Group assignment subject presentation skills topic distinctive characteristics of tet in three regions of vietnam unique customs in welcoming the new year

1 INTRODUCTION Tet Holiday, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, holds a central place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.. So we decide to choose the topic: “Tet h

HANOI LAW UNIVERSITY

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

SUBJECT: PRESENTATION SKILLS

Topic:

Distinctive characteristics of Tet in three regions of Vietnam:

Unique customs in welcoming the new year

Group: 1 Class: 4933

Hanoi, 2024

GROUP ASSIGNMENT REPORT Date: December 12, 2024 Address: Hanoi Law University Group: 01

Total number of members: 06 Attended: 06 Absented: 0 Subject: Presentation skills

Topic: “Distinctive characteristics of Tet in three regions of Vietnam: Unique

customs in welcoming the new year”

Determining the level of participation and results of each student’s participation

in the involvement of group work activities, the outcome are as follows:

The outcome of the group work assignment Hanoi, December 17, 2024

- The result of presentation: ………

- Teachers grading presentation: …………

- The final grade: ………

- The final assessment of teacher: ………

Attitude in disscussions

Signature Teacher’s evaluation

A B C

1 241102922 Le Viet Hoang Anh Introduction + Conclusion √

2 241102924Nguyen Thi Mai Anh Tet in Southern √

3 241102929 Tran Gia Bao Tet in Central region √

4 241102955 Luong Thuy Lan Tet in Southern + Our

perrspective √

5 241102970 Le Tra My Visual aids √

6 241102994 Do Thi Kieu Trang Visual aids √

0

INTRODUCTION 1

MAIN CONTENT 2

I Lunar year in the North 2

1 The historic and cultural significance of Tet in Northern Vietnam 2

2 Preparation for the Lunar New Year 2

3 Traditional foods of northern Tết 3

4 Ritual and customs 4

II Tet in Southern Vietnam 5

1 The golden splendor of apricot blossoms 6

2 The five-fruit tray: a symbol of abundance 6

3 A culinary symphony of Tet in the South 6

4 Taboos of Southern Tet 7

III The Unique Tet of Central Vietnam: Cultural Interference Between North and South and Hue’s Timeless Traditions 8

1 The Historic and Cultural Significance of Tet in Central Vietnam 8

2 Hue Ancient Capital on Lunar New Year 9

IV Our perspective 11

CONCLUSION 13

REFERENCE 14

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INTRODUCTION

Tet Holiday, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, holds a central place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people Marking the arrival of spring according to the lunar calendar, Tet not only signifies the beginning of a new year but also serves as a time for renewal, reflection, and reconnection with loved ones Tet usually occurs between late January and early February, depending on the lunar cycle, Tet is not only the most significant and eagerly awaited festival of the year but also a time for family reunions, paying respect to ancestors, and setting intentions for

a prosperous and peaceful year ahead It is a moment when life slows down, communities come together, and age-old traditions are revived to connect the past with the present The joy of Tet is felt in the bustling preparation, vibrant decorations, traditional dishes, and heartfelt wishes shared among loved ones While Tet is a national celebration, its customs and traditions differ significantly across Vietnam’s three main regions: the North, Central, and South These regional variations reflect Vietnam’s cultural diversity, shaped by factors such as geography, climate, and historical influences From the elegant and meticulous ceremonies of the North to the resourceful and warm-hearted traditions of the Central region and the relaxed, festive spirit of the South, each area brings its own unique identity to this shared holiday Despite these differences, the unifying essence of Tet remains—a collective celebration of renewal, gratitude, and hope for the future The purpose of this essay

is to delve into the distinctive characteristics of Tet in Vietnam’s three regions, exploring how local customs and practices contribute to the richness of this national holiday By examining these variations, we not only appreciate the diversity of Vietnamese culture but also understand how traditions evolve while maintaining their core significance Through this exploration, the essay aims to celebrate the unity

in diversity that defines Vietnam, showcasing how Tet serves as a beautiful thread weaving together the cultural tapestry of the country So we decide to choose the

topic: “Tet holiday – Distinctive characteristics of Tet in three regions of Vietnam:

