There are many practices that are traditionally frowned upon during Tet, and if you believe, could even bring you bad luck in the new year.

The Tet and Chung cakes

Although people usually give their house a good clean before Tet to make it presentable for guests, it is not good to sweep or throw away trash on the first day of Tet because all the luck and money could be swept out with it.

Giving out fire and water

It is advisable to bring lighters when visiting pagodas because others will not lend out fire. Fire is red, and so is considered lucky, if a person gives out their fire on the first days of the year, they will be giving away their luck. Similarly, water is a symbol of prosperity and will not be given away. In the old days, people often kept their water tanks full on Tet to ensure a prosperous year.

Visiting neighbours' houses on the first day

People avoid visiting others' houses on the first day of Tet unless they are invited. In Vietnamese tradition, the first person enter one's house on Tet will decide that household's fortune for the year. If the household has a good year then all is well, but if the year is tough then they may blame it on the first visitor. That is why people tend to stay home to tend to the family altar and visit the homes parents or close families.

Breaking things

Breaking objects symbolises separation, a bad sign for relationships. However, accidents do happen. When something is broken, people will try to reassure each other with optimism.

Fighting and arguing

No matter how annoyed or angry one gets, it is important to keep ones temper in check in order to avoid an unhappy atmosphere in the house. On these days, parents will be more likely to look the other way when children make mistakes so as to avoid scoldings and the crying sure to follow.

Borrowing things

It is looked down on to either borrow or collect debts, whether it is money or objects, on Tet. Borrowing means the next year will bring want, giving loans means that the loaner will lose money and paying debts means giving away one's own fortune. Also, collecting debts will put everyone in a bad mood and ruin the atmosphere.

Holding funerals

In the old days, if a family was still in a mourning period when Tet arrived, they could take off their white funeral armband for the first three days of Tet. These families would not visit other households. Others can pay them a visit. If a person passes away on the first day of Tet, the family must wait until the next day to announce the funeral and wear mourning clothes.

Black and white are colours for funerals in Vietnam, so it is a bad sign to wear these colours on the holiday. Colourful outfits, especially red or yellow, are recommended.

Obtaining objects and foods equals bad luck

Foods such as dog meat, duck or silver carp are only eaten during the final days of the month or year to erase bad luck, but they are not favoured on the first days of the year. Similarly, people do not buy paintings or photos that depict bad things, such as court scenes or scenes of jealousy. They will also not say bad things in case those things may come to pass.

Everything that is bought on the first days hold significance of meaning to the households, and it always meant to bring luck and prosperity for the whole year. This is why the first things bought are more for spiritual satisfaction than anything. Knives and chopping boards are often avoided.

Dtinews