Lunar New Year is called Tết in Vietnam, and it is the biggest traditional festival in the country. Tết usually occurs from the end of January to early February, according to our lunar calendar. We have 12 animals that are the symbol for the year, with each year represented by a different animal. This year, the symbol is the CAT. This is also a precious time when all the members of the family can gather together.

New Year is a symbol of newness, which is why before Tết, the Vietnamese prepare for the three main days. They clean their house and decorate it with flowers such as the kumquat tree and peach blossom. A huge amount of food is bought before Tết to make traditional dishes such as bánh chưng, bánh giầy, and giò chả, as well as candies. After a year of busy working life, New Year’s Eve is the time for family members to sit together and share the things that have occurred throughout the year. Catholics usually gather in the churchyard with some small programs such as dancing around a campfire and Bible quizzes, and people will wait until midnight to burn fireworks and welcome the new year.

Tết is celebrated over three main days: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, with each day having a different intention based on our beliefs.

On the first day, we are all called to invite loving solidarity by gathering in the church for the celebration of the mass with the spirit of thanksgiving to God and asking God for the peace of all. As tradition, people make incense to worship their ancestors who have passed away. Then, the children come to wish their parents and grandparents a happy new year and wish them the best. The elders give lucky money to the children and the elderly parents. The day ends with a feast in each family.

On the second day, Christians dedicate it to remember and pray for their ancestors, grandparents, and those who are still alive or have passed away. In many places, parishes organize gift-giving during the mass, and people go to wish each other success in the new year.

On the third day, in the morning, people go to mass to offer and ask God to sanctify their work. They hope that the new year will be full of success and good results. Afterward, they go to wish their relatives and neighbors, and especially have meals with them in each family wherever they go. This expresses that we care for each other and are thankful.

In the spirit of the spring days, let each one of us give thanks to our loving God and entrust our life to God.

Happy New Year (Chúc Mừng Năm Mới)