Lunar New Year preparations in Vietnam are kicking into high gear in anticipation of the Tết holiday beginning late next week. Customarily, the Vietnamese spend this time preparing special food, cleaning the house, and giving lucky money in red envelopes to children. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới {Happy New Year} is the traditional greeting, as is wishing people good health, prosperity and luck! It is also a time for family reunions, and many local Vietnamese in Saigon will visit their hometowns to celebrate Tết with their loved ones. Shops, restaurants, and routine services here will slow or shut down anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. While many of our friends will be traveling, we've elected to enjoy the quieter week-long break here at home.
This is the Year of the Rooster, the same zodiacal animal I was born under. I remember many of the Lunar New Year celebrations growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii's Chinatown with firecrackers, dragon dancing, and lucky money! My upbringing in the Pacific Rim exposed me to to many cultures and their various celebratory events. I'm excited to share this holiday with our little guy and embrace the diversity we're experiencing everyday in our life abroad!
For our friends in the U.S., you'll find plenty of opportunities for celebrating along with us in spirit. Here's a few references to find out how and where:
