Customs and Traditions of Tet in Vietnam
A journey through time: Let’s take a look at some old photos of the traditional Tet in Vietnam (Hanoi) in the 1920s. These images capture the charm of traditional Tet, showing a time when modern influences unspoiled its beauty. Time flies so quickly. Our traditional Tet has changed so much and the traditional traits are gradually assimilated with modern life. Some of its beauty is lost in oblivion. Take a look into the past to see how the cherished traditional Tet looked like.
Preparations for Tet in Vietnam
The Tet rush usually starts a month before the clock strikes the Lunar New Year, with people busy shopping, preparing for the homecoming, cleaning and decorating houses, and cooking Tet specialties. Tet in Vietnam is incomplete without its unique culinary preparations, including Banh Chung, a traditional square sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. Markets are filled with vibrant Tet decorations, calligraphy blessings, and traditional outfits. The celebration of Tet can last for another month after the official holiday.
Modern Influences
Yet many are arguing Tet is losing its magic amid the modern fast-paced life, and whether the country should abandon the long-standing festival and its accompanying “exhaustion”, joining the rest of the world to celebrate only the International (Solar) New Year instead.
On the other hand, others are trying to revive the flavors of Tet to prove how it has been a sacred, venerable tradition passed on for centuries that should be kept for the next generations.
While the debate spirals on, take a look back at the Tet spirit in Hanoi almost a century ago, before the wars, the Subsidy Period, and then the modern lifestyle rolled in. These black and white photos, taken mostly at the central market of Dong Xuan in the 1920s give a glimpse of the Tet bustle that the elders have been nostalgic for.
Photos via Flickr/manhhai.
