Foreigners' Feelings on Tet in Vietnam

摘要

For Vietnamese, Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year Festival) is the biggest traditional festival, the very first days with a decisive impact for the whole year to come and bearing significant traditional meaning. But for foreigners living in Vietnam, their feelings on Tet in Vietnam are characterised by different features. Despite difference in feelings and plans for Tet, foreigners share their impressions on the animated atmosphere and the special meaning of Tet for Vietnamese. While the Thai New Year brings to mind visitors to pagodas and ceremonies of cleansing Buddha images by gently pouring water mixed with Thai fragrance over them, and the Lao New Year is characterised by the April Water Festival, Vietnamese Tet is symbolized by green square glutinous cakes and red cau doi' (parallel sentences). Every family prepares meals and fruits (to the best of their capacity) to welcome the spirits of their ancestors to enjoy Tet with them.