What are the Meanings of the Tet Holiday?

As for the Vietnamese, Tet has many profoundly human cultural values that they have been preserving for a thousand generations. Tet is the expression of the sympathetic relationship between humans, gods, heaven, and earth. Considered from the relationship between humans and Nature, Tet falls at the beginning of a new harvest when the weather gets warmer and plants start budding and blossoming out after a long cold winter. As the result, people assume that Tet is the appropriate occasion to show their commemoration of the Gods like Gods of the Sun, water, earth and thunder, etc involved in a poor or good harvest. This is also a chance for them to express their gratefulness to the plants, cattle, and poultry that helped them for over a year.

Tet is the Day of Reuniting Family Members

When Tet almost comes, wherever you are, whatever you do, people try to come back home to reunite with their family for at least the first 3 days of Tet, visit their relatives, reform the graves of ancestors or burn incense on the ancestral altar, etc.

Tet is to Refresh Ourselves

Tet is the first day of the year, therefore, everyone will clean their house, buy new clothes, try to pay off all debts, and forget all the trouble of the past year. Everything must be done to be ready for an upcoming year with good things waiting ahead.

Tet Holiday Cuisine

Banh Chung (Steamed Square Cake)

Known as one of the must-have dishes in a meal of Vietnamese in Tet, “Bánh Chưng” is made from sticky rice, mung bean, green bean, and pork with many different spices and ingredients. Invested by Prince Lang Lieu of the Hung King Dynasty, “Bánh Chưng” represents the Earth with the cover of mung bean in a square shape and the middle of the rice, then mixed green bean and pork. Other traditional dishes Vietnamese eat for Tet are “gio” and “cha”. “Gio” is boiled, otherwise, “cha” is deep-fried. Vietnamese usually eat them with “Banh Chung” or sticky rice.

Thit Ga (Boiled or Steamed Chicken)

Nowadays, some families have changed the cooking method of “thịt gà” by roasting or firing it. However, the most common way is still boiling or steaming chicken and then serving it on a plate in the whole or slices. Besides, lemon leaves, salt, and pepper sauce are spices that can be missed when eating this traditional dish. Some parts of chicken include legs, heads, and bones that will be used to cook other food like soups.

Mut (Candied Fruits)

Not be a dish in a meal, “Mứt Tết” is a favorite kind of snack Vietnamese use to greet their guest on this special occasion. This jam can be made from various types of fruits like coconut, carrot, ginger, star fruit, pineapple, or lotus seed, etc. with an eye-catching look and delicious flavor.

How Vietnamese Lunar New Year is Celebrated in Vietnam?

Before Tet Holiday

House Cleaning & Decoration

According to Vietnamese culture, luck and fortune will come to the clean, neat, and tidy houses during Tet Holiday. Therefore, it is commonly believed that the cleaner the house is, the luckier the host will be. The flower is an important decorating item for each family during Tet Holiday. According to each region in Vietnam, people will buy different flowers. Peach blossoms and kumquat trees are the popular flowers of the North. On the other hand, in the central and southern, people like using “hoa mai” – Ochoa intermarriage. Vietnamese believe that the more flowers bloom, the more prosperous their family will be.

Kitchen Gods Farewell Ceremony

In some people’s opinion, the Vietnamese New Year even starts on the 23rd of December with the Kitchen Gods Farewell Ceremony. In more detail, Kitchen Gods are the ones who know everything happening in your house, and their responsibility is to report to the King of Heaven about the family’s affairs throughout the year and to wish the best things for the new year. People often release the carp to the nearby lake or river as their means of transportation.

New Year’s Eve Offerings

New Year’s Eve, as known as “Giao thua”, is the connection time between two years when the Vietnamese people prepare the altar and traditional dishes to worship the gods. Its meaning is to say goodbye to the previous year and welcome the next year. The offering simply includes a boiled chicken, a bowl of cooked rice, flowers (usual roses), fruits, beverages, and Joss paper.

During Tet Holiday

Xong Nha (First Guest Visits your House on the First Day of the Year)

All Vietnamese believe that the first guest visiting a family will dispose of their future for the whole year. The age of the visitor supposes to be appropriate to the age of the host based on the zodiac signs. Besides, a person who is moral, good temper, and success are usually more invited by the Vietnamese.

