- Jan 7, 2025
Discover About Vietnam "Xông Đất" - First Footing Tradition During Tet
What Is Xông Đất?
First Footing in Vietnam, called "Xông đất" is a tradition deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. It refers to the act of someone stepping into a household’s space at the beginning of the Lunar New Year. According to Nguyễn Hùng Vĩ, a researcher in folklore studies, every family has its own “territory.” The first person to step into this territory during the New Year symbolizes the start of the family’s fortune for the coming year.
On Tet, this “first visitor” is believed to set the tone for luck and prosperity. Known by different names in some regions—like đạp đất or xông nhà—this practice remains central to Vietnamese culture. The first visitor, especially if their zodiac sign and energy align well with the household, is believed to bring wealth, happiness, and success throughout the year.
Even in modern times, first-footing holds its importance. Many families believe that if the first day of the year unfolds smoothly, the rest of the year will follow suit. This practice not only embodies spiritual and cultural values but also strengthens human connections and encourages a positive outlook.
Vietnamese First Footing is highly regarded during Tet
The Meaning of First Footing in Vietnam
1. Attracting Luck, Wealth, and Success
The first person to enter the house on Tet is thought to influence the family’s fortune. Choosing someone with compatible zodiac signs and good energy is essential for attracting blessings.
2. Fostering Connection and Togetherness
First-footing promotes warmth and connection. It brings people together in joy and harmony, creating a cheerful start to the year.
3. Showing Respect and Gratitude
Inviting someone to first-footing reflects respect and appreciation. It’s an opportunity for families to extend their best wishes to friends and loved ones.
How Is First Footing in Vietnam Done?
The practice of first-footing is significant for many families, so selecting the right person is key. Typically, first-footing begins right after midnight on New Year’s Eve or early on the morning of the first day of Tet.
The ideal first-footing visitor is someone whose zodiac sign and personality harmonize with the family’s. This person should be cheerful, outgoing, and generous, as their positive energy will invite blessings into the home.
First footing is believed to bring good lucks
When visiting, the first-footing person should wear festive clothing, bring small Tet gifts, and most importantly, share heartfelt New Year’s wishes with the host. These gifts don’t need to be extravagant; they symbolize good fortune and prosperity. Today, a simple red envelope with lucky money for the family or children suffices. In return, the host family often gives a red envelope to the visitor, expressing gratitude and wishing them luck as well.
First-footing brings happiness and a sense of togetherness
Read more: How Much to Give as Lucky Money In Lunar New Year?
If a family member is the best match for first-footing, they can self-first-footing. Before midnight, they step out of the house and re-enter after the clock strikes 12, symbolically becoming the first visitor of the New Year.
