T he first visitor who comes to one's house is believed to foreshadow the turn of events that is to occur to one's family in the next twelve months. Therefore, people in mourning will avoid making house calls to relatives and friends, at least for the first day of TET . Of course, the per- son chosen is someone having a good character, a smiling appearance, a wealthy life, and, if possible, a high social position. A s TET is believed to be the beginning of a new and happy chapter of his life, everybody will get into a haapy mood full of hope, friendliness and good will for other people. Everyday worries will be put aside, mistakes in the past forgotten, wrongs suffered in the old year forgiven.
Every effort is made to check one's word and action to avoid coarse language or unbecoming behavior.
People do not simply make resolutions to be nice and good, they implement their resolution in words and action during the New Year's days with the belief that this will continue for the whole year. D uring the holiday most shops and stores are closed for at least three days and some may be closed for a whole week, except movie houses, theaters, and other places of entertainment which are crowded to the full. People in their newest and best garments stroll leisurely in the streets or converge on places of public en- tertainment. The festive and colorful atmosphere is enlivened by the exploding noise of firecrackers. T here are certain things which are always associated with TET and have be- come the symbol of the Vietnamese holiday.