The True Origins of Vietnam’s Lunar New Year

Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is the most important festival in Vietnam, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year. As a time of family reunions, remembrance of ancestors, and the welcoming of spring, Tet carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. While its origins remain a subject of debate, historical evidence suggests that Tet has been celebrated in Vietnam for thousands of years, possibly predating Chinese influence in the region.

The Meaning of Tet Nguyen Dan

Vietnamese Ancestors: Origins and Legacy

The ancestors of Vietnam laid the foundation for the nation’s rich history and culture. Through their resilience and wisdom, they shaped the traditions and values that continue to influence modern Vietnam. Their legacy remains an essential part of the Vietnamese identity today.

The Hundred-Knot Bamboo Tree

Long ago, in a peaceful village, there was a hardworking young man named Khoai. He worked tirelessly for a wealthy landowner, hoping to marry the man’s daughter. The landowner noticed Khoai’s dedication and promised:
"Work hard for me, and I will give you my daughter’s hand in marriage."
Trusting the promise, Khoai worked day and night, never complaining.

The Legend of Betel and Areca

Long ago, in a small village, there were twin brothers named Tân and Lang, who resembled each other so closely that even their own family often mistook one for the other. Their father, a tall and strong man, was once summoned by King Hùng to the royal court, where he was honored and given the surname "Cao." Since then, their family had been known as the Cao family.

The Legend of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy

Introduction to the Legend of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy

The Legend of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy is one of the most well-known myths in Vietnamese culture, highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and divine intervention. The story takes place during the reign of King An Dương Vương of Âu Lạc, a kingdom in ancient Vietnam. This tale is a powerful symbol of the consequences of misplaced trust and the destructive power of betrayal.

The Legend of Cuội on the Moon

Long ago, in a distant land, there was a woodcutter named Cuội. One day, while venturing into the forest as usual, Cuội stumbled upon a cave where four tiger cubs were playing. As soon as they saw Cuội, the cubs pounced at him, ready to attack. With his axe in hand, Cuội defended himself and killed all four cubs. Just as he finished, the mother tiger returned. Seeing her dead cubs, she let out a ferocious roar of grief and anger. Frrightened, Cuội quickly climbed up a large tree nearby.

The Toad Sues Heaven

Long ago, a severe drought struck the land. The earth cracked, plants withered, and animals suffered from thirst. The drought lasted so long that even the resilient Toad couldn’t bear it anymore. Determined to find a solution, Toad decided to go to Heaven to ask the Jade Emperor for rain.

The Coconut Shell Story

In ancient times, there lived a kind and hardworking elderly couple. Despite being over fifty years old, they had yet to bear a child. One day, the wife went into the forest to collect firewood. The scorching sun made her incredibly thirsty, but she couldn’t find any water to drink. Suddenly, she spotted a coconut shell filled with rainwater at the base of a tree. Without hesitation, she drank from it. Not long after returning home, she discovered she was pregnant.

This is My Intelligence

Vietnamese folktales are rich with cultural lessons and fascinating stories about animals and human wisdom. One such tale explains why tigers have stripes and why water buffalo lack upper front teeth. This traditional story offers a clever and entertaining explanation that has been passed down through generations.

The Legend of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh

One beautiful day, two talented young men came to ask for Mị Nương’s hand in marriage. The first was Sơn Tinh, the Mountain God from the Tản Viên Mountain region. He possessed extraordinary abilities: with a wave of his hand to the east, sandbars and landforms emerged; with a wave of his hand to the west, mountain ranges appeared. The second was Thủy Tinh, the Water God from the sea region. He was equally gifted: when he called for the wind, it came; when he summoned the rain, it poured. Both were strong, talented, and seemed like ideal choices for the king’s son-in-law.

The legend of Chưng cake and Giày cake

After defeating the Ân invaders, peace and prosperity returned to the land. King Hùng Vương, now old and frail, wanted to pass his throne to one of his sons. He gathered them and announced: "I have called you here to find a worthy successor for the throne. On the day of the Tiên Vương festival, whoever pleases me the most shall inherit the crown."

The Legend of Hoàn Kiếm Lake (The Sword Lake Legend)

During the era when the Ming invaders occupied Vietnam, they showed no mercy to the people, committing countless brutal acts. Amidst this turmoil, the Lam Son insurgent army rose to resist the invaders. However, due to their limited forces, they suffered repeated defeats. Witnessing their plight, Lạc Long Quân decided to lend them a divine sword to aid in their struggle against the enemy.

The Legend of the Dragon Descendants

The legend of the Dragon and the Fairy, as recorded in the "Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư" by historian Ngô Sĩ Liên and other scholars, tells the tale of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, the legendary ancestors of the Vietnamese people. Lạc Long Quân, also known by his birth name Sùng Lãm, was the son of Kinh Dương Vương. He married Âu Cơ, the daughter of the celestial ruler Đế Lai, and together, they founded the Bách Việt tribe.

The Legend of Saint Gióng

Long ago, during the reign of the sixth Hùng King, an elderly couple lived in the peaceful village of Gióng. Known for their kindness and good deeds, they had no children despite their age and yearned for a son to bring comfort in their old age. One day, while working in the fields, the wife stumbled upon a massive footprint. Out of curiosity, she placed her foot inside it, and to her amazement, she became pregnant. Twelve months later, she gave birth to a healthy and handsome baby boy. Though overjoyed, the couple noticed something peculiar: by the time he was three years old, their son could not walk, talk, or even smile. He simply lay wherever he was placed.