7 Gifts You Shouldn't Give During Tet In Vietnam in 2025

Giving gifts during Tet is a heartfelt Vietnamese tradition, symbolizing wishes for health and prosperity. But not all gifts are created equal.

Join Chus to uncover the cultural nuances behind the perfect Tet present. We'll reveal the gifts to steer clear of, ensuring your intentions are well-received and your cultural etiquette is on point.

1. PEPPER:

According to the beliefs of people in the South of Vietnam, the word "tiêu" in "hạt tiêu" (pepper) means "spending, scattering, using up, etc.," related to death, loss, and dispersal. This is an absolute item not to give during Tet and is strictly forbidden in the Southern Tet traditions.

quà tết kiêng kị không nên tặng, quà tặng xui xẻo, taboo gifts, tet gifts, tiêu, pepper

You should not give "pepper" on Tet holiday (Source: Internet).

2. HANDKERCHIEFS:

It is believed that handkerchiefs are used to wipe sweat and tears, symbolizing hardships, suffering, and sorrow. Gifting handkerchiefs to others in the new year is like signaling a year full of pain and unhappiness for them.

quà tết kiêng kị không nên tặng, quà tặng xui xẻo, taboo gifts, tet gifts, khăn tay, handkerchiefs

Handkerchiefs symbolize hardships and sorrows on the first day of the new year (Source: Internet).

3. KNIVES, SCISSORS, or FORKS:

According to ancient beliefs, knives, scissors, and forks bring conflict and danger. Therefore, the recipient may not feel any joy when receiving such gifts, and your good intentions might be misunderstood in various negative ways.

quà tết kiêng kị không nên tặng, quà tặng xui xẻo, taboo gifts, tet gifts,dao, kéo, nĩa, knife, scissors, fork
Sharp iron objects such as knives, scissors, and forks are gifts that should not be given during Tet (Source: Internet).

4.  Items related to FIRE:

On the first day of Tet, people avoid giving away fire, as it is considered lucky and precious. Gifting fire during these days might bring bad luck and turbulence throughout the new year. Items like lighters or anything that can produce fire should be avoided in your New Year gift list.

quà tết kiêng kị không nên tặng, quà tặng xui xẻo, taboo gifts, tet gifts, bật lửa, lighter
Giving fire at the beginning of the year reduces your luck in the new year (Source: Internet).

5. WATER:

Water, being one of the fundamental elements of the universe, symbolizes vitality, luck, and wealth. Giving water on the first day of the year may signify financial difficulties, money loss, and business setbacks for the recipient.

quà tết kiêng kị không nên tặng, quà tặng xui xẻo, taboo gifts, tet gifts, nước, water

Giving water at the beginning of the new year makes your finances unfavorable (Source: Shutterstock).

6. FOOD from SQUID:

Fresh or dried squid is a popular food choice for many people as a gift for relatives. However, during a special occasion like Tet, gifting squid on the first day of the new year implies a year filled with misfortune, as dark as the ink. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from gifting squid during the start of the new year.

quà tết kiêng kị không nên tặng, quà tặng xui xẻo, taboo gifts, tet gifts, mực, squid
Squid brings bad luck to the recipient on the first day of the year (Source: Internet).

7. DARK-COLORED GIFTS:

You should not choose gifts with subdued colors during the traditional Tet celebration. In the new year, people tend to prefer bright, vibrant colors like red and yellow, and usually avoid items with dark colors such as black or gray due to their association with bad luck and tragedies.

quà tết kiêng kị không nên tặng, quà tặng xui xẻo, taboo gifts, tet gifts, quà tặng màu đen, black gift

Should not give gifts with dark colors (Source: Internet).

Conclusion 

Although these are just ancient concepts that people follow as they’re a part of tradition, it’s better that you avoid such gifts to be safe. You should choose gifts carefully to avoid bringing misfortune and bad luck to the recipient at the beginning of the new year.

You can refer to Meaningful Vietnamese Tet Gift Ideas for Relatives to be able to choose meaningful gifts to bring a complete and lucky Tet, especially when you’re giving gifts to Vietnamese partners or friends.