Origins
Which animal is associated with the first year of the Chinese zodiac cycle?
Rat/ Mouse
What does Bánh chưng look like and what does it symbolize?
Bánh chưng is square and it represents land.
What do children like to receive most on Tết holiday?
Lucky money.
Vietnamese people tend to wear a traditional costume during Tết, what is it called?
Ao Dai
3 important Tết tradition
suggested answer: family reunion dinners, visiting pagodas, giving lucky money
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2025 Lunar New Year is the year of the ______.
Snake
Melon seeds on Tet are the melon seeds of what fruit?
Watermelon.
This particular dance is often seen performed by professionals during Tết holiday or the Moon festival. What is it?
Lion/Dragon dance
What colors should not be worn on the first day of the first year?
Black and white.
3 common greetings exchanged during Tết
Suggested answers:
"Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year)
"Vạn Sự Như Ý" (May all your wishes come true)
"Sức Khỏe Dồi Dào" (Wishing you good health)
"An Khang Thịnh Vượng" (Wishing you prosperity)
"Tiền Vào Như Nước" (Wishing you wealth)
"Thành Công Rực Rỡ" (Wishing you success).
What is the significance of the color red during Lunar New Year celebrations?
The color red is considered to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
What fruits are typically included in five-fruit tray?
soursop, coconut, papaya, mango, watermelon
What do you call the first guest who comes to your house on New Year's Day?
First caller.
What is the traditional headwear often worn with an "áo dài"?
Khăn đóng, a turban-like head covering
3 traditional Tết dishes and the regions where they are most popular
Suggested answers:
Bánh Chưng (North)
Bánh Tét (South)
Thịt kho trứng (South)
Xôi gấc (North)
Canh măng (North)
Chả giò (South)
Dưa món (Central).
What is the purpose of setting off firecrackers during Lunar New Year?
It is believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
What is the name of the long cake that is made from sticky rice?
Banh Tet
In most countries, it is traditional to remove bad luck before Lunar New Year by doing what?
Sweeping the house.
When did the "áo dài" as we know it today first become popular?
Around the 18th century, with variations evolving over time
3 traditional customs performed during Tết and their purposes.
Suggested answers:
Visiting ancestors' graves (paying respect)
Cleaning the house (removing bad luck)
Giving lucky money (wishing prosperity)
Displaying red envelopes (symbolizing luck)
Cooking traditional dishes (honoring tradition)
Visiting relatives (strengthening bonds)
Worshiping ancestors (showing gratitude)
Avoiding bad words or arguments (maintaining good fortune).
Which type of flower is commonly used for decoration in Northern Vietnam during Tet?
Peach blossoms
What is the main ingredient of "bánh chưng" and "bánh tét"?
Sticky Rice and Mung Bean
What vehicle does the Kitchen Gods ride to heaven?
carp
What are some common motifs or symbols embroidered on "áo dài" and what do they represent?
Dragons, phoenixes, flowers (especially peach blossoms and apricot blossoms), bamboo, and cranes are common. They symbolize prosperity, luck, longevity, and nobility.
3 symbolic items displayed during Tết and explain their significance.
Suggested answers:
Apricot blossom (prosperity)
Peach blossom (happiness)
Kumquat tree (wealth)
Red envelopes (luck and prosperity)
Five-fruit tray (family unity and abundance)
Lanterns (celebration and light)
Calligraphy (wisdom and culture)
Rooster figurines (early rising and hard work)
Dragon or lion dances (warding off evil spirits).