On New Year's Day, it is considered bad luck to do housework, since this activity sweeps away good luck. People also avoid using words relating to sickness and death. In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year is called Tet. Festivities last three days. At midnight on the first day, people exchange toasts of good wishes for the coming year.
Homes are brightly lit, and the family altar holds flowers, fruits, cakes and sweets.
Folks take extra care not to show anger or rudeness toward others, and quarrels are mended. The new year must begin on a happy note, or misfortune will be the pattern of the coming year. It takes place in April, between the 13th and 16th of the month. During the three days of the water fest, people celebrate by throwing water at everyone. From children with squirt guns to adults with pails and buckets, no one escapes a good soaking.