On Feb. 2 people in cities, towns and villages throughout Vietnam will celebrate the lunar New Year. Also known as Vietnam counts down to lunar New Year, New Year 2011 is also the year of the cat. Although the festivities officially begin Feb. 3 end Feb. 7, preparations were underway two weeks ago as businesses slowed down and families started cleaning in anticipation. Lunar New Year puts Vietnamese tradition on display and is the country’s most celebrated event, so no detail is left to chance. Parents often put their children to work sweeping the floors as a symbolic way of removing a year’s worth of dirt. Tet is full of superstitions surrounding the fortunes of family and friends. People are careful who to first welcome into their home on New Year’s Day as their presence may determine the fortune of the household for the entire year. The first day of Tet, or New Year’s Day, is reserved solely for family members, when red envelopes containing ‘lucky money’ are given to the children and plenty of food and wine is served for everyone.
Traveling to Vietnam to mark the year of the cat
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate a New Year then traveling to Vietnam might be the perfect way to escape Western tradition. Not just one night, Vietnam celebrates the dawn of a new year over five days, giving people plenty of time to see, smell and taste the experience. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the New Year’s customs as many events are family oriented. Vietnam is now in the middle of winter, so flight deals will be available. But be prepared for cooler temperatures.
