Origins of Tết
The exact date of Tết varies each year, but it always falls in the range of these two months.
What is January or February?
This common New Year’s greeting, meaning "Happy New Year," is often exchanged during Tết.
What is Chúc Mừng Năm Mới?
This game, also known as “The Fish Crab Game,” is commonly played during Tết using dice and animal symbols.
What is Bầu Cua Cá Cọp?
This popular noodle soup, typically made with beef or chicken, is served during Tết and is known for its fragrant broth.
What is pho? (phở)
Each year in the Vietnamese zodiac is represented by one of this many animals.
What is twelve?
The country that ruled Vietnam, in which Tet originated.
What is China?
This colorful and energetic performance, often seen during Tết, is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.
What is the lion dance?
In addition to dice, Bầu Cua Cá Cọp also includes a board featuring this many different animals or objects.
What is six?
These deep-fried rolls, filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables, are a favorite during Tết celebrations.
What are spring rolls? (chả giò)
This zodiac animal, known for its cautious and mysterious nature, will be the focus of the Lunar New Year in 2025.
What is the Year of the Snake?
Tết marks the beginning of this calendar cycle, which is different from the Gregorian calendar.
What is the lunar calendar?
On Tết, it is common to give red envelopes containing money, known as this.
What is lì xì?
This number of dice is used in the game Bầu Cua Cá Cọp.
What is three?
This savory dish consists of rice with various ingredients like vegetables, pork, or shrimp, and is often eaten during Tết.
What is fried rice? (cơm chiên)
This zodiac animal is the only mythical creature in the Vietnamese zodiac.
What is the dragon?
The arrival of Tết signals the start of this season in Vietnam, bringing warmer weather and new growth.
What is spring?
It is considered bad luck to do this common household chore on the first day of Tết.
What is sweeping?
In addition to the animals featured in Bầu Cua Cá Cọp, this object is also a common symbol on the dice, representing good fortune in the game.
What is a gourd?
This sweet dessert, made from beans, coconut milk, and sugar, is a popular dish during Tết.
What is sweet bean dessert? (chè)
This animal, which represents bravery and strength, governs the Vietnamese zodiac every 12 years, with the last year being 2022.
What is the Year of the Tiger?
Tết celebrations are deeply connected to the concept of filial piety, which emphasizes respect for these important figures in a person's life.
Who are ancestors and family?
This round fruit is often displayed on the family altar to symbolize unity and prosperity.
What is a watermelon?
Bầu Cua Cá Cọp, has a rule where this many animals must appear in a roll for a "perfect" outcome, giving the highest payout.
What are three matching animals?
This traditional dish, made with sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, is often wrapped in leaves and represents the Earth during Tết.
What is square sticky rice cake? (bánh chưng)
Unlike the Chinese zodiac, the Vietnamese zodiac replaces the ox with this similar animal.
What is the water buffalo?