Vietnamese Tet in the eyes of foreign expats

Love from simple things

Eighteen years ago, Mrs. Anna Kajan, 60, from Finland celebrated her first spring in Vietnam with a sense of wonder. In the early days of the lunar new year, guests kept dropping by the house she rented.

“My colleagues brought cakes wrapped in green leaves, which made me very curious. From that initial surprise, I learned how to wrap the cakes and asked about the meaning of each ritual. Gradually, Vietnamese Tet became a warm memory in my heart” she recalled emotionally.

After more than eight years living in Da Nang, Phil Cal, a retired American dentist, also cannot hide his joy whenever he talks about Vietnamese Tet. What he loves most is the neighborhood year-end party, where neighbors gather to chat, sing karaoke, and share food.

“At that moment, I truly feel like part of the community” he said.

Meanwhile, Joummaly Souksawai, a Lao student studying at the University of Science and Education, the Da Nang University, is impressed by the blend of modernity and tranquility in the city during Tet. “What I remember most is the friendly smiles of local people. I felt like I am at home” Joummaly Souksawai said.

Tet as a bond of connection

Beyond its strong sense of community, Vietnamese Tet also leaves a deep impression with its cultural richness, especially the way it strengthens family bonds.

For Mr. Darbsipai Narongchai, 44, a Thai restaurant owner in Thanh Khe Ward, nearly nine Vietnamese springs have passed as a natural part of his life. For him, Tet is an opportunity for family members to grow closer together.

Similarly, Joseph Ryan Kern, 44, an American student studying at the University of Science and Education, the Da Nang University, said "Tet in Vietnam made me understand that the most important thing is not what you receive, but being with the people you love".

For Alexander, 34, a Russian writer who has lived in Vietnam for five years, Vietnamese Tet is an experience that is both intimate and profound.

First arriving in Vietnam in 2015, he was impressed by the country’s hospitality and rich history. When he returned in 2019 with his future Vietnamese wife and decided to settle in Da Nang, he began celebrating Tet as a member of the family.

After four spring seasons, he has noticed a significant difference between the traditional Vietnamese Tet and Western New Year celebrations. While in Russia, the New Year is more about entertainment and parties, Vietnam places greater emphasis on reunion and togetherness. Ancestral altars, family reunion meals, and careful preparations for the first days of the year are what he especially cherishes.

Among the crowds welcoming the Lunar New Year are people of many nationalities, yet they share the same feeling. For those who come from afar, Tet is not only the beginning of a lunar new year, but also a time to cherish family and to feel that they truly belong here.