The Meaning of Tết Nguyên Đán
The term "Tết" comes from the Sino-Vietnamese word for "festival," while "Nguyên Đán" translates to "first morning" in classical Chinese characters. Together, they represent the first day of the new year according to the lunar calendar. Like other East Asian New Year celebrations, Tết follows the lunar cycle and typically falls between late January and mid-February. The festival lasts several days, beginning with preparations in the final week of the old year and continuing into the first week of the new year.
Is Tết of Chinese Origin?
Many believe that Tết was introduced to Vietnam during the 1,000-year period of Chinese rule. It's true that the lunar calendar and several Confucian traditions associated with the holiday are shared by China and other East Asian cultures. However, historical records and Vietnamese folklore suggest that the celebration of Tết predates Chinese influence in the region.
A significant piece of evidence comes from the legend of "Bánh Chưng and Bánh Dày," which dates back to the era of the Hùng Kings, Vietnam's first recorded rulers. In this legend, King Hùng VI organized a contest to choose his successor, with a prince named Lang Liêu presenting simple yet meaningful rice cakes representing the Earth and the sky. This suggests that Tết, or at least a similar agricultural festival, was celebrated in Vietnam long before Chinese rule began.
Moreover, certain historical texts indicate that Tết may have existed in Vietnam even before the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors in ancient China. Confucius himself mentioned Tết in the Book of Rites, stating: "I do not know what Tết is, but I have heard that it is a great festival of the Man people, during which they dance wildly, drink alcohol, and feast." Another document, Giao Chí Chí, notes that the people of Giao Quan would often gather to sing, dance, and celebrate for several days to mark the arrival of a new farming season. These accounts imply that Tết has deep roots in Vietnam, possibly predating outside influences.
Vietnamese vs. Chinese New Year: Similarities and Differences
While Tết shares many similarities with the Chinese New Year (also known as the Spring Festival), it has evolved to reflect Vietnam’s unique cultural identity. Both holidays are based on the lunar calendar, include family reunions, and feature traditions like ancestor worship and festive meals. However, there are distinct differences:
• Unique Foods: Tết is famous for its special foods, such as Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cake) and Bánh Dày (round sticky rice cake), which are not part of Chinese New Year traditions.• Decorations and Symbols: While China is known for red lanterns, Tết features peach blossoms (in the north) and apricot blossoms (in the south) as key symbols of the holiday.
• Zodiac Differences: Although both cultures use a 12-animal zodiac, Vietnam substitutes the Chinese Ox with the Buffalo and the Rabbit with the Cat, with some other minor differences in the zodiac signs.
• Spiritual Practices: Tết places strong emphasis on ancestral veneration, with families offering large feasts and burning incense to honor deceased relatives.
Conclusion: Tết's Unique Vietnamese Identity
Tết Nguyên Đán is an integral part of Vietnamese culture, deeply connected to agricultural traditions, ancestral reverence, and community values. While it shares some similarities with the Chinese New Year due to historical interactions, Tết has a distinctly Vietnamese character that has evolved over centuries. Whether its origins trace back to China or stem from ancient Vietnamese customs, Tết remains a beloved celebration that symbolizes renewal, gratitude, and joy for millions of Vietnamese people around the world.