Tet- New Year, Ancient Customs For the Vietnamese people, Tet is
the most sacred time of the year. On lunar New Year's Eve, each
member of a family and of society exchange sincere good wishes,
strengthening common cultural ties. Tet is also time to reflect
on the spiritual life. In Hanoi, on the stroke of midnight, the
whole family sits down to eat together. The house has been
cleaned well in advance. The family altar is decorated with
fresh flowers, fruits (5 kinds of fruits with 5 different
colors) and red candles. During Tet, angry words are forbidden.
Most Hanoians visit pagodas, and make sure to bring home a leafy
branch, an ancient symbol of prosperity. During the next few
days, it is crucial for people to visit as many of their
relatives, friends and former teachers as they can manage. As an
old proverb says:" the first day of Tet is for parents, the
second for friends, and third for teachers". When visiting
families, it is customary to offer children and old people money
in a lucky red envelope, to wi