The Art of Tet

As Hanoi disintegrates into Tet madness, Vietnamese scramble in preparation for the most important festival of the year. Best described as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, moon worshiping and everybody's birthday combined!

The Vietnamese dedicate an entire week to this new year celebration, a time for family, food and harmony to welcome in a new year. It heralds the beginning of the lunar calendar and the beginning of Spring. Surprisingly, Vietnamese follow the solar calendar during the year and on the first night of the full moon they switch to the lunar calendar.

All seemingly confusing, so don't bother asking what actual 'day' Tet is. Just know you'll probably be given 10 - 12 days off sometime between the 17 - 30 Jan. It's really time to simply go with the flow.

Hanoi has a dream-like quality, floating through the end of the solar year. Hanoians are shopping to impress with delicacies, new clothing, new furniture, traditional cumquats trees. Driving in Hanoi has become like walking through an orange grove. Supernaturally bright orange cumquat trees and peach blossoms lining the streets or strapped to the back of motorbikes.

The myth or superstition attached to these plants is probably similar to the one that recommends releasing a fish at this time of year to appease the Kitchen Gods!! hehe. I hadn't thought about the fact there might be kitchen gods out there...ever.

Traditionally expats take this opportunity to leave! Flying of to more exotic locations like Thailand or Indonesia. Considering that during Tet, the whole of Hanoi shuts down and closes up shop, it may have been wiser to flee the sinking ship. But since the budget doesn't allow for Thai beaches just yet, my first Tet will be spent with the few friends left in the city.

I'll be soaking up the quiet ambience of the surprisingly peaceful city and relaxing!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi!