What Should Be Absolutely Avoided on the First Day of Tet?

There are various taboos and traditions observed on the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam, aimed at bringing good fortune and avoiding misfortune in the new year.

1. Sweeping and Cleaning is a Major Taboo on Tet

According to folk beliefs, sweeping the house on Tet will sweep away the spring fortune, leading to misfortune for the family.

This custom originates from a Chinese story recorded in “The Chronicles of the Gods.”

It tells the tale of a merchant named Au Minh, who, after receiving a maid named Nhu Nguyet from the water spirit, became very wealthy. However, one Tet morning, out of fear, Nhu Nguyet hid in a pile of trash when Au Minh struck her.

Unaware, Au Minh’s wife accidentally swept away both the trash and Nhu Nguyet. From that day on, the family fell into poverty.

People believe Nhu Nguyet represented the deity of wealth, leading them to set up altars to worship her, usually in the corner of the house. This is why there is a tradition of avoiding sweeping trash during the first three days of the new year to prevent losing the hidden wealth within.

2. Avoid Lending Fire

On Tet’s first day, it is considered unlucky for others to ask for fire from your home, as fire symbolizes good fortune.

Giving away fire on Tet’s first day could lead to a year filled with misfortunes such as business failures, household troubles, and unexpected accidents.

3. Those in Mourning Should Not Enter a House

According to the tradition of welcoming the New Year, the first person to enter a house on Tet determines the family’s fortune for the entire year. Therefore, people who are considered “heavy-spirited” or those in mourning should refrain from entering others’ homes on this day to avoid bringing misfortune.

4. Avoid Breaking Dishes

Our ancestors believed that breaking dishes signifies separation and division within the family. Thus, on this day, one should avoid breaking dishes, getting into arguments, or causing any unpleasant occurrences.

5. Avoid Borrowing or Repaying Debts on New Year’s Day

This taboo stems from the belief that the new year is a time to open doors for good fortune. Lending or repaying money is like “offering” wealth to others.

Therefore, families often advise their children not to borrow money or items from others during Tet to avoid a year of poverty, debts, and misfortune in business.

However, these taboos depend on individual beliefs and customs of each family.

Nevertheless, understanding the Tet customs helps everyone behave appropriately, avoiding misunderstandings and awkward situations in relationships.

6. Do Not Wear Black or White Clothing

For Vietnamese people, black and white colors symbolize mourning, so during Tet, it is customary to avoid wearing predominantly black or white clothing. Instead, people typically wear colorful, vibrant outfits to welcome a lucky and joyful new year.

7. Avoid Eating Unlucky Foods

On New Year’s Day, Vietnamese people avoid eating certain foods such as duck, catfish, and dog meat, as they are considered to bring bad luck. In some regions, shrimp is also avoided because it is believed to lead to regression, meaning that business and progress would not advance.

8. Avoid Speaking of Unfortunate Things

What is said at the beginning of the year can impact events throughout the year. Therefore, refrain from using unlucky phrases like “I’m going to die” or “It’s ruined.” Instead, engage in pleasant conversations using uplifting and lucky words that benefit both you and those around you.

9. Do Not Eat Porridge on New Year’s Morning

According to folk beliefs, only the poor eat porridge, so it is advisable to prepare a full meal with rice and dishes for the first day of the year.

10. Avoid Funerals

Although loss is something no one desires, if a family finds themselves in mourning on New Year’s Day, they should set aside their sadness. The Lunar New Year is a sacred time, marking a new beginning for nature, humanity, and the nation.

11. Avoid Opening Money Cabinets

In some families, opening the money cabinet is seen as taking wealth out of the house. Thus, not only should the money cabinet remain closed, but also wardrobes and other cabinets should not be opened on New Year’s Day, as this could lead to a loss of wealth and fortune for the year.

12. Avoid Raising Your Voice or Quarreling

Quarreling at the New Year will lead to a year of discord.

Raising your voice or arguing on New Year’s Day is believed to lead to a year filled with discord and unhappiness. It is best to maintain harmony, cheerfulness, and forgive each other’s mistakes to avoid conflicts and disputes!

13. Avoid Sitting or Standing in Doorways

Sitting or standing in doorways on Tet’s first day is also a significant taboo to avoid. This action is seen as inappropriate and can obstruct the flow of good fortune and prosperity into the home.

14. Avoid Excessive Use of Sharp Tools

During the festive season, it is advisable to limit the use of sharp tools, only using them when necessary. Sharp tools are associated with harm and may sever wealth, longevity, and good fortune. Thus, it is best to avoid handling sharp tools during this time.

15. Avoid Taking Photos or Wishing Happy New Year to Those Who Are Sleeping

Since this position resembles that of the deceased or the ill, taking photos or wishing Happy New Year to someone who is sleeping is akin to “cursing” them with illness or death for the entire year, except in cases where they are posing for a photo…

16. Avoid Waking Others on the First Day of Tet

When visiting someone’s house to wish them a Happy New Year, if you want to offer your greetings to someone who is still sleeping but can’t wait long, it’s best for the guest to wait for another occasion rather than waking them up. Not only should guests refrain from waking anyone, but even family members should allow individuals to wake up on their own on this day. If not, the person sleeping will have to endure the nudging of others in their work throughout the year.

17. Avoid Crying, Sadness, and Anger

These unpleasant actions are things no one wants to engage in during Tet. If faced with an unhappy situation, you should try to hold back and enjoy a joyful New Year with your loved ones, friends, and family. The ancients believed that crying and being sorrowful on the first day of the year would set the tone for the entire year ahead.

18. Limit Closing Your Doors

During the early days of the New Year, you should avoid closing your house doors, unless you are going out or visiting relatives. According to folk beliefs, during these days, the Jade Emperor and other deities come down to the mortal world to visit each home and bestow wealth and fortune. If you keep your doors tightly shut, the deities may take offense and leave, resulting in your family missing out on blessings for the entire year.

19. Avoid Wasting Food

One of the taboos during Tet that everyone should avoid is wasting food, as this could lead to a year of hunger, poor harvests, and financial difficulties. Additionally, at the start of the year, many families should avoid resting chopsticks on bowls to prevent delays in work and losses in business.

However, in the joyful atmosphere of family gatherings during the New Year, it’s hard to avoid food invitations and celebrations. Therefore, sometimes it can be challenging to control food wastage. To counteract this, at subsequent meals, people often eat fruits like oranges, watermelon, and mangoes, which are sweet and red, to bring good luck and success.

• Learn about the tradition of giving lucky money during Tet
• Traditional customs for a lucky New Year
• Traditional customs “that must be done” on the 30th of Tet