The celebrations last for 3 days in which time the Vietnamese people light candles to honor their deceased relatives which they believe return during Tet. Everyone must remain happy during Tet to ward off bad luck in the upcoming new year. In Chinese culture, Tsao-Chun is the name of their Kitchen God who also travels to heaven to report of their deeds. Homes are cleaned spotless and decorated appease the Kitchen God. The third day of celebrations, the Lion Dance begins and continues until the fifth day.
Men dress in lion costumes and dance in a parade.
The Dragon Dance is also held on the third day of the New Year. Paper-mache dragon heads are made with long fabric bodies. It takes several men to maneuver the dragon through the streets. Families open their doors to let the dragon bring luck into their homes. The color red is a lucky color and can be found prominently throughout the celebrations.