenient, and safe, eliminating the fear of losing an envelope or forgetting it somewhere while celebrating the spring.
Old Tet: Visiting to Wish Well – New Tet: Sending Wishes Online
The custom of wishing well at the beginning of the year reflects the gratitude of children towards their grandparents, parents, and both sides of the family. Along with that is the enduring spirit of “Drinking water, remembering its source” of the Vietnamese people. The Tet wishing custom has been established as an indigenous culture of the Vietnamese, a tradition preserved by the people for generations.
In the past, Tet was a time for families to gather and visit grandparents, relatives, and loved ones. Nowadays, with just a smartphone, people can send well wishes anywhere. While this is very convenient, it also has its downsides. The essence of Tet is for families to reunite after spending months working away from home. Yet, thanks to smartphones, people have become somewhat “lazier”, thinking that a video call suffices without needing to return home.
Old Tet: Family Reunion – New Tet: Traveling Everywhere
The Lunar New Year is a festival for the nation and also a family holiday. In the past, people would stay at home to visit relatives and loved ones. Mothers would be busy preparing food and Tet gifts, fathers would buy peach or apricot trees and household items, while children would clean the house. Although it’s called a holiday, everyone was busy. Therefore, today, most people choose to travel to truly relax after a year of hard work.
Tet is the longest holiday of the year, so people want to explore new places.
The trend of traveling during Tet is on the rise, partly due to the increasing living standards of the people and also because this is the longest holiday of the year, prompting people to explore new locations. The question of whether to return home for Tet or go traveling is a hot topic of debate in online communities. However, it’s a personal choice as long as you and your family are happy with that decision.
Although Tet has changed significantly over the years, the essence of this traditional holiday remains intact, with older generations passing on its beautiful customs to the younger ones. After all, the core of Tet is family reunions, abundance, and happiness.