Unique customs in welcoming the new year ”

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MAIN CONTENT

I Lunar year in the North

1 The historic and cultural significance of Tet in Northern Vietnam

The Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam, especially in the northern region. For the record, the lunar calendar was created under the Chinese emperor Huang Di in the year 2637

BC, during its 61st year of reign Since then, in China as in Vietnam, this calendar has remained the reference to celebrate the holidays and especially the new year This occasion marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, falling between late January and early February

Rooted in ancient customs and cultural traditions, the Lunar New Year marks a time of renewal, reflection, and familial unity In Northern Vietnam, Tết holds a unique significance, blending centuries-old practices with modern customs while honoring ancestors, celebrating the arrival of spring, and ensuring a prosperous year ahead Through its rich array of rituals, symbols, and community gatherings, the Lunar New Year in Northern Vietnam is not only a time of celebration but a deep cultural observance that reflects the values and spiritual beliefs of the Vietnamese people

2 Preparation for the Lunar New Year

2.1 Cleaning and decorating homes

At the core of Tet lies its cultural and spiritual significance One of the key themes of T is renewal Before the celebration begins, families thoroughly clean et their homes, symbolizing the sweeping away of bad luck and welcoming new opportunities New clothes are often purchased to mark a fresh start, and it's a time

to get rid of the old to make space for the new

• Sweeping and Scrubbing: Children take charge of sweeping and scrubbing the floors, symbolizing the removal of bad fortunes from the old year The kitchen is cleaned before the 23rd night of the last month It is believed that this action ensures a fresh start for the new year

• Ancestral Altars: The head of the household cleans the dust and ashes from incense

on the ancestral altars, paying respect to the ancestors and seeking their blessings for the coming year

• House Painting and Decoration: Many people choose to paint their houses and

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adorn them with festive items to create a vibrant and joyful atmosphere

2.2 Peach blossom and kumquat trees1

If the South and Central regions often display apricot blossoms during Tet, people in the North prefer fresh peach blossoms, showing off their spring buds From the first days of December, all the streets are filled with the Tet atmosphere with brilliant peach blossoms People also eagerly go to the Tet flower market to choose

a beautiful peach tree to display in their house People in the North prefer to "play" with peach blossoms because this flower is very suitable for the cold climate here, and it also often blooms right on the occasion of Lunar New Year According to the concept of the Northern people, the brilliant color of peach blossoms also symbolizes luck and prosperity in the new year Therefore, displaying peach blossoms implies bringing fortune into the house If you have the opportunity to come to Hanoi or any other province in the North during Tet, you will definitely admire the peach gardens blooming all over the sky

In addition to peach blossoms, people in the North also love to display kumquat trees According to ancient beliefs, pots of kumquat trees full of fruit will bring good luck, fortune and prosperity to the family in the new year. 

3 Traditional foods of northern Tết 2

3.1 Bánh chưng:

Banh chung is the culinary symbol of the Tet tray in the North That is why the custom of wrapping banh chung has become an indispensable part of the culture of people in the North every time Tet comes and Spring comes. Making Banh chung is also a traditional activity that many people look forward to every traditional Tet

holiday That is why when referring to Tet in the North, there is a saying: “Fatty

meat, pickled onions, red parallel sentences/ Pole, firecrackers, green Banh

chung”. This is not only a traditional cultural feature that should be preserved but

has also become a part of the spiritual life of the people here The beautiful square banh chung will be the way people show their respect to their ancestors and the earth. 

