That statement sounds like an observation, but it's actually a snapshot of memory. It contains childhood memories, years of hardship but filled with laughter, images of family gathered around a steaming pot of sticky rice cakes, children eagerly waiting to wear new clothes, holding bright red lucky money envelopes in their hands.
 |
| Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is arriving everywhere. Photo: GC |
For the 70s and 80s generations in Nha Trang, Tet also meant wandering down to Dam Market to play bingo and throw cans; it meant waiting for the sound of firecrackers from houses around the neighborhood to run out and pick up the small firecrackers; it meant sitting in front of the TV screen eagerly watching Charlie Chaplin's comedy films or listening repeatedly to the song "Spring's Declaration of Love" sung by Ngoc Thuy in Thanh Tung's music album... These small details, over time, have become an inseparable part of Tet memories.
Life back then was not easy; material things were scarce, so joy was often just a few candies, a piece of cake, or a more substantial New Year's Eve meal than usual. But it was precisely this simplicity that made Tet a special milestone, a time when the whole family looked forward to and shared their complete presence with each other.
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is different today. With a more developed economy , more elaborate feasts, new clothes no longer need to be worn only during Tet, and family connections can be made via phone and social media even when far apart. The modern pace of life makes many feel that Tet has become "dull," as busyness and work encroach upon time that should be dedicated to family reunions.
 |
| Tet is present in moments of family reunion. Photo: GC |
But perhaps, the change isn't entirely due to Tet (Lunar New Year). Childhood is like a blank page, where even the simplest things bring happiness. When we were young, just a new outfit, a lucky money envelope, or an evening watching fireworks was enough to make us look forward to the whole year. As we grow older, responsibilities increase, expectations rise, and the feeling of excitement is no longer as pure as before.
The "Tet of today" that we are experiencing, from cleaning the house, preparing cakes and sweets, taking family photos, or going on trips together... will also become "Tet of the past" in the memories of future generations. In a few decades, today's children may tell their grandchildren: "Tet was so different back then!", just as we are talking about our Tet. At that time, they too will be nostalgic about what they once considered "normal" in the present.
Each era has its own way of enjoying the first days of the new year. The Tet of the past had the joy of simple anticipation; today's Tet has the joy of abundance and new choices. Instead of regretting or comparing, let's enjoy every moment of the present Tet. Let's create joy for ourselves and those around us. Because ultimately, whether Tet is meaningful and joyful depends on how we embrace it.
The happiest Tet (Lunar New Year) isn't the Tet of a particular era, but the Tet when we know how to love and cherish the people around us. Whether it was yesterday or today, as long as we have family, as long as there is reunion and people's hearts are directed towards each other, Tet will always be a time worth looking forward to.
QUYNH THU
Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202602/tet-ngay-xua-tet-bay-gio-f835b7d/
Comment (0)