Vietnamese New Year decorations hold deep cultural roots, meanings, and artistic brilliance. Discover the top 9 must-have decoration items for the New Year.
The Tet Holiday, or Vietnamese New Year, is a mosaic of traditions, customs, and celebrations that epitomize the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. At the heart of Tet lies a meticulous preparation, which is transforming homes into dazzling displays of artistry and meaning. Beyond the vibrant colors and ornate designs, Vietnamese New Year decorations embody a deep-rooted belief, a wish for the future, and a connection to the past.
1. Tradition of adorning New Year decorations in Vietnam
In Vietnamese culture, the tradition of adorning homes before the Lunar New Year transcends the realm of mere decoration; it is a ritual deeply rooted in the core values of Vietnamese people. This ritual signifies more than just a visual transformation; it’s a spiritual cleansing, a profound gesture that bids farewell to the challenges of the past year and ushers in a new chapter filled with hope.
Families unite in this endeavor not merely as a routine but as a sacred practice embodying unity, respect, and shared aspirations. Each ornament carefully chosen and each stroke of paint thoughtfully applied holds within it the collective dreams of an entire family. With these meticulous Vietnamese New Year decorations, homes are transformed into sanctuaries of positivity to welcome the new year.
2. Top 9 popular items for Vietnamese New Year decorations
2.1. Peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, kumquat trees
During Tet, homes bloom with the radiant hues of different flowers of Vietnam. Most significant among them are peach blossoms which symbolize purity and yellow apricot blossoms which represent vitality. Intertwined with these blossoms are kumquat trees, with their orange fruits signifying prosperity. While fresh flowers bring fleeting beauty, artificial alternatives endure, offering the same vibrant colors. Kumquat trees are the most favorable trees in Vietnam to use as Vietnamese New Year decorations.
2.2. Parallel sentences (cau doi)
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“Cau doi”, with their eloquent phrases and profound meanings, have been an integral part of the Tet traditions for generations. These parallel sentences, often written in red ink on delicate paper, bestow homes with blessings and good fortune. Hung prominently, they serve as reminders of familial unity and the aspirations for the future. In today’s modern age, these elegant expressions are used as Vietnamese Lunar New Year decorations, adorning homes with cultural richness and linguistic artistry.
2.3. Red envelopes (bao li xi)
The exchange of red envelopes, or Vietnamese lucky money, embodies heartfelt wishes for prosperity and success. Beyond their traditional significance, they double as Vietnamese New Year decorations, enhancing the festive ambiance. The juxtaposition of red against the vibrant hues of flowers creates a visually stunning display, echoing the joyous spirit of Tet and symbolizes the blossoming of wealth.
2.4. Lanterns – a colorful item for Vietnamese New Year decorations
Lanterns, reminiscent of glowing stars, illuminate the Tet nights with their colorful brilliance. Crafted from paper, plastic, or fabric, these lanterns cast a warm, enchanting glow that enhances the festive atmosphere. Hung alongside peach blossoms and parallel sentences, they create a mesmerizing visual spectacle. From traditional red lanterns to contemporary designs, these luminous Vietnamese New Year decorations transform homes into beacons of celebration, guiding the way into the new year.
2.5. Paintings
The art of hanging paintings transforms walls into canvases of creativity and cultural expression. For enthusiasts of tradition, Dong Ho and Hang Trong paintings capture the essence of Vietnamese folklore, while contemporary art aficionados can choose from a myriad of other styles. From pastoral landscapes to floral motifs, these paintings bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, and are often used as delicate Vietnamese New Year decorations.
2.6. Five-fruit trays (mam ngu qua)
A tray consisting of five carefully selected Vietnamese fruits embodies the essence of Tet. Each fruit carries distinct meanings. Green bananas represent vitality, growth, and the wish for peace. Coconuts represent the desire for prosperity and good health. Kumquats symbolize wealth and abundance. Papayas are also associated with wishes for prosperity, health, and peace. Red apples signify luck. Other than these fruits, many other kinds of fruits can also be used such as pomelos, dragon fruits, etc. This ornate tray serves as a centerpiece of Vietnamese New Year decorations.
2.7. Ceramics
Ceramics, with their intricate patterns and graceful designs, embody the enduring elegance of Vietnamese artistry. These delicate pieces, often featuring motifs inspired by nature and folklore, are symbols of harmony and prosperity. Crafted with meticulous precision, ceramics adorn homes with sophistication and timeless beauty. From vases to figurines, these pieces resonate with the spirit of Tet, enriching homes with their artistic allure.
2.8. Lucky ornaments – a must-have item for Vietnamese Lunar New Year decorations
Lucky ornaments weave intricate patterns of red threads, gold accents, and meaningful inscriptions. These delicate creations steeped in symbolism adorn homes with their vibrant colors and positive energy. Each knot and each thread carries wishes for luck, happiness, and prosperity. Hung on doors, windows, or lanterns, these ornaments infuse homes with a sense of good fortune, making them an indispensable part of Vietnamese New Year decorations during Tet.
2.9. Lights
As night falls, the glow of lights adds a touch of magic to the Tet festivities. LED strings woven like constellations adorn homes, trees, and balconies, casting a gentle radiance. The interplay of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing ambiance, evoking a sense of wonder and joy. The illumination of homes with these lights signifies the triumph of light over darkness, marking the beginning of a new auspicious year.
3. Some Vietnamese decoration ideas for Tet holiday