3.2 Thịt đông:

This is a cold meat dish, mainly made from ingredients such as pork sausage,

1 Tet holiday in Northern Vietnam - Vietnam.vn

2 Vietnamese New Year Customs: Cleaning, Decorating, and Celebrating Vietnam-culture.com –

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pork skin, stir-fried pig ears with wood ear mushrooms, persimmon and spices After being simmered, the ingredients will be stored in the refrigerator and served with pickles, radish, and white rice

3.3 Giò thủ:

This dish is made from ingredients such as pig ears, cheeks, nose, along with a little pink cat and traditional spices With delicious flavor, chewy and crunchy texture, pork sausage is an indispensable delicious dish in Northern Tet dishes 3.4 Dưa hành:

Also known as pickled onions, is a dish made from the main ingredients of onions and carrots When salting all the ingredients using the microbial fermentation method, it will create a dish with a sour, spicy taste Pickled onions are often served with other dishes such as banh chung, meat, sausages, to help reduce weight gain and enjoy delicious food

3.5 Canh bóng thả:

Relaxed ball soup is a traditional Tet dish of Northern people, and also appears

on important holidays The main ingredients to make this dish are pork skin and various vegetables When enjoying, you can feel the sweet taste of the broth along with the fresh taste of a variety of vegetables

3.6 Xôi gấc:

This is an indispensable dish in the traditional feast of Northern Tet To make a delicious plate of Xoi Gac, you need to prepare many elaborate steps, from making the gac red to making sticky rice and sticky rice so it's fragrant Cooked gac sticky rice will have the fragrant taste of new sticky rice grains and the characteristic aroma

of red gac

4 Ritual and customs

4.1 Farewell Ceremony for the Kitchen Gods (Ong Tao)

Seven days before Tet, Vietnamese families perform a farewell ceremony for the Kitchen Gods, Ong Tao This ceremony involves offering prayers and incense to send Ong Tao back to Heaven Palace His role is to report the family’s affairs to the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity, for the past year

4.2 New Year’s Eve: Passage from the Old to the New Year

Giao Thua, or New Year’s Eve, holds significant meaning in Vietnamese culture

It symbolizes the transition from the old year to the new year and involves the

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following beliefs:

• Zodiac Animals: Vietnamese believe that 12 sacred animals from the Zodiac take turns overseeing the affairs of the Earth Giao Thua marks the moment when the old chief (representing the previous year’s animal) passes his power to the new chief (representing the upcoming year’s animal)

• Return of Ong Tao: Giao Thua also marks the return of Ong Tao, the Kitchen God, to Earth after completing his annual report to the Jade Emperor Families perform open-air ceremonies to welcome him back into their kitchens

4.3 The Aura of the Earth

During Giao Thua, the first guest to visit and offer greetings is considered significant If this guest possesses a good aura, such as being respected, educated successful, or famous, it is believed that the family will receive luck and good fortune throughout the year This belief, known as “xong dat,” remains prevalent, particularly among families involved in business

4.4 Giving and receiving Lì Xì “ ”

The tradition of giving red envelopes filled with lucky money has been passed down through generations Here are some key aspects:

• Symbolism: Red envelopes symbolize luck and wealth, and they are commonly given by older generations to younger ones

• Greeting Ritual: Before receiving the red envelopes, the younger individuals must perform a respectful greeting to the elders, wishing them well for them The Lunar New Year in northern Vietnam is much more than a holiday; it is a deeply ingrained cultural event that celebrates family, tradition, and the continuity of life From ancestor worship and family reunions to the symbolic foods and rituals, Tết reflects the values of respect for the past, hope for the future, and a strong connection to nature and the cycles of life For northern Vietnamese people, T is a et time of renewal, where the old year is laid to rest, and the new year is welcomed with joy, optimism, and unity Through its rich traditions and customs, the Lunar New Year remains a powerful expression of Vietnamese identity, culture, and resilience

II Tet in Southern Vietnam

Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant celebrations in Vietnam While the festivities are nationwide, each region offers its unique touch to the holiday In Southern Vietnam, Tet comes alive with vibrant

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customs, symbolic foods, and distinctive traditions that reflect the cultural richness and warmth of the region

