Buddhists believe in reincarnation, or re-birth. Confucius taught that people should put the needs of their community above their own needs, and that they should respect those who were above them in society. Though children have to work hard, both in school and at home, they do find time to play. Volleyball and football are popular. Festivals give everyone the opportunity to have a good time.
People spend days preparing for the new year festival of Tet.
Homes are decorated with peach blossom to scare off evil spirits, and at midnight everyone lets off giant firecrackers to welcome the new year. Lighting the cooking fire for the evening meal. Food and drink Rice is the most important food in Vietnam, but noodles, fish, and vegetables are also popular. Meat is expensive, but fish and vegetables are widely available. A typical evening meal would be eaten in the home, and consist of fish and vegetable dishes, a dipping sauce made of soy and fish, and bowls of rice, followed by tiny cups of green tea, without milk.