Tet Holiday in Vietnam 2024 – Origin and Significance of Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Once a year, during the end of the year, people from all over will return to their homeland to reunite with family for the Tet holiday. This is the largest festival of the year in Vietnam, as well as in other East Asian countries such as China, Japan, etc. So, what is the significance of Tet Nguyen Dan (Tet Holiday)? Let’s explore more useful information with DanangPrivateCar.com’s through this article!

Tet Holiday, What Is It?

Lunar New Year, also known as Tet or Tet Holidays, is the most important festival of the year for the Vietnamese people, celebrated at the beginning of the lunar year. Lunar New Year goes by various names such as Tet Ca, Tet Am Lich, Tet Ta, Tet Co Truyen, and more.

The Tet Holiday is the most important festive occasion of the year for the Vietnamese people, as well as in some other Asian countries

In terms of Han-Vietnamese phonetics, ‘Tet’ in Han characters represents the festival, ‘Nguyen’ signifies the beginning, and ‘Dan’ refers to the early morning. Therefore, the most accurate pronunciation in Han-Vietnamese phonetics is Lunar New Year.

How is the time of Tet Holiday calculated?

Lunar New Year is calculated to begin on the first day of the lunar year, typically falling 1 to 2 months later than the Gregorian New Year due to the rule of adding an intercalary month every three lunar years. Therefore, the start of Lunar New Year usually falls between January 21st and February 10th.

Lunar New Year takes place during the leisure time of farmers, providing a break for rest and preparation for the upcoming farming season. Traditionally, as the majority of people in Vietnam are involved in agriculture, the holiday allows them to take a break and rejuvenate their spirits after days of hard work.

Example: According to the lunar calendar, the 30th day of Tet in 2024 falls on a Friday, February 9, 2024, in the Gregorian calendar, and the 1st day of the Year of the Wood Dragon is on February 10, 2024, falling on a Saturday.

What is the origin of Tet Holiday?

The origin of Lunar New Year is still a subject of debate. Most information suggests that Lunar New Year originated in China and was introduced to Vietnam around the time of the Chinese domination, about 1000 years BCE. However, according to Vietnamese historical folklore, particularly the story of “Banh chung banh day,” the Vietnamese people celebrated this festival during the reign of the Hung Kings, which is more than 1000 years BCE, predating Chinese domination.

What is the origin of Tet Holiday?

Confucius wrote, ‘I do not know what Tet is, I heard somewhere that it is the name of a great festival of the Man people, where they dance wildly, drink alcohol, and have fun on those days.’ This suggests that Lunar New Year may have originated in Vietnam.

While there is ongoing debate about whether the origin of Lunar New Year is from Vietnam or China, it is evident that each country’s celebration of Lunar New Year has unique characteristics. This festival holds significant importance for the people of each nation.

What is the significance of the traditional Tet day?

Lunar New Year is the intersection of heaven and earth

Lunar New Year is considered a time representing the intersection of heaven and earth, where spiritual beings connect with humans. ‘Tet’ during Lunar New Year signifies the seasonal changes, operating through the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, reflecting an agricultural cycle that held special meaning in the ancient economy.

Lunar New Year is an occasion to express reverence to ancestors

It can be said that this is the most important time of the year when family members gather to prepare and offer the most elaborate meals and trays of fruits to the ancestral altar.

The Tet holiday is an occasion to express reverence to our ancestors

According to tradition, during this holiday, ancestors return home to celebrate Tet with their descendants and bless the family with health and harmony.

Tet Holiday is a day of luck and hope

The new year symbolizes a new beginning, so every Tet, people often visit temples to seek blessings and good fortune for the upcoming year.

From ancient times until now, there is a belief that Lunar New Year will drive away the misfortunes of the old year and welcome the hopes for a better new year. Therefore, many people choose this time to start their work for the year and initiate new ventures due to the auspicious energy of the new year.

Tet Holiday is a time for families to come together

Not every family is always close by, so Lunar New Year is the most anticipated time for everyone to reunite with their loved ones. Coming together around the pot of Chung cake on New Year’s Eve is a dream shared by many.

The Tet holiday is a time for families to come together.

Moreover, it is also a time for descendants to express gratitude to their grandparents, parents who gave birth and raised them with the most sincere affection, whether through heartfelt thanks or simple gifts for Tet day.

Lunar New Year is an occasion to express reverence to the spiritual beings.

From ancient times to the present, the Vietnamese people highly value the act of worshiping their ancestors to seek blessings for the family. This is the most emphasized ritual, and according to folklore beliefs, farmers express their gratitude to Rain God, Earth God, Sun God, etc., for the assistance they provided throughout the year.

