Beyond red envelopes, Springtime Fortune (Hai Loc Dau Nam) is a cherished Tet tradition where people visit pagodas to collect buds or leaves, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. With “Lộc” meaning both “young leaves” and “blessings,” this practice embodies Vietnam’s spiritual essence. To honor this tradition, VUS hosts Springtime Fortune annually, bringing teachers and TAs together to celebrate Tet with lucky envelopes and festive joy.
1. A Fortune-Filled Celebration
Following the Tet holiday, teachers and teaching assistants gathered at their respective VUS campuses to participate in the Springtime Fortune activity. Honoring the Vietnamese tradition of giving lucky money for good fortune, the activity centered around selecting lucky envelopes to bring prosperity to our teachers. Each participant picked a random envelope, revealing a heartfelt new year wish and a token of luck in the form of lucky money. This simple yet meaningful tradition brought smiles and excitement, reinforcing the spirit of prosperity and unity as everyone embraced the new year together.
In addition, teachers also had the chance to enjoy traditional Vietnamese games and festivities. Depending on the campus, activities may include Vietnamese Bingo, dance performances, potluck gatherings, and other engaging team-building games. Each campus curates a unique celebration, ensuring a diverse and culturally rich experience that reflects its scale and community spirit.
Adding a digital twist, VUS also introduced the Springtime Fortune camera filter on TikTok called “Fortune Tết-ler”*. This fun feature allowed participants to generate amusing and outlandish fortune predictions for 2025, such as “You’ll become a bánh chưng influencer with a million followers” or “A dragon will grant you VIP access to cloud surfing.” This lighthearted online engagement complemented the in-person event, giving everyone a chance to spread laughter and good vibes beyond the campuses.
* The Fortune Tết-ler camera filter is a playful twist on fortune-telling, blending “Tết” (Lunar New Year) with “Teller.” Inspired by the Vietnamese tradition of visiting pagodas at the start of the year to pick a fortune stick for guidance, this interactive filter randomly generates amusing predictions for 2025, offering users a lighthearted glimpse into their “future” while embracing the joyful spirit of the new year.
2. Engaging, Entertaining, and Uniting
More than just an annual tradition, the Springtime Fortune activity fostered a sense of togetherness within the VUS community. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to start the new year is with a mix of gratitude, humor, and optimism. By incorporating Vietnamese customs, VUS ensures that both local and expatriate staff have the opportunity to engage with and appreciate the country’s cultural heritage. The overwhelming participation and positive feedback from our teachers and staff made it clear: this celebration was a cherished moment for all.
3. Looking Ahead
With the success of this year’s event, we’re excited to continue strengthening the bonds within the VUS family through meaningful and enjoyable traditions. Who knows what next year’s fortunes will hold? One thing’s for sure at VUS, we’ll continue to celebrate, connect, and create memorable experiences together. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this a wonderful start to 2025. May your year be filled with good fortune, happiness, and success!
Just as Springtime Fortune brings new beginnings and good luck for the year ahead, this could be your sign to start an exciting new chapter with VUS! We’re currently hiring for three positions—join us to grow your career, gain valuable experience, and be part of a vibrant, culture-rich community. Don’t miss this opportunity to step into a rewarding journey with Vietnam’s leading English language center!
