Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is Vietnam’s most anticipated and celebrated festival, marking a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and embracing a fresh start to the year. Falling on the first day of the lunar calendar, Tet 2025 is more than just a holiday—it is a cultural and spiritual cornerstone for Vietnamese people. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this vibrant celebration!
Lunar New Year 2025 (Year of the Snake) will occur on 29 January 2025 (Wednesday).
When Is Tet 2025?
Tet in 2025 begins on January 29th and lasts through February 5th according to the Lunar Calendar. Preparations, however, start weeks before the official date and extend well into mid-February, making Tet a nearly month-long season of festivity, tradition, and joy.
Key Dates for Tet 2025
January 22, 2025: Kitchen God Day
This marks the start of Tet preparations. Families give offerings and release live fish, symbolizing the journey of the Kitchen Gods to heaven to report on the household’s activities over the past year.
January 23-27, 2025: Pre-Tet Preparations
In the days leading up to Tet, families clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional foods like Chung Cake, and arrange five-fruit trays to honor their ancestors and welcome luck for the new year.
January 28, 2025: Lunar New Year’s Eve
Families gather for a feast, offer food to ancestors, and participate in “xong dat,” where a chosen visitor brings good luck and prosperity into the home for the year ahead.
January 29, 2025: First Day of Tet
Traditionally, this day is reserved for visiting relatives on the father’s side, exchanging wishes, and gifting red envelopes filled with lucky money to children and the elderly.
January 30-31, 2025: Visiting Relatives and Teachers
The second day is spent visiting relatives on the mother’s side, while the third day honors teachers, reflecting the deep respect Vietnamese culture holds for education.
February 12, 2025: First Full Moon Festival
Known as Tet Nguyen Tieu, this day marks the first full moon of the year. Families visit pagodas to pray for health, luck, and success.
What Is the Zodiac Animal for 2025?
2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolizing wisdom, adaptability, and regeneration. Individuals born in the Year of the Snake are believed to possess intelligence, intuition, and charm. However, those whose zodiac year coincides with the Year of the Snake may take extra spiritual precautions to ward off potential bad luck.
Things to Do During Tet for Good Luck
Do’s
- Burn Incense for Ancestors: Show gratitude and pray for blessings.
- Choose Red: Wear red clothing or eat red foods like sticky rice for good fortune.
- Xong Dat: Invite a lucky individual to visit your home first.
- Give and Receive Lucky Money: A meaningful tradition to wish prosperity.
- Visit Pagodas: Praying for peace and health in the new year.
Don’ts
- Avoid sweeping or cleaning the house on the first day to keep fortune from being swept away.
- Don’t argue or swear, as it’s believed to bring bad luck.
- Refrain from borrowing money to avoid financial difficulties.
- Avoid breaking items, as it signifies misfortune.
Experience Tet 2025 as a Visitor
Traveling to Vietnam during Tet is a unique experience. Streets come alive with colorful decorations, bustling markets, and the aroma of traditional dishes. While many businesses close during this time, tourist services, hotels, and select restaurants remain open, offering you a chance to witness Vietnam’s most cherished traditions.
Celebrate Tet with Ease: Vietnam Visa Easy
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Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich culture this Lunar New Year. Visit VietnamVisaEasy.com now to get your visa and prepare for an unforgettable Tet experience.