Lucky Money

In Tet Holiday, along with new clothes, Vietnamese children are very excited because they will also receive lucky money contained in small red envelopes from their elders after giving them best wishes about health. Vietnamese call this tradition “mừng tuổi” in the North and lì xì in the South.

After Tet Holiday

It is time for Vietnamese people to spend vacations at pagodas or temples where colorful and exciting festivals are taken place. They also come to visit the houses of neighbors and relatives to give them the best wishes for the new year.

Guidelines for Tourists When Visiting Vietnam in Tet Holiday 2023

Vietnam Tet Holiday 2023 takes place for 5 days from 22 January to 26 January 2023. Here are some useful tips for tourists if they want to visit Vietnam on Tet Holiday.

• Make sure your travel plans and arrangement are in advance because these days most of the transportation means do not work especially train, bus and renting services of motorbike or car, etc. However, Vietnamese do not travel much during Tet Holiday, as a result, there is no worry about booking a hotel or restaurant.
• As for sightseeing, tourists can not visit some attractions like museums, mausoleums, indoor exhibition places, and art houses since they usually open after at least the first 4 days of the Tet Holiday.
• Fortunately, at that time, in some big cities like Hanoi, and Saigon, the first 3 days of Tet are very quiet without transportation means because a large number of people returning to their hometowns to visit their families already. Therefore, this is a good chance of enjoying the peaceful landscapes.
• Most of the stores will be closed during Tet. Otherwise, a few big markets like Dong Xuan Market and Ben Thanh Market are still open. Moreover, sellers will not raise the price because based on idealist conception, they want to their business be fluent in the early of the year.

Do’s & Dont’s on Tet Holiday

What Should be Done on Tet Holiday?

Paying all the Debts before Tet

The Vietnamese people believe that it is bad luck if you are still keeping the debts and borrowing things of the old year. It can also mean they can be stuck in debt in the New Year as they did in the old year. Thus, pay all debts and give things back to the owners before Tet, even the tiny ones!

Cleaning & Decorating the house

On the last few days of the old year, the Vietnamese will clean their houses, gardens, and altars. They also decorate their house with colorful stuff like peach trees, balloons, or couplets. Not only does it bring a bright appearance to the house but it is also considered a successful brand new start for the family members.

Beauty Makeover

Though people can dress up every single day, Tet is still a special occasion to wear new and beautiful outfits. According to the conception of getting more luck in the New Year, the Vietnamese often choose bright colorful clothes such as red, yellow, and blue, which are some common colors symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Besides, traditional costumes like colorful “ao dai” are dominantly chosen, which are easily seen overwhelmingly all over this S-shaped country.

Smiles

A smile could be a magical tool to put anyone in a relaxed mood since it brings joy and enhances relationships among people. When visiting Vietnam during Tet, you’ll rarely see someone not smiling. During Tet, people refrain from getting angry or depressed and put an instant smile on their faces to hope for a happy new year.

What Should not be Done on Tet Holiday?

Saying Bad Words or Negative Topics

The Vietnamese people do not say bad things and avoid debating with others during the Tet holiday because it can bring them an inharmonic and stormy year. When there are any conflicts, remember to keep calm and solve them peacefully.

Sweeping the House

Sweeping the house or emptying the trash bin during the Tet holiday, especially on the first day of the Vietnam new year, is considered to give away all luck and money out of the house. Therefore, when visiting the Vietnamese house during Tet, you should avoid throwing trashes onto the floor. If necessary, ask the homeowner first to avoid unwanted problems.

Wearing Black or White clothes

Black and white are mainly used in Vietnamese funerals, thus it is an unlucky sign if you wear these colors of clothes on the Tet holiday. However, if you really want to wear your favorite white shirt, just add some colorful accessories, such as a pair of red shoes or a yellow handbag.

Breaking Glassware

It is obvious that no one wants to have a “broken” year with a chaotic relationship or terrible study and work, right? Therefore, besides being extremely careful, you should also prepare plastic plates or cups to make sure everything is intact.

So, a trip to Vietnam in the lunar new year, why not? if you want to have a meaningful vacation in Vietnam during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, here, we special offer you Vietnam Local Tour Package, which make your day in Vietnam more delightful. Contact us if you have any questions about Tet vacation packages.

