From mid-December, residents in various neighborhoods take advantage of their free time to clean village roads and alleys, hang national flags, and decorate with lanterns and flowers, creating a fresh and vibrant look to welcome the spring. Mr. Nguyen The Tung from Dong Tam 2 residential area shared: “Taking advantage of the late afternoon, people in the neighborhood get together to hang lanterns and decorative lights in front of their houses. The atmosphere is very joyful. Everyone chats while working, so the sense of community and neighborly spirit is strengthened.”
The streets and flower markets during Tet (Lunar New Year) are bustling with the vibrant colors of peach blossoms, kumquats, apricot blossoms, orchids, and more, creating a bright and warm spring scene. Many people have gone early to choose flowers and plants to select their favorites, bringing the spirit of spring home to their families.
Choosing a peach blossom branch for herself, Ms. Phung Thi Thu from Bong 1-2 village, Bao Ha commune, said: “Every year, my family prepares for Tet early. I find that cleaning the house and buying peach blossom branches or kumquat trees to decorate both beautifies the living space and creates a warm feeling. These days, everywhere you go is bustling, everyone is excited, hoping for a more prosperous new year.”
The atmosphere of preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year) is vibrant not only in the lowlands but also in the highland communes. In many villages and hamlets, people in the highlands take advantage of their free time during the agricultural off-season to clean their houses, renovate their kitchens, and prepare sticky rice, banana leaves, and other food items for Tet. The highland markets at the end of the year are busier than usual, with a wide variety of goods and the sounds of laughter and conversation filling the air.
Ms. Dang Mui Khe from Dap Dom village, Dong Cuong commune, happily said: “Tet is the most important occasion of the year, so my family prepares quite thoroughly. These days, I take advantage of the time to go to the market to buy more sticky rice, meat, sweets and clean the house neatly to welcome my children and grandchildren home for a reunion.”
In many families in the highlands, the custom of wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) and making traditional cakes is still preserved as a beautiful cultural tradition. Ms. Ninh Thi Tu from Khuon La village, Yen Binh commune, said: “Every year, my family makes banh chim gau – a traditional cake of the Cao Lan ethnic group. Tet (Lunar New Year) is an opportunity for the elderly and children to participate in wrapping cakes and preparing for Tet, thereby gaining a better understanding of our ethnic customs.”
The people's excitement stems not only from the festive atmosphere of Tet (Lunar New Year), but also from the positive changes in socio -economic development in recent years. Infrastructure such as transportation, electricity, water, schools, and health centers continue to receive investment, and policies supporting production and poverty reduction are implemented comprehensively, helping to gradually improve the lives of the people, especially in mountainous areas and ethnic minority regions.
Thanks to these efforts, the province's poverty rate has decreased to approximately 5.5%; tens of thousands of houses have been built or renovated for poor, near-poor, and policy beneficiary households, helping many families have stable housing and feel secure in their work and production. Along with regular social welfare care, during the Lunar New Year, provincial authorities and departments organized the distribution of thousands of gifts directly to the people, contributing to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a warm and joyful New Year celebration.
As living standards improve, people have more resources to prepare for Tet (Lunar New Year) in a more thoughtful and fulfilling way. Beyond simply "having Tet," many families are now aiming for "a joyful and warm Tet," focusing on preserving traditional customs, preparing a festive meal, and strengthening family bonds.
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the spirit of spring is evident throughout the villages and towns, bringing joy and excitement to every home. The new spring is not only a time for family reunions but also instills faith and motivation in the people of Lao Cai, inspiring them to look forward to a peaceful, prosperous, and promising new year.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/han-hoan-don-tet-post893601.html
