On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese people have a custom called “xuất hành” – meaning to leave the house on the first day to seek good fortune for themselves and their families. According to popular belief, choosing a good direction for this journey will bring prosperity in the new year.
Additionally, during the three days of Tet, Vietnamese people have a tradition of returning home by evening, no matter where they have gone. The significance of this custom is to avoid leaving without returning, as this could bring misfortune to the entire family.
Vietnamese people have the custom of “xuất hành” at the beginning of the year to bring good luck to their families.
The tradition of “xuất hành” dates back to ancient times. Farmers often chose the timing of their departure to observe the weather for the entire year. At sunrise, people would step outside to assess the wind direction, which could help predict whether the new year would be fortunate or unfortunate.
For example: A southern wind often indicates drought, a western wind signifies chaos and robbery, a southwestern wind points to disease outbreaks, and an eastern wind suggests heavy flooding…
Similar to the custom of “xông đất” (the first visitor of the year), people usually choose an auspicious time to step outside. If the timing aligns with the person’s zodiac, it’s even better; it won’t be detrimental. After venturing out, everyone hopes to gain good fortune for the year, and then they can proceed with other activities such as going to work, visiting relatives, or giving lucky money to children…
Typically, if they go to a temple or shrine, people often partake in a ritual of picking branches, symbolizing the collection of blessings from the heavens and the earth. Some individuals may also take a handful of incense or a large stick of incense, stand and bow before the altar, and then place the incense on the ancestral altar or the altar for the God of the Land at home.
In every region across the country, the custom of “xông đất” reflects a spirit of seeking good fortune, wishing for a prosperous new year, and hoping that all family members have a smooth year ahead.
What to consider when determining a good direction for “xuất hành” in 2024?
According to feng shui experts, if you wish to attract wealth, the direction for “xuất hành” on the first day of 2024 should be due South or Southwest. If you are looking to seek good luck and happiness, the recommended direction is also Southwest.
From a feng shui perspective, there are a total of 8 directions, each corresponding to different trigrams and elements, as follows:
- East: Corresponds to the Zhen trigram, associated with Wood.
- Southeast: Corresponds to the Xun trigram, associated with Wood.
- Northeast: Corresponds to the Gen trigram, associated with Earth.
- West: Corresponds to the Dui trigram, associated with Metal.
- Southwest: Corresponds to the Kun trigram, associated with Earth.
- Northwest: Corresponds to the Qian trigram, associated with Metal.
- South: Corresponds to the Li trigram, associated with Fire.
- North: Corresponds to the Kan trigram, associated with Water.
Each of these 8 directions has different interactions and influences. Therefore, when choosing a direction for the Year of the Dragon in 2024, you should pick a direction that is beneficial for you or supports your zodiac sign. Additionally, you need to avoid directions that clash with your sign. If you choose a supporting direction, it is believed that the year will bring many lucky opportunities, happiness, and good fortune.