Tet Holiday Dates and its Attached Zodiac Signs

An Overview of Vietnamese Traditional Music

Vietnamese traditional music was born very early. Ever since ancient times, Vietnamese people have been very passionate about music and considered music an integral part of their life. Therefore, in the process of historical development, the residents have constantly created many musical instruments and musical genres to express their feelings and emotions, gain more motivation for daily work, and get out of the stress in life. You can listen to the melody of lullabies, children’s songs, types of music in worshiping rituals, funerals, or conversations among members of the community, in entertaining activities, perform in singing contests, epics, the sweet songs of the jongleurs, “Don Ca Tai Tu” – the traditional music of the Southern people, and the traditional opera, etc.

Vietnamese traditional music is rich by the accumulation of genres not only of different ages but also of numerous ethnic groups. Although having the same genre of music, each ethnic group has a distinctive mode of expression, performance, and cadence. For example, the lullabies of the Kinh are different from those of the Thai, the Muong, the Dao, etc. Moreover, some ethnic groups use lullabies to sing their children to sleep while others play a diversity of traditional musical instruments such as flute, Vietnamese monochord, and so on.

Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups, which means that there are 54 different traditional musical backgrounds. Therefore, in this article, we would like to mention the traditional music of the Kinh people – the dominant ethnic group in Vietnam, accounting for 85.7% total of the population.

There are various ways to classify Vietnamese Traditional Music (here, Kinh’s music). In terms of types of music, they have: Royal family music, Cheo, Tuong, Xam singing, Don Ca Tai Tu, folk songs, Ca Tru, etc. If divided by regions, they have: the traditional music of the South; the Central, the Central Highlands, the North, and so on or smaller by regional culture. For the number of performers, it can be divided into the single, duo, in a group.

In Vietnamese traditional music, it is extremely common for the artists to use a variety of traditional music instruments: dan bau (Vietnamese monochord), dan co (Vietnamese erhu), dan day, dan nguyet (moon lute), etc. All of these musical instruments contribute to creating unique characteristics of Vietnamese traditional music.

Types of Vietnamese Traditional Music

Types of Vietnamese Traditional Music in Northern Vietnam

Ca Trù (Hát Ả Đào)

Ca trù, also known as hát ả đào, is one type of chamber music that was extremely popular in North and North Central Vietnam since the 15th century. It used to be court music that was loved by the aristocrats and the intellectuals. Besides, it can be said that Ca trù is a perfect combination of poetry and music.

There are three main characters in a Ca trù performance: a female singer (called “đào” or “ca nương”) who uses the tongs, a male instrumentalist (called “kép”) who plays dan day to support the vocalist, a spectator (called “Quan viên”, usually being the author of the song) who plays the drum to punctuate the song and express the pleasure by the drum sound. In 2009, Ca trù was recognized as an intangible heritage that requires urgent protection by UNESCO.

Chầu Văn

Hát Văn or Chầu Văn is one of the types of Vietnamese traditional music, that originated in the North Delta. It is associated with Mother Goddesses Worship – the very famous folk belief in Vietnam. By using spiritual music with solemn and elaborate words, Chầu văn is considered to be a singing form of worshiping the goddesses.

Chầu Văn plays an extremely important role in a Mother Goddesses Worshiping performance to invite the gods to attend the ceremony. During the performance, the singers can sing and play musical instruments at the same time for 4-8 hours, creating a bustling atmosphere for the ceremony. The music instruments usually consist of dan nguyet (moon lute), small drums, tongs, cymbals, flute, Vietnamese monochord, etc. Hát văn is well-known in Hanoi and Nam Dinh, but the performing style in Nam Dinh is more rustic than that in Hanoi.

Chèo

Chèo is a form of Vietnamese traditional stage art, strongly developing in North Vietnam, especially in the Red River delta and two sparsely populated mountainous areas in the North and North Central. This type of folk music has a harmonious combination of ethnicity and popularity with narrative and romantic lyrics so it is amazingly preferable for summer festivals.

Chèo stage art has undergone a long history from the 10th century to the present, having a deep influence on Vietnamese social life. In terms of the meaning, Chèo reflects all aspects of the national identity of the Vietnamese people: optimistic, loving, simple, full of national pride, persistent in fighting against the invaders to protect the country. Thanks to these great meanings, Chèo is full of literary genres: romantic, epic, poetic, etc. creating a unique attraction for this traditional music.

Quan Ho Folk Songs

Quan ho is one of the typical folk songs of the Red River delta in the North of Vietnam. It was formed and developed in the ancient cultural area Kinh Bac, especially the area boundary between Bac Giang and Bac Ninh provinces today with the gently flowing Cau river called “the river of Quan ho”.

