Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, for Vietnamese Americans began on January 22, 2023, and will end on February 1, 2023. Tet is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture. Tet is a celebration of spring where families gather and enjoy each other’s company. The celebration includes an abundance of food and red envelopes. Tet holiday is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and according to the Chinese 12-year animal zodiac cycle, 2023 is the year of the Rabbit.
Vietnam has created its own Tet traditions with a blend of Chinese culture. Many Vietnamese-Americans brought the tradition to the United States and in some communities, such as Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, and Westminster there are exciting festivities leading up to the Lunar New Year. Preparation for Tet usually takes a few weeks in advance from thoroughly cleaning every part of the home to decorations with celebratory items. Plants, flowers, fruits, and food are in abundance in every home. One of the most popular dishes that's enjoyed during the New Year feast is Banh Chung, a rice cake consisting of glutinous rice, mung beans, pork, and other ingredients that depend on the area and the preferences of the chef. The cake is wrapped in banana leaves and served in pairs. It is also a common practice for Vietnamese families to purchase new clothes to wear during the holiday and the upcoming year. Kids love Tet as it is a custom of parents and elders to give children a small sum of money to enjoy in a “red envelope”.
Mayor Constantine, City Council, City Manager, Le, and other City Officials attended the City of Westminster Tet Parade on Sunday, January 22, 2023, to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
