On Tuesday, international students at Hanoi’s Foreign Trade University immersed themselves in a vibrant ‘Tet sum vay, Xuan binh an’ (‘Tet of reunion, Spring of peace’) experience.
The students donned traditional ao dai, listened to enchanting quan ho love duets, and enthusiastically partook in various Tet activities. They arranged the customary five-fruit trays, wrapped banh chung (sticky rice cakes), and tried their hand at folk games like ca kheo (stilt-walking) and nhay sap (Cheraw dance). The event buzzed with energy and excitement as the students celebrated Tet, Vietnam’s most important holiday.
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Hortense, a French student, and her friends pose in ao dai at the Foreign Trade University’s Tet event. The 20-year-old and her peers enjoyed a cultural immersion ahead of Vietnam’s biggest holiday. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre |
Hortense, a 20-year-old French exchange student, has eagerly anticipated Tet, which falls on January 29 this year. She has planned a festive itinerary, including exploring Hanoi’s attractions and soaking in the joyous atmosphere.
Hortense shared that her Vietnamese classmates enlightened her about the busy preparations leading up to Tet, including shopping and cooking for family gatherings—a heartwarming tradition.
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Hortense and a fellow international student gracefully perform the Cheraw dance, a traditional Vietnamese folk dance, as part of the Tet celebrations. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre |
“Hearing about these traditions makes me eager to immerse myself in Tet and discover more about Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage,” Hortense said. She added that wearing the ao dai for the second time felt comfortable, and she hopes to expand her wardrobe with different styles.
Meanwhile, Nathan Daniel Figueroa, a 20-year-old American student, enthusiastically joined a contest to arrange the Tet five-fruit tray with his team.
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Louis Wald, a German exchange student, learns the art of wrapping banh chung during the Tet event. Wald was keen to understand the cultural significance of this traditional Vietnamese cake. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre |
The five-fruit tray, an integral part of Vietnamese Tet celebrations, holds symbolic value. Each region has its unique selection of fruits, and the tray is placed on the ancestral altar to honor ancestors and signify the family’s hopes for the coming year.
Figueroa, who recently arrived in Vietnam, drew inspiration for his team’s tray from his visit to the Hoa Lo Prison relic site. There, he learned about Vietnamese culture and history, including the significance of the five-fruit tray.
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Jakob Christoph Winkler, a German student, proudly showcases his stilt-walking skills during the Tet event. Winkler was determined to master this unique folk game and understand its cultural significance. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre |
Jakob Christoph Winkler, a 22-year-old German student, was thrilled to celebrate Tet for the first time with his classmates. He plans to visit Ho Chi Minh City with his family, who are excited to explore Vietnam.
Another German exchange student, Louis Wald, expressed his eagerness to learn about wrapping banh chung and the cultural significance behind it. Wald chose to study in Vietnam to immerse himself in the country’s rapidly evolving landscape and rich cultural heritage.
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International students hold trau tem canh phuong, a traditional offering during Vietnamese Tet celebrations. The event allowed them to understand and appreciate Vietnamese cultural practices. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre |
The Tet experience program offered a glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural tapestry, leaving the international students with fond memories and a deeper understanding of the country’s traditions.
Hoan Kiem Lake: An Idyllic Backdrop for Ao Dai Photoshoots
Hoan Kiem Lake is a captivating destination, drawing tourists and young locals alike to its shores. This picturesque lake serves as the perfect backdrop for those seeking to capture the essence of Tet through their lens. With its serene beauty, it has become a sought-after setting for memorable holiday photos, making it a vibrant hub of cultural celebration.
Hanoi Revives Ancient Tet Traditions in the Historic Duong Lam Village
Hanoi’s quaint village of Duong Lam invites travelers to immerse themselves in the ancient Tet celebrations, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Nestled on the outskirts of the city, this picturesque village promises an enchanting experience with its unique traditions and time-honored customs.