Quan ho folk songs are always performed in groups, each of which has five to six members. During the performance, they call each other the intimate names of the family members such as “Anh ca” (first brother), “Chi ca” (first sister), “anh hai” (second brother), and “chi hai” (second sister), etc. For this type of Vietnamese traditional music, the singers have their own performing costumes: the brothers with turbans, umbrellas, and tunics while the sisters are dressed up with “mo ba mo bay” shirts (a traditional cloth of the Vietnamese women) and large round hats and scarves. Quan ho folk songs impress the audience with an interestingly unique singing procedure. They usually divide into the “brother” group and “sister” group to sing back-and-forth the rustic and traditional loving songs with/without music accompaniment.

Tuồng

It is said that Tuồng is derived from the Vietnamese song and dance, but during its development, Tuồng has absorbed many forms of performance and makeup of traditional Chinese Opera. This kind of music usually expresses the majestic atmosphere to honor the national heroes, or to deliver the lessons of human behavior between community and individuals, between family and motherland. In a performance, the righteous forces have to fight for justice in very difficult conditions, becoming the bright mirror for the other people to follow.

Xẩm Music 

Xẩm is one popular type of folk music in North Vietnam, especially in the Red River delta and Northern midland. In the past, Xẩm is considered a form of livelihood for the poor and the dead people, most of whom usually performed in markets, streets, or crowded places, but few performed on big stages so very few people know this traditional music. The music instruments to support Xẩm singing are also very simple, including Erhu and Senh Tien.

Until February 2013, Mrs. Ha Thi Cau – Ninh Binh province (1928-2013) who is supposed to be the last Xẩm singer of the 20th century went away, raising awareness of protecting this type of Vietnamese traditional music.

Types of Vietnamese Traditional Music in Central Vietnam

Hò, Lý (Chanty)

Hò and Lý are a popular musical genre in the Vietnamese people’s life from ancient times, originating from the living habits in the valley, depicting the mood and emotions of the laborers. These two types of Vietnamese traditional music are pretty similar to each other, but Hò is usually attached to a working movement while Lý is not. In addition, Hò and Lý have extremely been developing in Central and South Vietnam. Visiting these regions, you will find it easy to bump into the local people droning out the rustic genres of Hò and Lý.

Nhã Nhạc (Hue Royal Court Music)

Nhã Nhạc or Hue royal court music is the court music under feudal times, performed during festivals or ceremonies (coronation, funerals, and other religious festivals) in the reign of the Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam. Hue royal court music was recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible world cultural heritage in 2003.

Nhã Nhạc has a diversity of 126 songs full of original lyrics and translations. Besides, there are hundreds of musical instruments supporting the Hue Royal court music performances. As a result, it is obviously to affirm that Nhã Nhạc is a type of Vietnamese traditional music with a tight structural system, partially contributing to creating: the complete structure of the orchestra, the system of orchestral music without lyrics, the music accompaniments for singing and dancing, the songs in different kinds of dance, and the songs in the ceremonies.

Types of Vietnamese Traditional Music in Southern Vietnam

Đờn Ca Tài Tử (Southern Amateur Music)

Đờn ca tài tử is the Vietnamese traditional music that was recognized as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO. It was established in the late 19th century, strongly developing and influencing 21 Northern provinces of Vietnam. This is one type of music combining lyrics and musical instruments, preferred by the Southern people in rural areas in their free time after a hard-working day.

Đờn ca tài tử is over one hundred years old, usually known as the band performance, consisting of five Vietnamese traditional music instruments: dan tranh (zither), dan ty ba (pipa), dan nguyet (moon lute), dan bau (monochord), and dan tam; sometimes supported by the flute. The “đờn ca tài tử” singers are usually the friends or neighbors in a village; they gather and happily sing with each other so that they do not bother about the rustic costumes.

Cải Lương

Cải lương is one kind of opera that originated in South Vietnam and was formed based on Đờn ca tài tử and the folk songs of the Mekong Delta. The content of each Cải lương performance may come from ancient Vietnamese stories, Nom poems, and literary works about Vietnamese society, and after that, the French scripts, Indian, Egyptian Romans, and Japanese ancient stories. The fusion of various cultures has shaped the special feature of this type of Vietnamese traditional music.

