That is the meaning of the “Xong dat” (first footing), a Tet tradition in Vietnam, which has been passed down through generations and continued with equal enthusiasm today,
To ensure good luck for the house, the selected “first foot” is normally required to have zodiac signs compatible with the host. He or she should also be successful and content with life.
The invited guest usually visits the house in the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, bringing with him small gifts for the family, including lucky money in red envelops for children. He greets each member, wishing the old with longevity, businessmen with thriving prosperity, and kids with good academic achievements.
The host generously welcomes the special guest, offering the family’s best New Year treats, wine or tea.
Some families choose a member to become the first to enter the house. In this case, the “first foot” normally goes out and comes home after midnight with a spring branch, which represents year-round blessings.
Many families ask a close friend or relative to carry out this New Year mission.
Due to the belief, Vietnamese people used to avoid visiting each other in the first morning after New Year’s Eve.
The most noticeable change to the age-old tradition is that more and more people have begun to think of it as a New Year delight, rather than a sight of future fortune.
Art programme to welcome Lunar New Year’s Eve
NDO – A special art programme, bringing together many renowned and world-class artists from abroad, who are returning to Vietnam for the first time with their families to participate in the Lunar New Year’s Eve programme, which will be officially broadcasted on Vietnam Television (VTV) at 9:15 pm on January 24 (the Lunar New Year’s Eve).
“Japanese Culture Festival” opens in Da Nang city
NDO/VNA – The Da Nang Museum held the “Japanese Culture Festival” 2019 in the central city of Da Nang on March 10 to introduce the beauty of the culture, land and people of Japan to locals and visitors, thus contributing to the strengthening of cultural exchange between the two countries and bilateral friendship.
Exotic fruits much sought after for Tet holiday
With favourable natural conditions, the Mekong delta region is home to diverse fruit species. When Tet (Lunar New Year) comes, exotic fruits are offered for sales to serve people’s demand.
Ninh Thuan ornamental grapes – hot items for Tet holiday
Vineyards in NinhThuan province are busy preparing tens of thousands of pots of ornamental grape vines with new designs for the upcoming Lunar New Year 2020.
PM chairs working session on coronavirus prevention, control
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Feb.4 chaired a working session between the government’s standing board and leaders of relevant ministries on the result of nCov prevention and control.