Tet is the birthday of everyone.

“Happy new age”: This is a familiar saying from grandparents, parents, uncles, and aunts when they exchange Tet greetings to celebrate each other’s additional year.

During this occasion, people exchange the best wishes, hoping for a better new year. Adults celebrate the age of the elderly and the young to wish the elders a long, healthy life and hope that the younger ones grow quickly, behave well, and excel in their studies.

Customs and traditions of the Vietnamese during Lunar New Year

Worshiping Ong Cong and Ong Tao (Kitchen guardians)

Before Lunar New Year, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month each year, families clean their kitchens and prepare an offering with fruits, savory foods, and a live carp. This is to prepare for Kitchen guardians, who ascend to heaven to report the family’s activities to the heavenly court.

Making Chung cakes (Stuffed sticky rice cake) and Tet cakes (Cylinder sticky rice cake)

As Tet approaches, markets are filled with stalls selling dong leaves, banana leaves, and bamboo sticks for wrapping traditional Tet cakes. Stuffed sticky rice cake and Cylinder sticky rice cake are essential items in the Tet menu, offered to ancestors on the ancestral altar or given as Tet gifts to friends and family.

Wrapping Chung cakes and Tet cakes is an indispensable culinary tradition during the Tet holiday

Cleaning and decorating homes

For the Vietnamese, cleaning the house at the end of the year symbolizes getting rid of the negatives from the old year, preparing to welcome luck and prosperity for the new year. It is a time for family members to come together to refresh their homes.

In addition, to decorate their homes for Tet, the Vietnamese also buy various flowers, such as Water Lily, Money Tree, Chrysanthemum, with different colors and meanings.

Arranging the Five-Fruit Tray

Arranging a Five-Fruit Tray to offer to the ancestral altar is an indispensable tradition during Lunar New Year. It expresses the respect and gratitude of the descendants to their ancestors.

In each region, there are different ways to arrange the Five-Fruit Tray, and various fruits may be used. However, all share the common meaning of wishing for luck and peace in the new year.

Tending to ancestral graves

This custom takes place in the days leading up to Lunar New Year. On these days, family members gather at the graves of their ancestors to clean and visit. This practice demonstrates the respect and filial piety of the descendants towards their deceased grandparents, parents, and ancestors.

Year-end worship

Year-end worship is a long-standing tradition in Vietnamese culture. It is a significant ritual usually performed on the 30th day of Tet to invite the ancestors to celebrate Tet with the family. It marks the end of the old year and prepares for a new year of safety and prosperity.

First-Footing

After the New Year’s Eve moment, the first person to enter the house is the one performing the ‘first-footing’ for the family. According to tradition, this person should be compatible with the family’s head to bring a prosperous and harmonious year with good health.

Giving red lucky money envelopes to children is a tradition for wishing them luck and success in the new year, especially in their studies

Tet greetings and birthday celebrations

The new year symbolizes everyone getting a year older. People exchange the best wishes to hope for a successful new year. On the first day of Tet, the younger generation visits their grandparents, parents, and then the elders traditionally give lucky money to the children for a fortunate and successful new year.

This article has presented the significance of the Tet Holiday and common activities during Tet for the Vietnamese people. Hopefully, through this, you have gained more information about the traditional Tet day and wish you a warm and joyful Tet celebration with your family!

Sun World Ba Na Hills before reopening time

Sun World Ba Na Hills resort is ready to open on March 18 with many offers and a series of experiences that last all summer.

 

Right from the beginning of the reopening plan, from the beginning of March, all leaders and employees of Sun World Ba Na Hills have put all their energy and enthusiasm into the preparation.

 

Each statue, brick background, railing or game items, landscape in Ba Na Hills campus is cared for, repainted.

The cable car system is regularly maintained by a team of technical staff.

The staff of the resort clean up the Golden Bridge.

Artists actively practice for art shows, which are “specialties” of Ba Na Hills

 

People with permanent residence in Da Nang – Quang Nam will enjoy the policy of gratitude only 550,000 VND per adult, 450,000 VND child tickets over 1m. The price for tourists nationwide is 750,000 VND per adult and 600,000 VND per child over 1 meter. Children under 1m tall are free. Visitors bring original documents of identity card, citizen identification and household registration for adults and birth certificate, household registration or student card for children under 14 years old to enjoy special offers for guests Da Nang – Quang Nam.