In addition, the performance of Cải lương will be not perfect without the musical accompaniment of the orchestra, which helps not only support the vocals but also highlight the psychological depth of the characters, creating more drama for the script, and contributes to the success of the play. Nowadays, Cải lương is also an extremely popular type of Vietnamese traditional music in the South, strengthening the spiritual life of the local people.

The above information includes a panorama of Vietnamese traditional music. During your Vietnam vacation packages, it will be an unforgettable memory to be one of the audience and enjoy some of the Vietnamese traditional music to have insight knowledge about Vietnamese culture.

If you fall in love with some kind of Vietnam traditional music,  the show totally can be in your Vietnam tour packages, or you can click here for a tour package with the show you want:

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Vietnamese Zodiac Legend Stories

Rat Zodiac Animal

Have you ever wondered how the rat, the smallest animal among all, could arrive in the 1st place? Well, it was a story of betrayal.

The Jade Emperor organized the race that animals were supposed to swim across the river, and the first 12 finishers would take a place on the calendar. The cat and the rat, being lazy, decided to ride on the back of the water buffalo. Shortly before reaching the other side, the two-faced and deceitful rat pushed the cat into the raging river, quickly hopped off to the finish line and obviously became the first animal on the zodiac list.

Buffalo Zodiac Animal

It is said that the gracious water buffalo was about to be the fastest one, but he was way too naive when agreeing to help the rat and the cat across the river. The rest of the story, as has been mentioned earlier, explained the reason why the buffalo just the second one after the rat. The rat pushed the cat down to the river and jumped off the head of the buffalo when they neared the finish line and crossed first. Therefore, the buffalo was pensive to be the later.

Tiger Zodiac Animal

Even the great strength could not help the tiger become the winner as the currents of the raging river were too strong. Finally, he came in crossing the finish line huffing and puffing.

Cat Zodiac Animal

This zodiac made its 4th after being betrayed by the rat in the Great Race. While crossing the river on the water buffalo’s back, the cunning rat pushed the cat into the river to guarantee its 1st place. Since then, the cat and the rat have been implacable enemies.

Dragon Zodiac Animal

Why was a legendary dragon with the ability to fly not in the first position? The answer is that he was being busy helping a village of farmers by creating heavy rains to irrigate a local village suffering from severe drought. That’s why the dragon made it in 5th place.

Snake Zodiac Animal

The snake was another scheming animal because it nested itself into the hoof of the horse. When the horse neared the finish line, he popped out scaring the horse and consequently became the 6^th one.

Horse Zodiac Animal

The horse with all its power crossed the river by itself. However, it didn’t notice the snake hiding in its hoof. Being scared half to death causing, the horse made it in 7th place.

Goat Zodiac Animal

Being a slow swimmer, the goat decided to make a deal with the monkey and the rooster forming a team in order to cross the river. After being informed by the rooster about a raft floating nearby in the marshy grasslands, the goat cut through the weeds and grass with its sharp teeth and helped the monkey pull the raft out of the river. Happily, all three of the animals rode the raft across the river to the finish line.

Monkey Zodiac Animal

Its story is the same as the goat’s.

Rooster Zodiac Animal

Its story is the same as the goat’s.

Dog Zodiac Animal

Although being a great swimmer, the dog was still on the bottom of the list because of its playfulness and excitement in enjoying the river. He had so much fun that he nearly forgot the on-going race and finally made it in 11th place.

Pig Zodiac Animal

The reason why the pig ended up at the end of the great race was that it stopped a bit to eat a huge meal and then fell asleep. When he woke up, he realized he was still in a race and panically ran into the finish line.

Vietnamese Zodiac Personality Traits

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Rat (The Smart One)

People born in the Rat zodiac sign are clever, quick thinkers, successful in life, but have a peaceful life.

Men born in the Rat year are clever, flexible and adaptable to new environments. Besides, they can make good use of taking advantage of opportunities. However, they sometimes lack the courage to do so and might not be suitable for leadership positions.

Women born in the Rat year are the traditional ones. They have a sense of responsibility and ability. They love keeping things well-organized and put their family in the first place. There is no need for their husband to worry since everything is taken good care of by them.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Buffalo (The Born Leader One)

People born in the Ox zodiac sign are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise.

Men born in the Buffalo year are reliable and trustworthy. They take great responsibility in everything they do. However, due to their confidence (sometimes arrogance), they don’t allow anyone to go against their rules and expect unrealistic things.

