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VIETNAMHanoi(The capital ofVietnam)

Vietnam is located inSoutheast Asia

~3,863 KM~5 HOURS

Let’s learn about the Vietnamese New Year!
In Vietnam, we call our New Year: “Tet”
It is short for “Tet Nguyen Dan” whichmeans “Festival of the First Morning ofthe First Day”
It is also called the Spring Festival orLunar New Year

Tet is the most important public
holiday for Vietnamese people

Tet is celebrated annually,following the lunar calendar

Vietnamese people have time offfrom work and school (about 5days) to celebrate Tet

The celebration lasts for about 1 week,giving everyone lots of time to enjoy
and take part in special traditions

We believe that during Tet, it's important tobe with the people we love

How is Tet celebrated?
Cleaning
The Vietnamese New Year is seen as a newbeginning. Before Tet, families clean their homes
about a week before the holiday begins. We do
thorough cleaning tasks like washing mattresses,organizing things, and sometimes even painting
the house.
This cleaning is like a symbol to get rid of badluck from the past year and make space for goodluck in the new year.

Decorating
Flowers are an important part of decorating for Tet.

In Northern Vietnam, branches of peach
blossoms are very traditional decorations,representing wealth and luck

In Southern, a mesmerizing yellow
shade from apricot blossoms willbring in the fortune we wish forVisitingDuring Tet, Vietnamese people frequently visit relatives, friends, or close acquaintances with their families.
It's a time for everyone to chat, share good wishes, and express hopes for a fortunate and happy new year

During Tet, children havea special tradition. They
formally greet theirelders and share goodwishes for the upcoming
year. In return, theyreceive a red envelopewith money inside.

Lucky money

Red is seen as a luckycolor, symbolizing good
fortune and prosperity.

Firework

We can buy our own
fireworks to shoot during
the celebration. However,
it's important to note thatthe fireworks must be of a
type that is licensed by
the government

On New Year's Eve, Vietnamese people
often go to watch fireworks.

Worshiping

It is common for us to visit thetemple to pray for good things

The altars will be decorated withflowers, burning incense, andofferings of fruit and food.
This tradition is an important aspectof Tet to worship ancestors.

Food

After cleaning and decorating, we put a tray withdifferent fruits and snacks on it. These snacks
have different colors and special meanings.

The festival is even more special when we getto eat yummy food and share traditional
Vietnamese dishes with our family.

Let’s learn about “Banh Chung”
Banh Chung (or Chung Cake) is an important dishthat would be on any food tray during Tet.
Despite its simple square appearance, it holds
significant value to the Vietnamese people.

What do we need tomake a Chung cake?

green beanfatty pork

glutinous rice“dong” leaf

seasoning

How to make a Chung cake?

soak the glutinous rice andbeans in water for a day

wrap it!

marinate the fatty pork with salt,
fish sauce, shallots, and pepper forseveral hours

to form the square shape of Vietnam Banh
Chung, people normally use a wooden mold towrap it, while those with more experience canwrap it perfectly with just their hands.

boil for 10-12 hours until
the rice is cooked throughDuring Tet, a special holiday inVietnam, many families like to
get together and make Banh
Chung.
But it takes a long time to cook!
So families often turn it into a
fun party! We stay up late, chat,play games like cards, and maybe
even tell stories while the banhchung cooks. It's a great way tospend time together andcelebrate the holiday.

=田The yummy "Chung cake" has two special meanings:
1. The cake itself: It's like the ground (田) we walk on, reminding us of the earth that gives us somuch food.
2. The green leaves: Imagine they're like big, green hugs wrapped around the cake. They
represent how much parents love and care for their children, just like the leaves keep the cakesafe and yummy.

Let’s learn about “Banh Giay”
Banh Giay (or Giay cake) is also aVietnamese traditional cake.
Banh Giay is a white, flat, and roundglutinous rice cake. They are wrappedin cut pieces of banana leaves. They
are usually served with a type ofVietnamese sausage.

I’ll tell you a traditional story ofBanh Chung and Banh Giay!!
Back in the early times of Vietnam, there was a kingnamed Hung Vuong the 6th who intentionallypicked one heir to keep ruling the reign.
But among 21 princes, it was impossible to decide.
So, the King held a cooking contest in the new year
and declared to choose the one who wins to be thenext ruler. The throne would belong to the prince
who brings the dish that satisfies the King.

Most of the sons rushed to access the mountains and recess the sea toseek amazing and unusual food. Meanwhile, Lang Lieu, the 18th son, thepoorest and loneliest, was desperate to be unable to afford exotic meals.

One day, in his dream, a fairy came and taught him how to concoct Banh Chungand Banh Giay. On the day of the contest, Lang Lieu presented the cakes.

To everyone’s surprise, he explained the meaning of his food. Banh Chung issquare, symbolizes the earth, while Banh Day is round and white, reflects thesky. At the greatest satisfaction, Emperor Hung declared Lang Lieu the winner
and the new ruler of the kingdom.

Since then, Banh Chung and Banh Giay have become special foods we share with ourancestors during Tet, like a delicious way to say "thank you." It's our way ofremembering the people who came before us and took care of us, just like the saying"Think of the man who planted the tree. He gave us shade."

Does your New Year have any similar with Vietnamese Tet?
Do you share this precious time with your loved ones?
This is a really meaningful time for Vietnamese people. Isalso meaningful to you?

お正月