New Year's Eve on the rooftop for the artist couple Tien Luat and Thu Trang.

Artist Tien Luat shared about Tet (Vietnamese New Year) with his family, Thu Trang, and their son Andy, from memories of a difficult childhood and family customs to the moment of watching fireworks on the rooftop on New Year's Eve.

Even after more than a decade of performing in Lunar New Year plays, I'm still as nervous as the first time.

For many stage artists, Tet doesn't begin with firecrackers, but rather behind the scenes. Tien Luat and Thu Trang are no exception. Every year, as the year draws to a close, they have a special date with the Tet theater stage.

Tien Luat recounts that no matter how many years he's been in the profession, every time he performs in a Tet play, he still feels as nervous as the first time. Not only the official performances but even the rehearsals beforehand bring him indescribable joy and excitement. He always longs to perform for the audience, and the hectic pace of the days leading up to Tet has become an indispensable part of his and his wife's lives.

Due to their packed performance schedules, time for family only truly begins around the 26th or 27th of the Lunar New Year. By the 2nd day of the new year, they're both back on tour. That short period of time therefore becomes more precious than ever.

Tien Luat and Thu Trang, a married couple, will perform in a play for Tet (Vietnamese New Year) 2026.

My childhood New Year's Day was simply about eating a whole piece of fruit and spending New Year's Eve on the rooftop.

When recalling his childhood Tet memories, Tien Luat couldn't hide his emotion. He recounted that his family was very poor back then, and all year round they only looked forward to Tet so they could wear nice clothes, eat delicious food, and receive lucky money. He vividly remembers that even on ordinary days, they had to cut fruit into small pieces to eat; only during Tet could they eat a whole fruit. These seemingly simple memories are something he has cherished for so many years.

Then, when his son Andy was born, the first Lunar New Year celebrating the baby's arrival became a special milestone. Tien Luat shared that from that moment, he clearly felt he had taken on more responsibility, no longer thinking only of himself but always thinking more about his child.

The Tet feast at Tien Luat and Thu Trang's house retains the traditional Southern Vietnamese flavors with essential dishes including banh tet (sticky rice cake), braised pork with eggs, pickled shallots, and bitter melon soup. The main cook is Tien Luat's mother. She cooks for all the family members because they all live together. The image of his mother quietly preparing the Tet meal for the whole extended family is a beautiful tradition that he always cherishes.

Tien Luat and Thu Trang's family and their son Andy.

On New Year's Eve, the family has a special ritual that has become a tradition. Before midnight, Tien Luat and Thu Trang, along with their younger siblings, will go to the temple. Afterwards, the whole family gathers on the 5th-floor rooftop to watch the fireworks. Tien Luat excitedly recounted that from his rooftop, he could see fireworks shooting up from Dam Sen Park and all around.

After the New Year's Eve countdown, the whole family chatted for a little while longer before everyone went to bed, because on the first day of the new year they had to wake up early to wish their parents and relatives a happy new year, and then rush back to Long An to wish their father-in-law a happy new year. The evening of the first day of the new year was dedicated entirely to the small family.

When asked about his New Year's wishes, Tien Luat said his biggest wish is still good health for his parents and loved ones. As for his work, he believes that if he does his best, he will reap the rewards.

The most precious moment of the year

As parents, Tien Luat and Thu Trang are always conscious of teaching their son Andy that Tet is not just about receiving lucky money or having a break from school. They explain to him that Tet is a time for family reunions, a time to show gratitude and visit grandparents, and to cherish loved ones.

Andy has such innocent and adorable questions that make the whole family laugh, like: "Why do we have to visit so many people to wish them a Happy New Year?" or wondering why we have to offer sacrifices on New Year's Eve. Each of his questions becomes an opportunity for the couple to explain more about the traditions, helping him understand and appreciate the true meaning of Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

Andy as a child with his parents.

Tien Luat's family still preserves customs passed down from their grandparents' generation, from the New Year's Eve ceremony and preparing the feast to children wishing their elders a Happy New Year. But what makes him happiest isn't any of the solemn rituals, but the days leading up to Tet when the whole family cleans and decorates together. Tien Luat says that the time the whole family works together is what he remembers most whenever he thinks about Tet.

And if he could only choose one moment to cherish forever, Tien Luat would choose the moment his family sat together after New Year's Eve. No firecrackers, no noise, just the whole family. Watching the children playing and his parents smiling, he suddenly realized that all his efforts throughout the year were worthwhile.

"For Luat and Trang, Tet isn't anything grand; it's just the feeling of coming home and being with our family," he said.

Tien Luat and Thu Trang in the play "Million Dollar Birthday":

Photo: Provided by the interviewee, video : SKT

Andy, the only son of artists Thu Trang and Tien Luat, is 13 years old, 1.78m tall, and fluent in three languages. He has attracted attention for his exceptional height at a young age. He is also fluent in three languages ​​and boasts outstanding academic achievements.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/dem-giao-thua-บน-san-thuong-cua-cap-nghe-si-tien-luat-thu-trang-2490588.html