It’s Tết time of the year…
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008Most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar these days, but many Eastern cultures also follow the Lunar calendar. Whereas the Gregorian calendar follows the cycle of the sun, the lunar calendar follows the cycle of the moon. Both calendars work just as well as each other, but the Gregorian calendar has become the default.
Coming from an Eastern background, I celebrate both the “normal” new year and the lunar new year, known as Tết in Vietnam. It’s a time of year very similar to Christmas in Western cultures: family, eating, drinking and presents! But instead of a man in a red suit bearing gifts, our elders come bearing gifts in the form of red packets (lì xì) containing money. The red packets are usually given by elders to younglings. These red packets symbolise luck and wealth.
Exchanging wishes when receiving the red packet is important in Vietnamese culture. Traditionally it is done in a formal manner and with all seriousness. For example in my case, I would call my parents to sit down in front of me while I remain standing. I would then wish them all that is good for the new year. They in turn would then wish me good things for the new year and pass me the red packet. The whole affair can be quite daunting when you are a kid.
I’m no longer a kid, but parents still expect their children to follow this tradition, no matter what age they are. Once the formalities are over, everyone wishes each other a happy new year. Then the feasting and gambling begins to rid the rest of the year of any bad luck (if you lose) or gain good luck for the year (if you win). It’s all good! 
Time for me to scoot over to my folks place. So, on the eve of the new year of the Rat, I wish you a Happy New Year!!!
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
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