In a heartwarming discovery, family members of an 85-year-old woman in Thai Binh uncovered a stash of cash and gold hidden in old rice containers while cleaning her house for Tet. The elderly woman, suffering from memory loss, had forgotten where she kept her savings.

A surprising find during Tet preparations

Phan Tra Mi, 28, from Hanoi, shared a video on social media of her family’s Tet cleaning discovery on January 1. The video quickly went viral, inspiring viewers to start their own pre-Tet cleaning.

Mi and her family were helping her grandmother, Ngo Thi Phau, prepare her home in Tien Hai, Thai Binh, for the Lunar New Year when they stumbled upon the unexpected treasure.

Inside old rice jars and metal bins, they found over 5 million VND (~$210) in cash and eight gold rings totaling one tael of gold (approximately 37.5 grams).

Mi explained that her grandmother had a habit of saving money and gold for emergencies.

“When she was healthier, my grandmother raised pigs. After selling piglets, she would buy one gold ring to save. The cash came from years of lucky money given to her by family during Tet, which she didn’t spend but saved instead.”

The gold was stored in an old deworming medicine bottle, while the cash was wrapped in multiple layers of plastic bags. Everything was carefully hidden in rice jars, a metal bin, and her bedroom.

A life of resilience and thrift

Ngo Thi Phau, a widow since the age of 27, lost her husband to the war and single-handedly raised her daughter and grandchildren. Despite her modest means, she always prioritized saving.

Mi fondly recalled her grandmother’s generosity: “She bought me a bicycle for school when I was in high school and even gifted me a gold ring as a wedding present.”

For the past two to three years, Phau has suffered from severe memory loss, often forgetting where she stored her savings. Mi’s family regularly helps clean her home and look after her.

The family has decided to keep the discovered gold and cash safe to ensure Phau’s needs are met during illnesses or emergencies.

“I just hope my grandmother stays healthy and can celebrate many more Tet holidays with us,” Mi shared.