11 Vietnamese New Year Taboos for a Lucky Tet Celebration Explained

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. Families come together to welcome the new year with happiness, good fortune, and prosperity. Along with exchanging kind wishes and preparing special meals, Vietnamese people also follow certain New Year taboos to ensure a lucky and smooth year ahead.

Let’s explore these 11 traditional Tet taboos with CHUS and uncover their significance, so you can better understand Vietnamese culture and celebrate Tet meaningfully!

11 Things Not To Do During Vietnamese Tet 

1. Avoid Sweeping the Floor

This is one of the most well-known Tet taboos, and many of us have probably been scolded for breaking it! Sweeping the floor during the first three days of Tet is believed to sweep away all the good luck and blessings that have just arrived.

In Vietnamese families, it’s common to hear parents and elders reminding children to avoid sweeping during this time. This belief has been passed down through generations as a way to preserve the fortune and prosperity that Tet symbolizes.

Don’t sweep away your luck during the first days of Tet

Why this matters:
The tradition also encourages families to thoroughly clean their homes before Tet begins. This way, the house remains tidy and welcoming for visitors, and everyone can enjoy a relaxing holiday without worrying about chores.

2. Avoid Negative Words or Arguments

During Tet, using bad language, arguing, or speaking negatively is a big no-no. Vietnamese people believe that bad words or fights during the first days of the year will attract bad luck or negativity throughout the year.

This taboo is a reminder to start the new year with kindness and positivity. Families take extra care to avoid saying words associated with bad luck, such as "die," "fail," or "broke," as these are considered unlucky.

Why this matters:
This tradition promotes harmony and joy within families and communities during the holiday. Sharing kind words and positivity strengthens relationships and sets the tone for a successful year.

3. Avoid Heavy Work

Vietnamese tradition suggests avoiding heavy labor during Tet because it’s thought to bring hardship and exhaustion throughout the year.

In the past, this belief was especially significant for farmers and laborers, who relied heavily on physical strength for their livelihood. By resting during Tet, they symbolized a fresh start and a year filled with ease and success.

Heavy work on Tet means a hard year ahead

Why this matters:
This taboo is a gentle reminder for people to rest and enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. Tet is a time to pause, reflect, and recharge for the year ahead.

4. Don’t Break Anything

Breaking objects such as plates, glasses, or mirrors is seen as bad luck during Tet. It’s believed to symbolize misfortune or the breaking of relationships.

In Vietnamese culture, the sound of breaking items is considered ominous, disrupting the peace and positivity of the new year. Families often handle fragile items with extra care during Tet to avoid accidents.

Breaking things on Tet is believed to be a sign of misfortune

Why this matters:
Being careful with items during Tet helps avoid unnecessary stress or disruptions, keeping the holiday mood light and cheerful. It’s also a way to show respect for the festive decorations and preparations.

5. Don’t Share Fire or Water

In Vietnamese culture, fire represents energy and good luck, while water symbolizes wealth and abundance. Giving these away on the first day of Tet is thought to give away your own good fortune.

Sharing fire, such as lighting someone else’s match, could also symbolize giving away your energy or resources. Similarly, spilling water could be seen as letting your wealth "flow away."

Why this matters:
Practically, this superstition reflects safety concerns, such as preventing fire hazards or spills in homes that are beautifully cleaned and decorated for Tet.

6. Avoid Giving Odd or Old Money in Red Envelopes

During Tet, red envelopes (called lì xì) are filled with money and given as a blessing for prosperity. Odd amounts or old, crumpled bills are avoided because they are seen as disrespectful or unlucky.

In Vietnamese culture, even numbers are considered more auspicious, symbolizing balance and harmony. Giving fresh, crisp bills shows thoughtfulness and respect for the recipient.

Why this matters:
The superstition highlights the importance of thoughtful, respectful giving during Tet, enhancing the meaning behind this traditional gesture.

7. Avoid Borrowing or Lending Money

Vietnamese tradition advises against borrowing or lending money during Tet, as it’s believed this could lead to financial troubles throughout the year.

Settling debts before Tet is seen as a way to start the year with a clean slate, free of worries or obligations. Families often make it a point to avoid discussing finances during the holiday to keep the atmosphere light and joyful.

Money exchanges on Tet could lead to financial trouble

Why this matters:
This tradition symbolizes starting the year debt-free and maintaining financial stability. It also helps preserve the joyful and stress-free atmosphere of Tet.

8. Avoid Visiting Uninvited on Tet Morning

In Vietnam, the first visitor to a house during Tet is called xông đất (first footing). It’s believed this visitor can influence the family’s luck for the year. If someone’s zodiac sign doesn’t match well with the homeowner’s, it could bring bad luck.

Families often choose their first visitor carefully, ensuring they bring positive energy and good fortune. Visiting uninvited could unintentionally disrupt these carefully planned traditions.

Why this matters:
This custom highlights the importance of respecting family traditions and cultural values during Tet.

9. Avoid Wearing Dark Colors

During Tet, dark colors like black or gray are avoided because they are associated with funerals and sadness. Instead, bright colors like red and yellow are believed to bring joy, luck, and prosperity.

Wearing colorful and festive clothing is also a way to match the vibrant decorations and cheerful spirit of the holiday.

Dark colors on Tet bring feelings of sadness, not joy

Why this matters:
This tradition adds to the celebratory atmosphere, making Tet feel even more special and uplifting.

10. Don’t Cut Hair or Nails

Cutting your hair or nails during Tet is believed to "cut off" your luck and fortune for the year.

In the past, this taboo was also a practical way to ensure people looked their best during Tet. By grooming themselves before the holiday, they could focus entirely on enjoying the celebrations.

Cutting hair on Tet means cutting away your luck

Why this matters:
This tradition reminds people to complete personal grooming tasks early, allowing them to fully enjoy the holiday with their families.

11. Don’t Leave Your Home Empty

In Vietnamese culture, a well-stocked and decorated home is seen as an invitation for wealth and good fortune during Tet. An empty house symbolizes financial struggles.

Welcoming guests into a beautifully prepared home is also a way to show respect and hospitality, which are core values in Vietnamese culture.

An empty house on Tet may invite bad luck

Why this matters:
This custom encourages families to take pride in their homes and strengthens social bonds during the holiday season.

Conclusion

These traditional taboos are an important part of Vietnamese culture, meant to ensure a lucky and harmonious start to the year. While they’re fun and meaningful to follow, don’t let them overwhelm you—enjoy the celebration and embrace the spirit of Tet!

Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year 2025!

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Celebrate Tet meaningfully with CHUS and send warm wishes to your loved ones through unique, thoughtful gifts!