Discover Tết Hàn Thực: Cold Food Festival in Vietnam

Tết Hàn Thực (Cool Food Festival) is both familiar and oddly unique—a traditional cultural value deeply embedded in Vietnamese heritage. More than just a holiday, this day serves as a time to express respect and gratitude to our ancestors, upholding the noble virtues of loyalty and filial piety. So, what exactly is Tết Hàn Thực? On which day does it fall in 2025? Join Chus as we explore the fascinating traditions behind this special occasion.

What Is Tết Hàn Thực?

Tết Hàn Thực, also known as the Cold Food Festival or Bánh Trôi Festival, is a traditional celebration held annually on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month. The festival is rooted in ancestor worship and the preservation of age-old customs. The term hàn thực means “cold food” and stems from the tradition of abstaining from fire and only consuming cold dishes on this day.

This celebration is common in China, some northern regions of Vietnam, and among Chinese-Vietnamese communities. People typically prepare bánh trôi (glutinous rice balls) and bánh chay (sweet rice dumplings) as offerings, symbolizing filial devotion and reverence for ancestors.

It takes place every year on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month

Unlike Tết Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival), which involves cemetery visits and grave-cleaning rituals, Tết Hàn Thực focuses mainly on family-based ancestral offerings.

Where Did Tết Hàn Thực Originate?

Tết Hàn Thực originated in China and is associated with the story of Jie Zhitui, a loyal subject during the Spring and Autumn period. According to legend, Jie and his mother went into hiding in the forest after helping Duke Wen of Jin reclaim his throne.

When the Duke tried to summon Jie back to court but failed, he ordered the forest set ablaze to flush him out. Tragically, Jie and his mother perished in the fire. To honor his memory, the Duke designated the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month as Cold Food Day, banning the use of fire and encouraging the consumption of only cold dishes.

The Cold Food Festival has Chinese origins

As it made its way into Vietnam, the festival evolved to align with local customs and beliefs. Vietnamese families typically refer to it as Tết bánh trôi bánh chay and do not observe fire abstinence. Regular cooking and daily life continue as usual.

On this day, families prepare an offering tray for ancestors and deities. Offerings may vary in complexity depending on circumstances, but bánh trôi and bánh chay are essential. Bánh trôi's round shape symbolizes completeness, while bánh chay’s soft white exterior represents purity.

When Will Tết Hàn Thực Be Celebrated in 2025?

In 2025, Tết Hàn Thực will fall on Monday, March 31 (Gregorian calendar), which corresponds to the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month. This period marks the transition from spring to summer, a warm and pleasant time ideal for family gatherings and performing traditional rituals.

In 2025, Tết Hàn Thực falls on March 31 (Gregorian calendar)

Though not an official public holiday, many families still observe the tradition of preparing an offering tray. This often includes bánh trôi, bánh chay, fruit, incense, and flowers. The occasion also offers a valuable opportunity for adults to pass on folk traditions to children, helping the younger generation understand the cultural significance of the day. While customs may vary by region, the shared theme is one of ancestral reverence and cultural preservation.

Traditional Customs and Activities During Tết Hàn Thực

Here are some of the most notable traditions observed during this day:

• Making bánh trôi and bánh chay: This is the core custom of the festival. Bánh trôi are small, round rice balls with molten sugar filling, symbolizing fullness and unity. Bánh chay are soft, plain rice dumplings that embody purity.
• Preparing the ancestral altar: Families create an offering tray that includes bánh trôi, bánh chay, tea, incense, and flowers, all meant to honor their ancestors.
• Family gatherings: The day is an opportunity for relatives to come together, make traditional food, and share stories about ancestral roots and cultural values.
• Cultural activities: In some localities, communities organize ceremonial processions, folk games, and bánh-making contests to celebrate and pass down the cultural spirit of Tết Hàn Thực.

Bánh trôi is a must-have treat for this festival

What Should Be Avoided on Tết Hàn Thực?

While not a major holiday, Tết Hàn Thực does come with certain taboos to observe, both to maintain respect and to protect the traditional spirit of the day:

• Avoid overly colorful bánh trôi and bánh chay: According to tradition, offerings should be naturally white to represent simplicity and purity.
• Do not change residences or move large furniture: Some believe relocating on this day may disrupt family harmony and invite bad luck.
• Avoid offering savory foods: Since Tết Hàn Thực emphasizes light, vegetarian dishes, meat and fish offerings are considered inappropriate.
• Keep children from playing during rituals: The altar space should be quiet and solemn during offerings, so children should not be allowed to run or play nearby.
• Refrain from placing thorny or strong-smelling flowers on the altar: Flowers like roses with thorns or lilies with strong scents are thought to be unsuitable for sacred spaces.

Avoid using overly colorful bánh trôi on the altar

Is Gift-Giving Part of Tết Hàn Thực?

In modern Vietnamese culture, Tết Hàn Thực is not a gift-giving occasion like other holidays. Instead, the focus is on offering bánh trôi and bánh chay to the ancestors as a gesture of remembrance.

However, historical records show that during the Trần Dynasty, people in Vietnam used to gift bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) during this time. Ancient texts like An Nam Chí Lược by Lê Tắc and the poetry of King Trần Nhân Tông mention this custom, referring to the dish as bánh Xuân thái. This practice, however, has not been preserved in modern times, and the festival today is no longer associated with exchanging gifts.

Conclusion

Despite the passage of time and historical change, Tết Hàn Thực remains a meaningful occasion for Vietnamese families to reflect on their roots and express deep respect for their ancestors. As Tết Hàn Thực 2025 approaches, it offers a great opportunity to rediscover and cherish the traditional values passed down through generations.

We hope this article has helped you understand the significance and customs of Tết Hàn Thực. If you're interested in exploring more about Vietnamese culture or meaningful locally made gifts, be sure to check out what Chus has to offer!