Women born in the Buffalo year are calm and gentle. They hardly think of an alternative, which can give a sign of a struggle life. In other words, no matter what happens, they will go on the road they choose until the end. Despite this stubbornness, they think and react quickly.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Tiger (The “Power” One)

People born in the Tiger zodiac sign are courageous and active who always seek challenges and adventures in their life.

Men born in the Tiger year are likely to be adventurous spirits. The riskier something is the eager they want to try it. Sometimes their confidence makes them difficult to interact with others so they need to open up more.

Women born in the Tiger year are intelligent, charming and attractive. They sometimes are lively and friendly, like a little cat, but still, keep their claws sharp just in case.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Cat (The Flexible One)

People born in the cat zodiac sign know how to wait for favorable conditions before taking action.

Men born in the Cat year are supposed to be tender but secretive. Those who were born in Cat sign are quite well-mannered and outgoing,

Women born in the Cat year are likely to be more courteous and sociable, yet they still keep for themselves a secret. If you want to spot out the mood of feelings of a cat person, you should have a great understanding.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Dragon (The Holy One)

People born in the dragon zodiac sign are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love.

Men born in the Dragon year are committed, devoted and responsible. Their lives seem to go around work. They are completely alone and happily accept that. If not, they need someone that can help and support his career.

Women born in the year of Dragon are often mesmerizing and strong. If you underestimate them, watch out. Besides, many decide to stay alone to focus on their career. If not, they can also be great wives. However, they had better take time to consider and balance things.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Snake (The Lucky One)

People born in the snake zodiac sign have a deep and complex mind, but if they fall in love with someone, they will be loved with their entire heart.

Men born in the Snake year are mysterious, experienced, gentle and romantic.

However, they are always eager to be the center of attention and easily become jealous, which makes them harder for them to socialize.

Women born in the Snake year are graceful, elegant and pretty. A typical drawback in their personality is the jealousy. In other words, they cannot stand seeing others who are on a higher level. However, it is also the motivation for them to work harder.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Horse (The Nomadic One)

People born in the horse zodiac sign are free spirits who need space to be themselves.

Men born in the Horse year are fairly easygoing, independent and in need of freedom. They are willing to do whatever they can to help others. However, they also often overestimate themselves.

Women born in the Horse year are beautiful and impressive. Sometimes they are gentle cute ponies, but they can also turn into wild stallions. As long as they are doing what they love, they will easily get success. However, they are usually indecisive. Rather than prepare a clear plan, they often leave things decided by fate.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Goat (The Dreamy One)

People born in the goat zodiac sign are loving and selfless; always think for others, even it works against their own interest.

Men born in the year of Goat are true gentlemen. They are family-oriented and have a warm-hearted personality. During an argument, they’re often the peacemaker. However, pessimism and anxiety should be avoided.

Women born in the Goat year are reliable, motivated and attentive. Not even the smallest things can escape from their eyes. They are social as well as sensitive to others’ needs. Despite their kindness towards others, they are strict with themselves and never feel satisfied.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Monkey (The Cheerful One)

People born in the monkey zodiac sign are lighthearted pranksters who are able to achieve all their dreams.

Men born in the Monkey year are enthusiastic, tolerant and responsible but a bit stubborn and a bit immature. They are the typical opportunists and cannot hold long-term relationships.

Women born in the Monkey year are socially responsible and flexible. They can adapt quickly to new environments as well as make new friends easily. However, because of their confidence, they can be overly optimistic.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Rooster (The Self-righteous One)

People born in the rooster zodiac sign are complex people who seem strong but need validation from loved ones in fact.

Men born in the Rooster year are always unpredicted, sometimes joyous but sometimes emotional. They’ll also consider all aspects before making a decision. But they still need to control their changeable personality and listen to what others say.

Women born in the Rooster year are quite responsible, organized, and very down to earth. They’re confident, but not conceited. They are typically home-oriented but yearn for a position of high power. If given the chance, they’ll show their hidden potential.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Dog (The Faithful One)

People born in the dog zodiac sign are Honest and loyal – Dogs are the truest friends and the most reliable partners.

Men born in the Dog year are straightforward, genuine, energetic, though they’re more pessimistic inside. These men take good care of their family, which results in harmonious family life. Their stubbornness fades in the face of their loved ones.

Women born in the Dog year are very independent, cautious but somehow indifferent. They love outdoor activities and being in nature. Besides, they also provide their friends and family with intensive protection.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Pig (The Optimistic One)

People born in the pig zodiac sign have beautiful personalities and are blessed with good fortune in life.

