“Fanning the Lions” by iamblueone (taken at a Tet celebration in San Diego)
Tet – Lunar New Year in Viet Nam – is the most important festival tradition, observed by all Vietnamese, even those abroad. Every family in Viet Nam, whether they have money or not still tries to buy traditional goods such as flowers, sweets and square ricecakes for this special occasion.
A few bloggers around the country are posting their perceptions on the lead up to the Year of the Dog. Royby, a blogger from Ho Chi Minh city mentions that Tet should bring good luck and prosperity for the following year if…your house is overflowing with food, drink
In my blog, I write that the western New Year festival is not the most important for the Vietnamese; the lunar New Year is the one that every Vietnamese celebrates. The preparation for Tet is chaotic, with shopping being the number one priority. Some Hanoians travel as far as Lang Son, on the Viet nam-China border for supplies where goods are dirt cheap and , of course, made in China. Virtual-Doug, an American blogger currently living in Hue, watches as walls are painted and houses are cleaned in preparation for Tet. There is always a race on for builders to finish all construction work before the end of the year to ensure good luck for the occupants.
For a Vietnamese like me, currently living away from home, seeing everyone preparing their houses, shopping for their children and themselves makes me happy with anticipation. The Vietnamese goverment has banned the use of fire crackers, which is sensible as the injury and death associated with them no longer occurs. However, the local authorities in the big cities do organise official fireworks displays which are attended by thousands of families who want to see in the New Year with a bang!
‘Tet’ by Vietnamese God
8 comments
I am in the US. I would like to do something small for two young (20ish) girls I met who can not go home to Vietnam to be with their family this year for the holiday. Is there something I could get/make/buy that would be appropriate? Thank you.
I am from India and am likely to come to Vietnam on transfer. I want to know if there are temples in Vietnam and also like to know if there are many indians in vietnam in Hanoi. Are there colonies where Indians stay. Would like to know please.
I want to know about Indian poulation in vietnam especially in hanoi. Amongs Indian would like to know specifically about jain community, are there jain temples, colonies etc. Is veg food very costly and readily available?
How are medical facilities?
Hi,
I am murugu. I am an Indian from Malaysia. Soon, I will be coming over to Hanoi for a project. Would like to make friends with some Indians over there. Would like more information about Indian food, lifestyle etc there
Please contact me pmurugu@yahoo.com
Thanks.
Cheers
hi
we are moving to hanoi next month can i know the basic things i shld bring and would like to know ther is any indian community in hanoi
I am from India and have been in Hanoi for the last 2 years. As I am a vegetarian, I had to bring some foodstuff. But otherwise everything else is available here. Hanoi is a good place to be in. There are Indian hotels here. There is an Indian community here. If you get in touch with the Indian embassy or with the Indian Chamber of commerce, you can make contact with the Indian community. Good luck !