Tet is a time for reunion and the beginning of good things.

With its openness and love, the traditional Lunar New Year is a place where all pressure disappears, leaving only joy, togetherness, and a new beginning for good things to come.

The traditional Lunar New Year holds special significance for every Vietnamese person, carrying with it the beautiful humanistic values ​​and philosophies that our ancestors created, nurtured, preserved, and passed down through generations. To welcome the Year of the Snake 2025, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education - shared his thoughts on the traditional Lunar New Year with the Industry and Trade Newspaper.

Tet is a time for family reunion and bonding. Photo: Khanh Hoa/TTXVN

- For every Vietnamese person, the traditional Lunar New Year is always a sacred time for family reunions and gatherings. Could you please elaborate on the meaning of the traditional Lunar New Year of our nation?

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son : The traditional Lunar New Year holds a particularly profound meaning, not only as the biggest holiday of the year but also as a symbol of Vietnamese culture, humanistic philosophy, and national identity. Tet is a time when people pause after a busy year to reflect, to reunite, and to begin something better.

I believe that Tet (Vietnamese New Year) is a time for every Vietnamese person to express gratitude to their ancestors, grandparents, and parents, and to the traditional values ​​passed down by our forefathers. Through rituals such as ancestor worship, erecting the New Year's pole, or preparing the Tet feast, we not only preserve but also revive the beauty of a culture that has existed for thousands of years.

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) also carries a profound humanistic philosophy. It's a philosophy of family unity – where everyone, no matter where they are, yearns for their home; a philosophy of harmony between humans and nature – expressed through customs like making banh chung and banh tet (traditional rice cakes) or decorating peach and apricot blossom trees; and a philosophy of sharing – through giving lucky money, wishing Happy New Year, and supporting those in need. All of these emphasize the values ​​of "giving" and "connecting."

I believe that the traditional Lunar New Year is also a symbol of hope and new beginnings. It's a time for us to let go of the imperfections of the old year and welcome a new year with optimism, wishing for good fortune and prosperity. Customs such as first-footing, New Year greetings, or opening a business on New Year's Day all reflect the Vietnamese people's aspirations for a better future.

Therefore, I think the meaning of traditional Tet lies not only in customs but also in the warmth and closeness that this holiday brings. It is a time when each person connects with their roots, with family, and with the enduring values ​​that our ancestors have preserved and passed down. It is these values ​​that make traditional Tet an indispensable part of the spiritual life of Vietnamese people.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education

- However, in the flow of modern life, Vietnamese Tet is also undergoing certain changes, especially among the younger generation, who have developed a fear of Tet and are avoiding it. What are your views on this situation?

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son : In the flow of modern life and the process of international integration, although certain traditional cultural aspects are still preserved, Tet today also faces a considerable degree of fading away.

I think one of the most noticeable changes is the trend towards simplifying customs. Previously, Tet was a time for families to prepare meticulously, from making banh chung (traditional rice cakes), cleaning the house, to arranging the feast. Nowadays, due to time pressure and changes in lifestyle, many people have switched to convenient solutions such as buying ready-made banh chung and feasts, or even hiring Tet preparation services. This reduces the burden, but also diminishes some of the bonding value and meaning of traditional preparations.

Furthermore, there's a shift in how people perceive Tet. For some, Tet has become a burden, typically due to the pressure of spending, preparing for rituals, or complying with social customs such as exchanging New Year greetings, giving gifts, or pleasing relationships. This is also the reason behind the phenomenon of "avoiding Tet," as many people choose to travel far or not participate in traditional Tet activities.

Furthermore, cultural exchange has greatly influenced how Vietnamese people celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year). Spiritual values ​​such as family reunions, ancestor worship, and connection to one's roots have gradually given way to entertainment, relaxation, or commercialization.

However, I think these changes aren't entirely negative. Some Tet customs have been modernized to suit contemporary life. For example, many young families still maintain traditions but with a more creative and relaxed approach, such as organizing minimalist Tet celebrations or using technology platforms to connect with distant relatives.