If you want go to Bana Hills, we offer transportation to Bana Hills as well as the locations in Danang, Hoi An:

Japanese Covered Bridge – the symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town

Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Viet Nam

The Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Cau Pagoda, is located over a stream that flows into the Thu Bon River, along the border of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu Streets in Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province. It is the sole surviving ancient bridge in Hoi An, often referred to as the “Lai Vien” bridge. Locally, it is recognized as Cau Pagoda, a cherished landmark that has come to symbolize the Hoi An urban area.Introduction to the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An.

Where is the Japanese Bridge located?

The Japanese Bridge, also known as Cau Chua in Vietnamese, is situated north of the Hoai River, right at the entrance to the historic center of the town. It is adjacent to Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, within the city of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province.

Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Viet Nam
Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Viet Nam

Its location is ideal and easy to find. From here, you can easily explore the ancient town and other famous sites without needing to use a motorbike.

Who is worshipped at the Japanese Bridge?

Despite being called a temple, in reality, the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An does not worship Buddha but rather the Northern Deity Tran Vu, a guardian spirit in Daoism. The local people here pay homage to this deity, believing that he will protect them from disasters and floods.

Furthermore, on both sides of the bridge, there are also shrines dedicated to the guardian spirits Linh Hau and Thien Cau. These mythical creatures serve as protectors of the bridge and temple. On special occasions such as full moons, festivals, and holidays, the local residents come here to offer prayers and offerings, seeking a safe, fortunate, and prosperous life.

The Famous Origin of Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge.

Legends of the Japanese Bridge.

In Japanese folklore, there is a water monster called Mamazu, which translates to “Cù” in Vietnamese, meaning a heron. This creature was believed to be responsible for causing natural disasters in the coastal regions it inhabited.

To control Mamazu, the Japanese people constructed a bridge in the shape of a sword piercing the creature’s back, preventing it from causing harm.

The Japanese Bridge has its origins in a Japanese legend

During that time, Hoi An, located along the Thu Bon River, frequently experienced flooding, causing difficulties for Japanese traders and the livelihoods of the local people.

The Japanese Bridge appeared as a spiritual anchor to help them overcome these hardships and build better lives.

History of the Japanese Bridge.

Around the 16th-17th century, during the Nguyen Dynasty’s reforms, trade expanded, and industry flourished. Hoi An was chosen as a trading port for foreign merchants to meet and exchange goods, making it a bustling and vibrant period for the town.

When Japanese merchants settled in the area, they contributed to the construction of the bridge for ease of travel, hence its name, the Japanese Bridge.

The Name of the Japanese Bridge.

In 1653, the Japanese people expanded the temple on the northern side protruding into the middle of the bridge, creating a T-shaped structure. This led to a name change to Hoi An Bridge Temple. In 1791, during a visit by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu, it was referred to as Lai Vien Kieu. This name has been prominently inscribed on the temple’s plaque ever since.

Japanese Covered Bridge At Night
The Japanese Bridge has undergone several renovations over the years

Guide on how to get to the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An.

Hoi An’s ancient town is located approximately 30km from the center of Da Nang city. The distance is not too far, so you have various transportation options such as cars, taxis, motorbikes, tourist buses, or regular buses to get there.

If you plan to travel independently using your own vehicle, you can consider the following routes to reach the Japanese Bridge:

  • First Route: From the city center, head towards Vo Van Kiet Street, Truong Sa Street, Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Lac Long Quan Street, and finally to Hoi An City.
  • Second Route: From Vo Chi Cong Street, take Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Lac Long Quan Street, and reach Hoi An City.
  • Third Route: From the Hue intersection, follow the signs towards Quang Nam, Vinh Dien, then turn left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street, leading you straight into the ancient town.

TIPS: For convenient transportation to visit the Japanese Bridge and other locations in Hoi An’s ancient town without worrying about transportation, you can book a private car service with a driver in Hoi An. Our driver will pick you up at hotel in Da Nang, the airport, or any other location in Da Nang. With our private car service, you can save a lot of time on your day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An with DanangPrivateCar.com’s. Book your trip with us today to have a memorable travel experience.

Information about the operating hours and ticket prices for the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An.

Opening Hours of the Japanese Bridge.

Opening hours: In the morning from 9 AM to 11 AM, and in the afternoon from 3 PM to 10 PM. During these hours, the Japanese Bridge is open for visitors to offer incense and offerings, seeking blessings and success. However, there are no specific restrictions on visiting and taking photos outside of these hours.

Ticket Price for Visiting the Japanese Bridge.

If you wish to visit historic houses, assembly halls, museums, etc., in the ancient town, you are required to purchase a ticket priced at 80,000 VND per person. However, for the Japanese Bridge, there is no entrance fee. This site is located outside the designated heritage area of the ancient town and is free to visit.

