Vietnamese New Year, a time of rejuvenation

It is Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. This is a time for family reunification and making everything new again for the next year. So many things are happening now as everyone is doing their yearly cleaning. Sidewalk tiles are being replaced, fresh paint is liberally applied, the streets are lined with red and yellow flowers. It is truly an amazing site to see.

Last night, my family went to a flower walking street where entire families go out to wear their very best and take pictures with various floral displays and quickly made rural shelters. Out come the Áo dài, the traditional Vietnamese dress, with exquisite embroidered designs which must cost several weeks or even months of pay. Everywhere you go, there are beautiful facades reminiscent of a time long past where families lived in the rural countryside. There are concerts on the river and acoustic performances in the coffee shops bringing together the spirit of unity and rejuvenation.

People are extra kind this time of year for fear that any negative feeling might spill over into the coming year. Adults are passing out little red envelopes full of lucky money to all of the children in their lives to be spent on that special something which only comes around one time a year. All of this is in preparation of what can only be described to Americans as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all rolled into one week.

Starting in a few days, everyone will start making their pilgrimage to their families home town for a reunion which may only happen one time a year. Cities will depopulate and nearly every business will close. We have stocked up on groceries and filled up the gas tank as we prepare for a week of drinking, gambling and gluttony with fellow family members.

In this spirit I say Chúc mừng năm mới!! to all and wish everyone prosperity, health and happiness in the coming year.