Tet has changed somewhat today, but if we know how to balance tradition and modernity, and uphold the core values ​​of Tet such as togetherness, gratitude, and aspiration for the future, then this holiday will still retain its profound meaning and be relevant to all times.

- "As long as culture exists, the nation exists," as the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized, given the fading spirit of Tet, what do you think we need to do to ensure that the traditional Tet remains vibrant and relevant to modern life, while preserving the distinctive culture of the nation?

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son : “The late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s statement, ‘As long as culture exists, the nation exists,’ is a profound reminder of the importance of preserving traditional cultural values, with the Lunar New Year being a prominent symbol. To ensure that the Lunar New Year remains rich in identity and relevant to modern life, we need to implement a harmonious combination of solutions.”

First and foremost, we need to strengthen education and communication about the true meaning of the traditional Lunar New Year. Through educational programs, books, films, and community activities, we can help the younger generation better understand the values ​​of Tet, such as gratitude to ancestors, family bonding, and aspirations for a better future. When individuals are aware of their cultural roots, they will be more responsible in preserving those values.

Innovating the way Tet is celebrated is crucial. In modern life, we need to create conditions for people to celebrate Tet in a more relaxed and comfortable way, avoiding the pressures of formality or materialism. For example, we can simplify rituals while still maintaining the spirit, or utilize technology to connect and send Tet greetings to relatives far away.

Festivals, spring fairs, and community events should be organized creatively and intimately, creating opportunities for everyone, especially young people, to participate in traditional activities naturally and joyfully. This not only helps preserve customs but also makes Tet more vibrant in modern life.

Furthermore, it is necessary to build a healthy social environment where spiritual values ​​are valued instead of chasing after superficiality or commercialization. Authorities need to control and eliminate negative elements such as superstition and excessive commercialization so that Tet can return to its truest meaning.

Thus, preserving the traditional Tet holiday is not just the responsibility of an individual or organization, but a shared task of the entire community. Every Vietnamese person, through their consciousness and the smallest actions, can contribute to keeping the traditional Tet holiday vibrant, preserving national identity while remaining relevant to modern life. This is how we protect our culture and the soul of our nation in the ceaseless flow of time.

- On the occasion of welcoming the new year, what wishes and messages would you like to convey to the younger generation about the traditional Tet holiday of our nation?

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son: The traditional Lunar New Year is not just a simple holiday, but also a special occasion for every Vietnamese person to connect with their roots, family, and profound cultural values. For the younger generation, I want to convey that Tet is an integral part of our identity, a precious piece in the journey of preserving and promoting national traditions.

I believe that to make Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) less of a source of worry or pressure, the most important thing is to change our perspective and approach to celebrating it. Instead of chasing ostentatious displays or strict social norms, we should aim for a simple, warm Tet, focusing on spiritual values ​​such as reunion, sharing, and gratitude. Tet doesn't necessarily have to be elaborate or expensive; sincerity and closeness are enough to preserve its true meaning.

I've noticed that many young people today are trying to "avoid" Tet (Lunar New Year) because they feel pressured by customs or social responsibilities. To address this, families and communities need to create a more relaxed and flexible Tet atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the festivities without being constrained by rigid rules. Traditional customs also need to be adapted to suit modern lifestyles, so that the younger generation feels connected to them, can easily access them, and appreciate them.

We believe that each person cultivating a relaxed and positive mindset during Tet is also a way to relieve unnecessary stress. Consider Tet as an opportunity to renew yourself, to reflect on the past year, and to set positive expectations for the future. Instead of worrying about imperfections, cherish the moments with family, the reunion meals, and the good wishes.

Thank you, sir!

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son: Tet is an opportunity for us to slow down, to listen to our hearts, and to focus on the most meaningful things in life. If each person, especially the younger generation, views Tet with openness and love, then Tet will always be a beautiful time, where all pressure disappears, leaving only joy, hope, and togetherness.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/tet-la-gan-ket-va-khoi-dau-nhung-dieu-tot-dep-371624.html