Tet is the bonding and beginning of good things.

With openness and love, Tet is where all pressure disappears, leaving only joy, connection and the beginning of good things.

The traditional Tet holiday has a special meaning for every Vietnamese person, carrying with it the noble values ​​and philosophies that our ancestors have created, cultivated, preserved and passed down through generations. Welcoming the year of At Ty 2025, Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education shared with Cong Thuong Newspaper about the traditional Tet holiday of the nation.

Tet is a time for family reunion and bonding. Photo: Khanh Hoa/VNA

- For every Vietnamese person, the traditional Tet holiday is always a sacred time for family reunion. Could you please share more about the meaning of the traditional Tet holiday of the nation?

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son : The traditional Tet holiday has a very special meaning, not only is it the biggest holiday of the year but it is also a symbol of Vietnamese culture, philosophy and national identity. Tet is the time when people stop after a busy year, to contemplate, to reunite, and to start better things.

I think that Tet is the time for every Vietnamese person to express their gratitude to their ancestors, grandparents and parents, and to the traditional values ​​that our ancestors have passed down. Through rituals such as ancestor worship, erecting the pole, or preparing Tet dishes, we not only preserve but also revive the cultural beauty that has existed for thousands of years.

Tet also carries within it a profound humanistic philosophy. It is the philosophy of family unity – where people, no matter where they are, always turn to their home; it is the philosophy of harmony between humans and nature – through customs such as wrapping banh chung, banh tet or decorating peach and apricot trees; and it is the philosophy of sharing – through giving lucky money, Tet wishes, and supporting the needy. All emphasize the values ​​of "giving" and "connecting".

I believe that the traditional Tet holiday is also a symbol of hope and new beginnings. It is a time for us to let go of the imperfections of the old year and welcome the new year with optimism, wishing for luck and prosperity. Customs such as visiting first on the first day of the year, wishing a happy new year or opening a new business all reflect the Vietnamese people's aspirations for a better future.

So, I think the meaning of traditional Tet lies not only in the customs but also in the warm and close feeling that this holiday brings. It is the time when each person is connected to their roots, to their family, and to the lasting values ​​that our ancestors have preserved and passed on. It is these values ​​that make traditional Tet an indispensable part of the spiritual life of Vietnamese people.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education

- However, in the flow of modern life, Vietnamese Tet is also undergoing certain changes, especially among the younger generation, there has been a mentality of "fear" of Tet and "escape" from Tet. What is your opinion on this situation?

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son : In the flow of modern life and the process of international integration, although still preserving certain traditional cultural features, Tet today also faces many fading aspects.

I think one of the most noticeable changes is the trend towards simplifying customs. In the past, Tet was an occasion for families to prepare elaborately, from wrapping banh chung, cleaning the house to arranging the trays of food. Nowadays, due to time pressure and changes in lifestyle, many people have turned to convenient solutions such as buying banh chung, trays of food, or even hiring a Tet preparation service. This helps reduce the burden, but also loses some of the cohesive value and meaning of traditional preparations.

In addition, there is a change in the way people perceive Tet. For some people, Tet has become a burden, typically the pressure of spending, preparing rituals or dealing with social customs such as Tet greetings, giving gifts, or pleasing relationships. This is also the reason for the phenomenon of "avoiding Tet", when many people choose to travel far or not participate in traditional Tet activities.

Along with that, cultural exchange has greatly influenced the way Vietnamese people celebrate Tet. Spiritual values ​​such as family reunion, ancestor worship, and returning to one’s roots have gradually given way to entertainment, relaxation, or commercialization.

However, I think these changes are not all negative. Some Tet customs have been renewed to suit modern life. For example, many young families still maintain traditions but with a more creative and light-hearted approach, such as organizing Tet in a minimalist way or using technology platforms to connect with relatives far away.

Tet has changed somewhat today, but if we know how to balance between tradition and modernity, maintaining the core values ​​of Tet such as connection, gratitude, and aspiration towards the future, this holiday will still retain its profound meaning, suitable for all times.

- "As long as culture remains, the nation remains" as the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized, from the fading of the Tet flavor, what do you think we need to do to make the traditional Tet always rich and suitable for the new life, preserving the unique culture of the nation, sir?

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son : “If culture remains, the nation remains” by the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a profound reminder of the importance of preserving traditional cultural values, of which the traditional Tet is a prominent symbol. To keep Tet imbued with its identity and suitable for modern life, we need to harmoniously implement many solutions.

First of all, we need to promote education and communication about the true meaning of the traditional Tet. Through educational programs, books, films and community activities, we can help the younger generation understand more deeply the values ​​of Tet such as gratitude to ancestors, family ties, and aspirations towards good things. When aware of cultural roots, each individual will be more responsible in preserving those values.

Innovation in the way Tet is celebrated is an important factor. In modern life, it is necessary to create conditions for people to celebrate Tet in a more relaxed and comfortable way, avoiding pressure on formalities or material things. For example, we can simplify rituals while still maintaining the spirit, or take advantage of technology to connect and send Tet greetings to relatives far away.

Festivals, spring fairs, and community events should be organized creatively and intimately, creating opportunities for people, especially young people, to participate in traditional activities in a natural and joyful way. This not only helps preserve customs but also makes Tet more vivid in modern life.

In addition, it is necessary to build a healthy social environment where spiritual values ​​are promoted instead of pursuing formalities or commercialization. Authorities need to control and eliminate negative factors such as superstition, heresy or excessive commercialization so that Tet can return to its truest meaning.

Thus, preserving the traditional Tet is not only the responsibility of an individual or organization but also the common task of the whole community. Every Vietnamese person, from their consciousness and smallest actions, can contribute to making the traditional Tet always rich, maintaining the national identity while still being suitable for modern life. This is the way for us to protect the culture, protect the soul of the nation in the constant flow of time.

- On the occasion of the New Year, what do you wish and want to send to the young generation about the traditional Tet holiday of the nation?

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son: The traditional Tet holiday is not just a simple holiday, but also a special occasion for every Vietnamese person to connect with their roots, family, and profound cultural values. For the younger generation, I want to convey that Tet is a part of identity, a valuable piece in the journey of preserving and promoting national traditions.

I think that in order for Tet to no longer be a worry or pressure, the most important thing is to change the way we perceive and celebrate Tet. Instead of chasing ostentatious forms or strict social norms, we should aim for a simple, warm Tet, focusing on spiritual values ​​such as reunion, sharing and gratitude. Tet does not necessarily have to be elaborate or expensive, but just sincere and close is enough to keep its meaning.

I have noticed that many young people today tend to avoid Tet because they feel pressured by customs or social responsibilities. To solve this problem, families and communities need to create a more relaxed and flexible Tet atmosphere, where people can enjoy the joy without being constrained by rigid rules. Traditional customs also need to be adjusted to suit modern lifestyles, so that the younger generation feels close, easily accessible and appreciated.

We believe that creating a comfortable and positive mindset during Tet is also a way to relieve unnecessary pressure. Consider Tet as an opportunity to renew yourself, to look back on the past year, and to set positive expectations for the future. Instead of worrying about what is not perfect, cherish the moments with family, the reunion meals, and the best wishes.

Thank you!

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son: Tet is an opportunity for us to slow down, to listen to our hearts and to look towards the most meaningful things in life. If everyone, especially the young generation, views Tet with openness and love, then Tet will always be a beautiful time, where all pressures disappear, and only joy, hope and connection remain.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/tet-la-gan-ket-va-khoi-dau-nhung-dieu-tot-dep-371624.html