Men born in the Pig year are optimistic, quiet, and focused but gullible. They trust others easily and are often scammed, which can make them lose a fortune. Those men are not conversationalists but treat everyone warmly.

Women born in the year of the Pig are full of excitement. They are sociable, easygoing but sometimes over-friendly. In their excitement, they cannot remember to give others personal space. Those women also have good fortune with wealth.

Vietnamese Zodiac Signs Recognized by Year of Birth

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Betrothal Ceremony

This ritual happens before the wedding. Normally, the bride, the groom or their parents go to the fortuneteller first to ask for the “beautiful” date and time is the best choice for them. They strongly believe that if the ceremony is held on this date and time, everything will be good. After that, the groom’s family will come to the bride’s family with the lacquered boxes known as the betrothal presents. They include a lot of things: areca nuts, betel leaves, tea, cake, fruits, wines and many other offerings which are covered with red polish fabric and carried by single girls or boys. All of these young people, including both the bride and the groom, wear ao dai, usually in red – the lucky color of Vietnamese people.

Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is like the official announcement about the marriage of the young couple that the girl must leave her parents and follow her husband to live in his house and really become a married woman. On this day, the groom’s family, relatives, and friends together go to the bride’s house along with many presents wrapped in red papers that are similar to the ones in the betrothal ceremony. Women wear ao dai and men are in suits. The procession is often led by one person who is wealthy and successful in the parentage with the meaning of a blessing for the couple.

The betrothal procession will stop at the entrance of the bride’s house. The representative of the groom’s family will enter first with a wine tray in his hand. Afterward, two families sit down and sip a cup of tea. The groom’s side will introduce themselves and ask the bride’s family to allow their son to marry the bride. Later, the master of the wedding – a respected person in the bride’s parentage, will guide the bride’s parents to give their daughter. Then the bride steps out, following her parents. In tradition, she wears a red ao dai, but today, because of the modernity, it is replaced by a white dress which is the same as that in the western countries. The pair will stand to pray in front of the ancestor’s altar to ask for permission for their wedding, then keep their heads down and send their gratitude to the parents for bearing, bringing up and educating them.
Next, the master of the ceremony will give some useful advice about the family life that the couple soon will experience. Thereafter, the parents of the groom and bride, in turn, share their advice and give best wishes for the pair. The relatives and friends sit down, drink tea and eat cake, witnessing the wedding of the happy couple. Normally, some of them will go to the stage and sing sweet love songs or dance for having fun and congratulating the pair. Finally, the groom and the bride give the wedding rings for each other and receive the presents from their parents that usually is jewelry such as golden necklaces, rings, and bracelets…The ceremony finishes with a loud applause.

Banquet Party

Besides, along with the wedding, there is a big party at the groom and bride’s houses. Depending on many problems like the custom of each region, the time or something, it will be held before or after the wedding ceremony. It really has a huge scale with hundreds of tables. All of the friends, relatives, and neighbors of the groom and the bride are invited to this party. People often display from 7 to 10 dishes cooked from pork, chicken, beef, vegetables… The guests are expected to go with gifts (often money) to congratulate the groom and the bride. The couple also comes to each table to receive the blessings of the guests.
Today, most Vietnamese weddings are carried out according to both eastern and western styles. This is very easy to understand because all cultures always have integration. However, Vietnamese people still keep their own specific traditional values in this ceremony.

I had a chance to take part in a variety of wonderful festivals in the Central Highlands and I felt that I could not find anywhere that is full of rich culture which is deeply imbued with regional identities. Therefore, this is to say how beautiful people of the Central Highlands are. From my own experiences, I gonna share with you what I experience with Cultural Space of Tay Nguyen Gong.

An Overview of Tay Nguyen Gong 

Tay Nguyen, a historical place with the diverse ancient civilizations dating back hundreds of years ago, is famous for countless prehistoric traditional cultural values. Particularly, the world’s most remarkable cultural characteristics here known as Culture Space of Tay Nguyen Gong is officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
The gong culture dominantly exists in five major provinces of the Central Highlands encompassing Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong. And this kind of unique art-form belongs to a group of ethnic people namely the Ba Na, Xo Dang, Co Ho, Ro Mam, E De and Gia Rai and so on.