1 The golden splendor of apricot blossoms

A striking hallmark of Tet in Southern Vietnam is the prevalence of apricot blossoms (mai) Unlike the North, where peach blossoms dominate, the South bursts into life with golden hues of apricot flowers These blossoms are not just beautiful decorations but deeply symbolic elements of Tet, embodying wealth, longevity, and happiness Apricot blossoms hold a revered place in Vietnamese folklore as one of the “four nobles,” along with pine, chrysanthemum, and bamboo, which represent virtuous human qualities

The meticulous preparation for apricot blossoms begins in the 12th lunar month, with households trimming the leaves of their trees to ensure timely blooming Families without apricot trees often purchase potted plants to adorn their homes These blossoms are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune Care is taken not

to sweep away fallen petals, as doing so might symbolically discard the luck of the new year The golden apricot is a quintessential part of Tet in the South, representing not only beauty but also the spirit of renewal and hope

2 The five-fruit tray: a symbol of abundance

The five-fruit tray is an indispensable feature of Tet in Vietnam, with variations that reflect regional differences In Southern Vietnam, the tray typically includes soursop, fig, coconut, papaya, and mango These fruits are chosen for their homonymous meanings, which collectively form the phrase “Cầu dừ xài đủ” (“Pray for enough to use”), symbolizing a wish for sufficiency and prosperity 3

Southern families carefully avoid bananas, as their name (“chuí”) sounds like “to bow down,” which is seen as inauspicious Oranges and tangerines are also excluded due to associations with bad luck Each fruit carries its own significance: soursop represents “wish,” fig symbolizes “well off,” coconut conveys “moderation,” papaya -signifies “enough,” and mango expresses “wise spending.” Together, these fruits create a harmonious display of hopes for abundance and well-being in the new year

3 A culinary symphony of Tet in the South

Southern Vietnam’s culinary traditions during Tet are as diverse as they are meaningful Each dish on the Tet table is carefully prepared to symbolize resilience, vitality, and familial love The vibrant flavors and symbolic significance of these

3 How Different Regions in Vietnam Celebrate the Tet Holiday - i Tour Vietnam Travel Guides

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dishes create a festive atmosphere that is both celebratory and reflective

3.1 Bánh Tét: A Symbol of Unity and Prosperity4

Bánh Tét, a cylindrical sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, is a staple of Southern Tet celebrations This dish, made from glutinous rice, black beans, peanuts, and coconut milk, symbolizes family unity and prosperity Its preparation often involves communal efforts, bringing families and communities together Bánh Tét is not only a culinary delight but also a representation of the enduring spirit and togetherness of Southern Vietnam

3.2 Meat Braised in Coconut Milk

Another essential dish is caramelized pork braised in coconut milk, often accompanied by duck eggs This savory-sweet dish symbolizes the harmony between earth and sky, with its round and square shapes representing these elements Beyond its rich flavors, the dish embodies the deep familial bonds and parental love that are central to Tet traditions

3.3 Bitter Melon Soup

Bitter melon soup, filled with minced pork, is a dish steeped in symbolism Its bittersweet taste reflects the struggles and triumphs of life Southerners believe eating this soup at Tet helps dispel the hardships of the past year, paving the way for a fresh start filled with luck and peace

3.4 Sausage and Pickled Radish

Chinese sausage and pickled radish are also common on Southern Tet tables The red hue of the sausage symbolizes luck and prosperity, while the tangy pickled radish provides a delightful contrast to richer dishes These elements add both flavor and auspicious meanings to the Tet feast

4 Taboos of Southern Tet

Tet in Southern Vietnam is as much about cultural practices as it is about joyous celebration Customs and taboos during this time reflect the hopes and beliefs of Southerners for a harmonious and prosperous new year

• Avoid Sweeping and Breaking Items: Sweeping the house during Tet is believed to sweep away good luck, while breaking dishes is considered an omen of misfortune

• Returning Home Before New Year’s Eve: Southerners insist on being home

before New Year’s Eve to avoid challenges in the coming year

4 Celebrating Vietnam Tet Holiday: Traditions, Customs, and Tourist Activities - Viland Travel