Happy New Year of the Snake

Happy New Year of the Snake

February 10, 2013

Tet is the abbreviation of Tet Nguyen Dan in Viet Nam, which means the first morning of the first day of the new period. Tet marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar, and the beginning of Spring. Vietnamese are constantly aware of the phases of the moon. All events are planned by the lunar calendar. The New Year begins on the first night of the first moon after the sun enters Aquarius.

Many traditional customs are practiced during this special occasion, like honoring the ancestors’ spirits, visiting close relatives on the first day of the New Year, exchanging New Year’s wishes with relatives, neighbors and friends, and especially the custom of giving lì xì or lucky money to children and elders.

This custom – which is known as mừng tuổi (many happy birthdays return) in the north and lì xì in the south - is a way of honoring children and elders in Vietnam during Tet. It is also a symbol of good health, success, and happiness.

Despite staying up late on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the arrival of a new year and especially honor traditional rituals dedicated to greeting the ancestors’ spirits coming back to the family for the occasion, the locals wake up early the next morning, put on their best clothes and the entire family, usually multi-generational, gathers in the living room to welcome the New Year. 

Children will respectfully fold their arms in front of their chests, and, facing their parents as well as grandparents, give them the best wishes for a “Happy New Year” or “good health and longevity”.

According to traditional beliefs, the money in red envelops, usually in nominal quantity, bears a symbolic meaning while the red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. 

Giving li xi during the lunar New Year has been considered fortunate for both the givers and receivers. Those who give will also invite the flow of money into their house during the entire year. 

Giving these envelopes symbolizes that the family fortune would be passed on to the children and the unmarried teens or adults.

According to some beliefs, lì xì is best kept and not spent immediately, a way to encourage young people to save money. Furthermore, the “lucky money”, as its name suggests, is believed to bring luck and wellness so the recipients might as well keep it.

In Vietnam, lì xì are typically given to those who are younger. 

Red envelopes are used to deliver payment for favorable service to lion dance performers and religious practitioners.


According to traditional beliefs, the money in red envelops, usually in nominal quantity, bears a symbolic meaning while the red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. 

Giving li xi during the lunar New Year has been considered fortunate for both the givers and receivers. Those who give will also invite the flow of money into their house during the entire year. 

Giving these envelopes symbolizes that the family fortune would be passed on to the children and the unmarried teens or adults.