In the prehistoric time, this special musical instrument was commonly made from rock or stone and they were used by local men and women for special occasions of the year. Turning into the modern time, prehistoric gongs had received considerable innovation to create a distinct sound compared with other musical forms. The major materials come from a mixture of brass alloy or a combination of bronze, silver. The size of gongs can be variable but normally ranges from 20cm to 60cm in diameter. Characterized as a popular musical instrument form of Tay Nguyen, the sound from gongs is considered to be a language communicated to the supernatural world. Therefore, it has a lot of cultural values and traditional customs.

What and When are Gongs used for?

You can find a lot of interesting musical instruments and an abundance of great culture identities in every corner of the world. Each has its own sound, value and is used in different events for different purposes. Cultural Space of Tay Nguyen Gong, with no exception, often take places in several popular and important events such as welcoming new rice crops, buffalo feasts, New Year, Gong Festival and Tay Nguyen Spring Festival.

When I visit Tay Nguyen, I saw that gongs are used by local men wearing colorful clothes. People often professionally dance around a big fire or sit in a circle around big jars to drink wine together. The sound created from playing gongs is believed to bring about wealth, peace and prosper for people in the Central Highlands. Cultural space of Tay Nguyen Gong, in the belief of local people, is a symbol for power, wealth and also prestige. For the same reason, this cultural asset helps to connect individuals to the whole community, thereby creating a strong regional unity. From then, they will naturally live life to the full or make great efforts to work in an effective and progressing way. Or in other words, people in the same community enthusiastically help each other whenever facing any difficulties in work-daily life.

Traditional Values and Beliefs

Each culture, carrying its own unique value, attaches great importance to shaping the identities as well as in local people’s way of living. With people of the Central Highlands, this masterpiece is the representation of soul beauty of locals who are always amiable, friendly and highly cultured people.
In the beliefs of Tay Nguyen people, gongs have the implied power of protecting their own lives as well as property because of helping locals fight against evil. More importantly, the beauty of distinct melody created by the perfect combination of gongs and cymbals describes the sublime and long-lasting beauty of people and culture. Gongs in general and culture space of gong, in particular, today are irreplaceable cultural value to be the symbolic voice of people and goods that will be preserved and handed down to later generations.

Until now, although a myriad of attractive and impressive modern kinds of music and musical instruments, the unique value of Culture Space of Tay Nguyen Gong should be taken into serious consideration to not only preserve but also promote its richness and diversity.
Experience a lot of cultures in different countries in the world, I still find Cultural Space of Tay Nguyen Gong is the most wonderful ones that made a deep impression on my heart and mind. For sure, if I have one more chance, I will definitely come back someday. Hope that you are also interested in it and pay a visit to enjoy it in near future.

How do You Say Greetings in Vietnamese?

Say “Xin chao” as a common greeting.
This greeting is more appropriate for non-native speakers because it is the easiest and the most polite way to greet Vietnamese people. Native speakers do not usually say that because it sounds formal.

Say “Chao ban” when you are close.
If you get a close relationship with the person you are talking to, let’s use “Chao ban” as a greeting. “Ban” is an informal way of meaning “you” in English. It can be used for both genders but in approximately the same age as you. Therefore, do not say that to elders or someone you want to show your respect.

Use “Chao anh”, “Chao chi”, “Chao co”, “Chao chu”, etc for elders.
These phrases are only used for people who are older than you. Remember that you say “Chao anh” and “Chao chu” if the listeners are male. If they are female, let’s say “Chao chi” or “Chao co”.

“Chao em” to younger people.
For younger people, say “Chao em” when you meet them. Do not use that for someone older or the same age as you.

Vietnam Additional Greetings

Say “Alo” when answering the phone. If someone calls you, let’s say “Alo” that have the same meaning to “Xin chao”. This way is common for phone calls not for communication in face-to-face.

Greetings based on the time of a day.
Vietnamese people do not usually greet others according to the time of the day because it sounds relatively unnatural. These greetings are:
“Good morning” is “Chao buoi sang”
“Good afternoon” is “Chao buoi trua”
“Good evening” is “Chao buoi toi”

When you want to say “How are you?” in Vietnamese, it means “Bạn có khỏe không? “. You can change flexibly the word “ban” into other words like “anh”, “chi”, etc. to make it appropriate for specific situations and relationships. To reply to this kind of greeting, you inform them of your health status then you can ask them again with a question “Con ban?” like “And you?” in English.