Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most significant and vibrant festival in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new lunar year. This grand celebration, filled with traditional rituals, delicious food, and family reunions, offers a unique opportunity for those looking to explore Vietnamese culture more deeply.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of Lunar New Year in Vietnam, how you can kickstart your language learning journey at VLS and explore the exciting offerings that VLS has prepared for the Tết season, including a sticky rice cake making workshop and a special “Holiday” Gift Set.
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The Significance of Lunar New Year (Tết) in Vietnam
Tết is much more than just a celebration of the new year; it is a time when families reunite to honor their ancestors, celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and embrace a fresh start. The date of Tết is determined by the lunar calendar and typically falls between late January and mid-February. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Vietnamese zodiac, and customs may vary slightly depending on the zodiac animal of that year.
In 2025, Tết will fall on February 29th (Gregorian calendar), marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. For Vietnamese people, Tết is a time of renewal and reflection—a moment to clean the house, decorate, and prepare to welcome the new year with hope, luck, and prosperity.
Traditional foods are an integral part of the celebration. Dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes), bánh tét (round sticky rice cakes), and mứt (candied fruits) are commonly prepared and shared among family members. These foods are not only delicious but also carry deep cultural significance. For example, bánh chưng is said to represent the Earth, while bánh tét symbolizes the union of heaven and earth.
During Tết, many Vietnamese families will travel back to their hometowns to be with loved ones, and special ceremonies are held at family altars to honor ancestors. It is also customary to give lì xì—red envelopes filled with money—to children and younger relatives as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Start Your Vietnamese Journey with VLS to Kickstart an Energetic Year
The Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, fresh starts, and setting intentions for the year ahead. What better way to embrace this energy than by starting your Vietnamese language learning journey with Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS)? Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or someone looking to refine your skills, VLS offers a variety of courses that cater to learners at every level. By immersing yourself in the Vietnamese language, you not only gain a valuable skill but also open the door to a deeper understanding of the country’s rich culture.
At VLS, the focus is on providing high-quality language instruction in a supportive and engaging environment. VLS offers personalized lessons with experienced teachers who are passionate about helping students succeed.
>>> Learn more about our course: https://vlstudies.com/dynamic-vietnamese/
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Starting your Vietnamese studies at the beginning of the lunar new year is a wonderful way to align with the spirit of renewal that Tết represents. The language skills you build at VLS will allow you to engage more deeply with Vietnam’s culture, connect with its people, and fully enjoy the celebrations when the new year rolls around. Plus, it’s a great way to set the tone for an energetic and fulfilling year of learning, discovery, and growth.
Sticky Rice Cake Making Workshop: A Hands-On Experience of Vietnamese Culture in Lunar New Year
One of the most cherished traditions of Tết is the making of bánh chưng and bánh tét, the square and round sticky rice cakes that symbolize the Earth and heaven, respectively. These cakes are made with glutinous rice, mung beans, pork, and a variety of other ingredients, wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled for several hours. Preparing bánh chưng and bánh tét is a time-honored family activity that requires patience, skill, and cooperation, making it a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Tết.
At VLS, you can participate in a special Tết sticky rice cake-making workshop, where you’ll learn how to prepare these iconic dishes from scratch. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will be taught the entire process, from wrapping the cakes to cooking them to perfection. Not only will you get hands-on experience in crafting these traditional treats, but you’ll also gain insight into their cultural significance.
This workshop is an excellent way to connect with both the Vietnamese language and culture. As you learn the techniques of making bánh chưng and bánh tét, you’ll hear the language in action, practice your Vietnamese with native speakers, and even learn the vocabulary related to cooking and traditional cuisine. It’s a fun and interactive way to enhance your understanding of Vietnamese culture while deepening your connection to its people and traditions.
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The VLS “Holiday” Gift Set: A Perfect Way to Surprise Yourself and Your Loved Ones in this Lunar New Year
If you’re looking for a special Tết gift that offers both cultural charm and language mastery, look no further than the VLS “Holiday” Gift Set. This thoughtfully curated set combines elements of Vietnamese culture and language learning in a beautiful package that will delight both beginners and seasoned learners.
The VLS “Holiday” Gift Set includes everything you need to start your Vietnamese language journey: exclusive lesson materials, access to online courses, cultural resources, and even fun surprises that make learning both enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a loved one, this gift set is a perfect way to celebrate the new year with a focus on personal growth and cultural exploration.
As part of a special promotion, the VLS “Holiday” Gift Set is now available at the special price of 790,000 VND (originally priced at 990,000 VND). This limited-time offer provides excellent value, giving you access to a wealth of resources that will help you unlock the beauty of the Vietnamese language and culture.
>>> Order here: VLS “Holiday” Gift Set | Hộp Quà Tết VLS
Why Choose Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS)?
At VLS, you’ll not only learn the language, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s vibrant culture. The team at VLS is passionate about fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where learners of all levels can thrive. With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a variety of course options, VLS ensures that each student has the tools and support they need to succeed.
Whether you’re starting your language journey or looking to continue your studies, VLS offers a range of lessons, workshops, and cultural experiences to enrich your understanding of Vietnam. From Tết celebrations to language lessons, VLS is your gateway to an immersive cultural experience that will stay with you long after the new year.
Conclusion
Lunar New Year (Tết) in Vietnam is a time of renewal, family, and tradition, and there’s no better way to celebrate this vibrant festival than by connecting with the culture and language of the country. Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS) offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into Vietnamese traditions and language, whether through interactive workshops like the sticky rice cake-making class or the special “Holiday” Gift Set.
This Tết, surprise yourself and your loved ones with the gift of language, culture, and memorable experiences. The VLS community is ready to welcome you and help you embark on an enriching journey of language learning and cultural discovery.
Start the new year right by learning Vietnamese and exploring the heart of Vietnamese culture with VLS!
[…] Tết marks the beginning of the Lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and early February, and it’s the occasion for families to gather, honor ancestors, and prepare meals that will bring prosperity in the new year. Food during Tết is not just about taste—each dish carries symbolic meanings, often tied to hopes for health, happiness, wealth, and good fortune in the year to come. […]