Peach blossoms, kumquat pots full of fruit, or wrapping banh chung and exchanging red envelopes have become familiar experiences for foreigners every Tet holiday, helping them understand Vietnamese culture and people.
Ms. Alexandra Smith (second from left) takes a photo with the team on the occasion of the New Year - Photo: NVCC
From confusion to love
This year will be the first year that Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, will experience the traditional Tet atmosphere of Vietnam. Celebrating Tet in Vietnam for the first time, Ms. Alexandra and her team wore Ao Dai and "followed the trend" of taking Ao Dai photos at the metro station, a new experience for young people recently.
"As a foreigner, I have felt the New Year atmosphere since January, but in Vietnam, that feeling is only really clear when Tet is approaching," said Ms. Alexandra.
According to Ms. Alexandra, one of the most interesting differences between Christmas in the UK and Tet in Vietnam is the custom of giving lucky money.
She was surprised to learn that the age of receiving lucky money can vary from person to person. Some people will stop receiving lucky money after turning 18, but others will continue to receive it until they get married or have a stable job.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chris Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor of the British University Vietnam, shared about his 14 times celebrating Lunar New Year in Hanoi. He was always surprised by the hospitality of the Vietnamese people, when they invited him, a Westerner, to celebrate Tet with their families.
When he first arrived in Vietnam, everyone advised him to leave the city during Tet, travel and relax. Most of the shops would be closed at that time. But considering himself stubborn, Mr. Jeffery decided to do the opposite.
"The presence of peach and kumquat blossoms always helps me feel the Tet season. Many people deliver goods, tie kumquat and peach trees on motorbikes and drive on the street, and many people wear ao dai to take pictures. Those are wonderful scenes," Mr. Jeffery recalled.
As for Scott Green, a young British businessman who has lived in Vietnam for over 13 years, Tet in Ho Chi Minh City was quite quiet in the early days of his arrival as his friends all returned to their hometowns.
At that time, Scott did not feel the special connection like in later years, especially since he had a Vietnamese girlfriend.
Also a foreigner celebrating Tet in Hanoi, Mads Werner, a young Danish businessman, has celebrated Lunar New Year 8 times in 11 years of living in Vietnam.
Mads currently runs Ekko, a fintech company, and a number of companies in various sectors.
For Mads, Vietnam is not only a place to live, but also a place where he has learned and contributed to the community.
"My friends in Denmark often joke that I am Vietnamese and my Vietnamese language skills are improving. Even my colleagues and friends in Vietnam have started calling me a 'real Hanoian'," Mads said.
Mads Werner wears an ao dai prepared to celebrate Lunar New Year this year in Hanoi - Photo: NVCC
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Scott initially found Tet customs such as making banh chung, visiting and giving lucky money quite strange, but over time, he gradually loved and understood their value.
He also wondered why people put money in bags. But now he understands, these are ways to show gratitude and connect with people, especially his beloved parking lot security guard.
"The joy and surprise in their eyes made me feel like this action was priceless. It's not just the money, but the recognition and appreciation for the work each person does in life," Scott shared.
Scott even loves giving lucky money so much that he thinks about applying this custom to British culture, which will certainly make people happier.
Scott Green takes a photo with his girlfriend - Photo: NVCC
One of Scott’s favorite activities is to make a campfire and watch fireworks in Hai Duong, his girlfriend’s hometown. He likens the Tet holiday to a magical and noisy but fun space where the neighborhood kids are always eager to practice speaking English with him.
Prepare a plan for the new year
This Tet holiday, Scott and his family in Vietnam will take time to rest and prepare for the upcoming wedding.
"Her parents consulted feng shui masters to choose the perfect wedding date. While I'm not sure if this really matters, I trust their wisdom. They've had over 30 years of happiness together," Scott shared.
Scott, CEO of Vive (formerly Live Vegan), an organization that promotes sustainable living, plans to serve vegetarian food at the wedding, an interesting challenge given the large scale of traditional weddings in Vietnam.
Also choosing to enjoy a peaceful vacation in Hanoi, Mads Werner will take this opportunity to focus on personal projects, relax and maybe organize a few small meetings.
For him, this is the ideal time to reflect and enjoy simple pleasures.
"I love driving around the quiet streets of Hanoi during Tet, looking for a pho restaurant that is still open during Tet. It's not an easy task," Mads shared.
Last Christmas he brought incense back to Denmark, this scent is associated with the feeling of Tet.
Every time it's lit, it's like a signal reminding him to slow down, enjoy life and relax with his loved ones, just like the spirit of Vietnamese Tet.
Mr. Chris Jeffery (wearing glasses, plum red shirt) celebrates Tet with relatives and friends in Hanoi - Photo: NVCC
When Tet Nguyen Dan takes place in Vietnam, it is also the time when many Western countries return to work after the Christmas holiday.
Mr. Jeffery is in Vietnam and will have more time to focus on work. Of course, he will still spend time out on the streets, visiting people and reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of the new year.
"I found that during Tet in the past, Hanoi was a rural village, but now it is no longer like that. There are more cars, the streets that used to be easy to travel on during the holiday are now more crowded than on a normal working day. This is noticeable, especially if you live near temples," said Mr. Jeffery.
Nevertheless, he is eagerly arranging time to clean the house in preparation for the New Year, with the help of a maid to ensure everything is neat.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-me-man-tet-viet-li-xi-banh-chung-va-hon-the-nua-20250124150340414.htm
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