Vietnam not only welcomes a global new year on January 1st but also eagerly anticipates another explosive New Year celebration, called Tet, which is the most significant festival of the year. By intertwining ancient customs with modern festivities, Tet is truly distinct from the global New Year, creating a unique and vibrant tapestry that reflects Vietnam’s history, values, and the enduring spirit of renewal.
In this post, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the differences of New Year and “Tet” by the traditions between the Western world and Vietnam.
1. “NEW YEAR” IS NOT AS SHORT AS YOU THINK!
🎢 In the West, the New Year’s festivities are often overshadowed by the elaborate Christmas preparations that precede it, heavily influenced by religious traditions. Consequently, the Western New Year celebration unfolds within a single day, commonly perceived as a transitional moment into the upcoming year.
🤗 In contrast, Tet in Vietnam holds a deeper cultural significance and lasts for approximately two weeks. This duration is not merely a temporal marker but also a reflection of the enduring values and traditions that shape Vietnamese society.

2. DIFFERENT PERCEPTIONS ABOUT “TET” AND “NEW YEAR” YOU MAY NOT KNOW 🤔

👨👩👧👧 Tết holds a pivotal role in Vietnamese culture as a moment of family and unity after a hard year. It is a time for forgiveness, starting anew, and expressing gratitude. Therefore, Tet encapsulates the spirit of togetherness and the renewal of relationships.
✍️ On the other hand, the Western New Year places greater emphasis on personal growth, resolutions, and setting goals for the upcoming year. So it doesn’t really bring much cultural meaning to them.
3. A TIDY HOUSE FOR A PROSPEROUS YEAR AHEAD
🌏 The contrasting perspectives on Tet and the Western New Year not only shape the way people celebrate but also influence the cultural preparations, which is the uniqueness of each region.
🌸 It is believed that a clean and beautiful house during Tet will bring a year of good luck. Families come together to thoroughly clean the house before Tet and prepare many decorative items such as apricot trees, peach trees, and painted couplets to make the house more lively.
🎄 Contrary to this careful preparation, Westerners tend to choose to keep Christmas decorations because of the short duration of this festive season and the proximity of Christmas and New Year, making them consider it less important.

🎆 Spring is the time of festivals. New Year has bustled by, but there is still another party awaiting you. Prepare to join our Tet festivities at VUS for a wonderful year ahead!!
In fact, the differences in culture give rise to a diversity of unique experiences. Whether it is the flash moment in Western New Year or the extended celebrations of Tet in Vietnam, the shared longing for positivity and renewal is what people always strive for.
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