New Year’s Eve 2025- The Significance and Customs of Vietnamese People

New Year’s Eve, also known as the last night of the lunar year, is a special moment of transition between the old year and the new year, carrying deep spiritual significance in Vietnamese culture. It is not only a time for the Vietnamese to reflect on the past year but also an opportunity to show respect to ancestors and wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

The Sacred Meaning of New Year’s Eve

For the Vietnamese, New Year’s Eve is a special time when everyone shares the moment of time transitioning. In traditional beliefs, this is when the harmony between heaven and earth, as well as the balance of yin and yang, takes place, and people send their hopes for a better future. New Year’s Eve is also an opportunity to rid the old year of misfortune and open a new page full of brightness and opportunity.

The New Year’s Eve Ritual – Offering Gratitude

An essential part of New Year’s Eve is the ritual of making offerings. The Vietnamese often prepare two sets of offerings, one for the family altar and one for the outdoors.

The family altar offering expresses respect for the ancestors. The altar is typically adorned with traditional foods such as bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), fruits, sticky rice, boiled chicken, and other traditional dishes. The head of the family lights incense and recites prayers to show gratitude and invite the ancestors to join the family for the New Year celebration.

The outdoor offering is dedicated to deities, especially the Kitchen Gods and other gods who oversee the land. The Vietnamese believe that during New Year’s Eve, the deities change duties, so offerings are prepared to send off the old gods and welcome the new ones.

Customs to Welcome the New Year on New Year’s Eve

After completing the offering ceremony, the Vietnamese often engage in various activities to welcome the New Year.

1. Visiting the Pagoda for Prayers

For many families, visiting the pagoda on New Year’s Eve is a common tradition. Here, people pray for health, fortune, and peace in the coming year. Some people also “pick a lucky branch” by taking small branches symbolizing prosperity and growth for the new year.

2. First Footing

First footing is a unique custom that typically happens right after the clock strikes midnight. The person chosen to “first-foot” the house is typically someone with good fortune, a cheerful disposition, and a life full of prosperity. This person is believed to bring good luck and wealth to the family for the new year.

3. Fireworks and New Year’s Greetings

Fireworks are an important highlight of New Year’s Eve. The colorful explosions in the sky represent excitement, hope, and new beginnings. After the fireworks show, family members gather to wish each other a happy New Year, exchanging kind words and good wishes.

Superstitions During New Year’s Eve

The Vietnamese also observe many superstitions during New Year’s Eve to avoid bad luck. Common superstitions include: not sweeping the floor because it is believed to sweep away good fortune, not breaking anything, and avoiding arguments to prevent negative energy from carrying into the new year.

The Significance of Family Reunion During New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve also holds deep significance for family unity. No matter where people are or what they are doing, they strive to return home to share a meal and reflect on the past year while sharing hopes for the new year. The reunion of family members is not only a moment of joy but also a source of spiritual support for each individual.

New Year’s Eve in Modern Life

Today, the customs surrounding New Year’s Eve continue to be maintained, although some aspects have been adapted to fit the pace of modern life. Major cities host fireworks displays, cultural festivals, and various entertainment events. Additionally, younger families may simplify certain rituals but still retain the core meaning of the tradition.

New Year Wishes from Đông Y Tuấn Du and Massage Tuấn Du

On this occasion of the new year, Đông Y Tuấn Du and Massage Tuấn Du would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to all of our clients for a year full of health, peace, and happiness. We hope to continue accompanying you on your journey to better health and relaxation. Don’t forget to visit Massage Tuấn Du to experience unique massage therapies like Thai Massage, Shiatsu, and Acupressure in a cozy and friendly environment.

Happy New Year !!!

New Year’s Eve is not just the moment of transition between two years but also an occasion for the Vietnamese to honor cultural values, strengthen family bonds, and place their trust in a bright future. For foreign visitors, participating in and learning about these customs is not only an opportunity to better understand Vietnamese culture but also a memorable experience full of emotion on their journey to explore the country.

Dong Y Tuấn Du – Accompanying Your Health, Wishing You Wonderful Experiences in Ha Giang!

_____________________________________________________________________________________