See More: Ticket price list to visit Hoi An ancient town updated to the latest 2023

The Best Time to Visit the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An?

According to the experience of DanangPrivateCar.com’s, you should research and choose the appropriate time to check-in at the Japanese Bridge. Most tourists come here to admire its architecture and take Instagram-worthy photos.

Typically, the period from March to August is considered the “golden time.” During this time, the weather is clear, the sun shines brightly, and the scenery is incredibly beautiful. It’s suitable for sightseeing, exploration, and combining with a visit to the beach. However, be aware that the weather can be quite hot and uncomfortable, especially in June and July. It’s advisable to visit around 9 AM in the morning or between 2 PM and 3 PM in the afternoon when there is less crowding.

The most suitable time for sightseeing and exploration is during the dry season when the weather is sunny and pleasant.

In addition, January and the early part of February are also decent choices. It’s best to avoid the late months of the year because that’s when Hoi An experiences the flood season.

REFERENCE: When is the best time to visit Hoi An, even better than the locals?

What Makes Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge Unique and Attractive to Tourists?

In addition to the fact that it’s a temple, but not dedicated to Buddha, the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An has many other unique aspects worth exploring.

The Temple with Distinctive Japanese Architecture.

The reason it’s called the Japanese Bridge is due to its distinctive Japanese architectural style. The temple is constructed from wood on stone pillars, with dimensions of approximately 18 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Its roof is adorned with Yin and Yang tiles, and above the main entrance hangs a large sign inscribed with three Chinese characters: “Lai – Vien – Kieu.”

Architectural Features with Strong Japanese Style

Both the temple and the bridge are made of wood, intricately carved and painted in eye-catching colors, facing the riverbank. At the temple’s gate, one side features a statue of a monkey, and the other side features a statue of a dog. When viewed from a distance, the Japanese Bridge appears graceful like a rainbow, blending ancient charm with a touch of modernity.

Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge – A Place of Cultural Confluence.

Historically, Hoi An was a bustling trading port, a meeting place for merchants from various countries around the world. Therefore, it’s easy to understand why this place boasts a unique blend of cultures.

The Japanese Bridge is indeed evidence of a period of architectural exchange between Vietnam, Japan, and China.

Apart from assembly halls and ancient houses with distinct Chinese and French influences, the Japanese Bridge stands as evidence of architectural exchange between Vietnam, Japan, and China. This is evident through its delicate lines and distinctly East Asian design.

The Japanese Bridge Featured on Vietnamese Currency.

It’s not a coincidence that the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An was chosen to be featured on the 20,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. The polymer banknote, with one side featuring an image of the Japanese Bridge, was issued in 2006 and is still in circulation today.

The image of the Japanese Bridge appears on Vietnamese currency notes.

This reflects the immense significance and value of this temple, both spiritually and in practical terms.

The Japanese Bridge Integral to the Lives of the Ancient Town’s Residents.

The bridge is not just evidence of historical events and Hoi An’s trading history but is also an integral part of the lives of the town’s residents. It plays a role in regulating traffic and facilitating transportation within the ancient town.

Furthermore, this location is also chosen as a place for religious activities related to water protection and mythical water creatures.

A Vintage and Unique Check-In Spot for the Youth.

As a historically significant bridge with unique architecture that bears the imprint of time, the Japanese Bridge has become a must-visit destination for tourists in Hoi An.

Here, you can freely choose your attire, whether it’s a gentle, stylish, or bold and unique style, and strike poses for photos that turn out beautifully.

Just prepare yourself beautifully, and you’ll have a lovely picture.

SEE MORE: Hoi An Lantern Street | The most dazzling check-in point in the ancient town.

Hotels and Restaurants near the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An.

Restaurants and Eateries near the Japanese Bridge.

When you visit Hoi An and explore the Japanese Bridge and other tourist spots, be sure to try some of the local specialties. Since Hoi An’s ancient town is at the center, you’ll find numerous restaurants and eateries offering dishes like “mi quang” (turmeric noodles), “cao lau” (Hoi An’s signature noodle dish), white rose dumplings, bao buns, grilled meat and rice paper rolls, “banh beo” (water fern cake), corn pudding, and assorted sweet soups.

Here are some renowned dining places shared by DanangPrivateCar.com:

  • Van Loc Restaurant: 27 Tran Phu, Minh An, Hoi An.
  • Hong Phuc Restaurant: 43 – 45 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An, Hoi An.
  • Faifo Xua Restaurant: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An, Hoi An.
  • Vinh Hung Restaurant: 1 Chau Thuong Van, Minh An, Hoi An.

Additionally, if you’re out and about in the afternoon and evening, you’ll find street vendors in the vicinity of the Japanese Bridge. They offer a variety of dishes with simple plastic tables and chairs. The food is delicious, and the prices are often more budget-friendly compared to restaurants.

Hotels near the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An for Accommodation.

Choosing accommodation near the center of the ancient town can be a bit challenging, not because there’s a shortage of options, but because there are so many beautiful hotels and homestays that it can be overwhelming to decide. To make your choice, consider your purpose, preferences, and budget. Here are some recommendations:

  • River Suites Hoi An Hotel: 4 Nguyen Du, Minh An, Hoi An.
  • Volar de Faifo Villa: 132 Ngo Quyen, Minh An, Hoi An.
  • Silkotel Hoi An: 14 Hung Vuong, Cam Pho, Hoi An.
  • Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa: 12 Nguyen Du Minh An, Hoi An.
  • The View Homestay Hoi An: 28/6 Tran Hung Dao, Son Phong, Hoi An.

Based on experience, if your goal leans more toward relaxation than exploration, consider selecting hotels or homestays a bit farther from the town center. You could choose places near An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach, or close to Tra Que Vegetable Village, for instance.

However, if you prefer convenience for sightseeing and getting around, staying near the town center is a good option. Just keep in mind that central accommodations can be quite pricey, and most rooms have a classic, timeless charm that matches the beauty of the ancient town.

Other Temples to Visit Besides the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An.

If you enjoy exploring spiritual destinations, apart from the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An boasts many other equally enticing temples.

Ong Temple.

  • Address: 24 Tran Phu, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An.

Ong Temple was constructed in the early 17th century and is over 400 years old to date. Not only does it feature unique architecture, but it also preserves the long-standing traditional cultural values of the ancient town.

Ong Pagoda is located on Tran Phu Street near the center of the ancient town.

Currently, Ong Temple houses precious ancient artifacts and stone steles, poems, and folk parables. The temple hosts various festivals each year, such as the New Year’s Day festival, Ong Temple festival, and Quan Hien Thanh Temple festival, attracting a large number of tourists.

Ba Mu Temple.

  • Address: 675A Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An.

Nestled within the ancient town, with intricately carved walls and a serene lake reflecting the deep blue sky, Ba Mu Temple in Hoi An has become a hot spot for young people seeking Instagram-worthy photos.

Ba Mu Pagoda has emerged as a trendy check-in spot.

This is also one of the famous historical sites in addition to the Japanese Bridge. The temple plays an important role in the spiritual life of the local people.

Phap Bao Temple.

  • Address: Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An.

During your journey through the ancient town of Hoi An, don’t miss Phap Bao Temple – the largest temple in this area.

Phap Bao Temple impresses visitors with its long-standing historical values, unique architectural style, and solemn decoration. It provides a nostalgic and profoundly traditional atmosphere. While it may not be an ideal place for taking selfies, you will feel a sense of tranquility and inner peace as you contemplate the temple’s surroundings.

What to Keep in Mind When Visiting Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge?

As a famous tourist destination, almost everyone who comes to Hoi An pays a visit to the Japanese Bridge. Therefore, it’s always crowded here. To have an enjoyable visit and capture beautiful photos, keep these things in mind:

  • First: Even though the Japanese Bridge doesn’t worship Buddha but rather deities, when visiting, you should dress modestly and avoid overly revealing clothing. Also, remember to speak quietly and avoid loud laughter to maintain the solemn atmosphere and not disturb others.
  • Second: If you’re a history enthusiast, enjoy learning about culture, and want to know more about Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge, consider hiring a tour guide to hear fascinating stories about it. Otherwise, you can join a Hoi An tour with a tour guide who will provide explanations.
  • Third: The Japanese Bridge is located in the central area, and besides sightseeing, you can also participate in various street games and performances that take place from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM daily.
  • Fourth: This place is a prime spot for taking photos. If you want beautiful pictures, prepare lovely outfits and don’t forget to bring a good camera.
  • Fifth: Next to the Japanese Bridge, there are many small drink stalls with simple plastic tables and chairs. After exploring and taking photos to your heart’s content, you can drop by here, order a drink, and enjoy the view of the Japanese Bridge and the bustling crowd passing by.

Having endured centuries of history and numerous changes, Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge still stands proudly, bearing witness to the passage of time. Its presence adds to the ancient charm of the Old Town. So, when people visit the Old Town, they seek out and visit this iconic bridge to admire and experience it.