The Best Gifts for The forth day of Tet Holiday
The forth day of Tet Holiday is a special holiday that can be make more memorable with a well thought out gift. We have come up with some unique ideas for gifts for The forth day of Tet Holiday along with ways of making the holiday really unique and memorable.
What Is The forth day of Tet Holiday
The fourth day of Tet, known as Ngay Mat, is a day dedicated to the welcoming of ancestors and deities back to the mortal realm. This is also the day when people enjoy various traditional games and activities, continuing the festive atmosphere of Tet.
An important ritual on this day is the “Dam Duong” ceremony. In the morning, families prepare a feast of savory dishes and sweet treats, along with a variety of fruits and flowers. These offerings are placed on the family altar, accompanied by incense sticks and candles, as a way to express gratitude to ancestors and deities for their blessings and protection throughout the year.
After the offerings are made, families gather around the altar to pray, asking for continued guidance and good fortune in the coming year. They also burn joss paper and light firecrackers, believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits.
In many regions of Vietnam, traditional games are organized on the fourth day of Tet. These games include tug-of-war, bamboo pole climbing, blindfolded pot smashing, and various other activities that bring laughter and excitement to the communities.
Another popular tradition on this day is the lion dance. Lion dance troupes perform in streets, temples, and public spaces, bringing joy and good fortune to those who watch. The lion is considered a symbol of strength, courage, and prosperity, and its presence is believed to ward off evil and bring good luck.
Families also gather on this day to enjoy a feast of traditional dishes, play games together, and share stories. It is a time for bonding and strengthening family ties, and the atmosphere is filled with laughter, joy, and warmth.
As the sun sets on the fourth day of Tet, people gather around bonfires to burn paper money and offerings, symbolizing the sending of good wishes and gratitude to ancestors and deities. This ritual is believed to ensure that the ancestors and deities will continue to protect and bless the family in the coming year.
Best Gifts For The forth day of Tet Holiday
During the fourth day of Tet, also known as “Ngay Ta,” in Vietnam, gift-giving holds immense cultural significance. It is customary for people to exchange gifts as a way of demonstrating affection, gratitude, and well wishes for the upcoming year. The tradition of gift-giving is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to both the giver and the recipient.
In Vietnam, typical gifts exchanged during Tet include:
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Lucky Money (Li xi): This is a small sum of money, usually given in red envelopes, that is gifted to children, unmarried adults, and the elderly. The red color of the envelope symbolizes luck and prosperity, and the amount of money is believed to bring good fortune to the recipient.
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Food and Delicacies: During Tet, families and friends often gather to share traditional Vietnamese dishes. It is customary to bring gifts of food, such as homemade cakes, sweets, dried fruits, or specialty dishes, to the homes of loved ones. These culinary treats are not only a way of sharing the joy of the holiday but also a symbol of unity and togetherness.
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Decorative Ornaments: Homes and temples are often adorned with festive decorations during Tet. It is common to exchange gifts of decorative ornaments, such as colorful lanterns, miniature figurines, or auspicious symbols like the “Dong Ho” paintings, which are traditional Vietnamese folk paintings depicting scenes of everyday life and mythology. These ornaments are believed to bring positive energy and good fortune into the home.
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Practical Gifts: Practical gifts, such as new clothing, household items, or tools, are also appropriate for the fourth day of Tet. These gifts are seen as a way of showing care and consideration for the recipient’s needs and well-being.
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Gift Baskets: In some parts of Vietnam, it is customary to exchange gift baskets filled with various treats and delicacies. These baskets are often beautifully arranged and adorned with auspicious symbols and decorations. They represent the giver’s generosity and the wish for abundance and prosperity in the coming year.
The exchange of gifts during Tet is a cherished tradition that reflects the values of respect, gratitude, and the celebration of new beginnings. It is a time for families and communities to come together, strengthen their bonds, and wish each other a prosperous and harmonious year ahead.
How To Make The forth day of Tet Holiday More Memorable
The fourth day of Tet Holiday, known as Ngay Mat (End of the Old Year), is a significant day of celebration in several countries across Asia. Here’s how you can make this day special and memorable:
Decorations:
- Decorate your home with traditional symbols of Tet, such as kumquat trees, peach blossom branches, and red lanterns.
- Hang “Day Mat” banners with auspicious calligraphy, expressing wishes for good luck and prosperity in the new year.
- Arrange colorful flower displays, especially marigolds, chrysanthemums, and roses, to bring joy and vibrancy to your living spaces.
Food and Feasting:
- Prepare a special feast featuring traditional dishes like Banh Chung (sticky rice cake with pork, mung beans, and mushrooms), Thit Kho (braised pork belly), and Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls).
- Enjoy family meals together, sharing delicious dishes and exchanging stories of the past year.
- Serve sweet treats like Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake with mung beans and pork) and Che (sweet dessert soup) for a festive touch.
Gifts and Exchange:
- In Vietnam, exchange lucky money gifts (Li Xi) in red envelopes, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the new year.
- In Korea, gift sets containing traditional sweets, dried fruits, and tea are commonly exchanged among family and friends.
- In China, red envelopes containing money are given to children and elders, accompanied by auspicious greetings and well wishes.
- In Japan, Otoshidama (New Year’s money) is given to children in beautifully decorated envelopes, promoting financial literacy and good fortune.
Entertainment and Activities:
- Organize family games and activities, such as calligraphy competitions, traditional music performances, or storytelling sessions, to keep the festive spirit alive.
- Visit temples or pagodas to offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year, participating in cultural rituals and ceremonies.
- Attend local parades, lion dances, or dragon dances, enjoying the vibrant performances and lively atmosphere.
- Gather with friends and family for karaoke sessions, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories.
Community Bonding:
- Participate in community events or gatherings organized by local organizations or cultural groups, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared heritage.
- Visit relatives, neighbors, and friends, exchanging gifts and well wishes, strengthening familial and communal bonds.
- Engage in volunteer activities or charitable initiatives, spreading kindness and support within the community.
By incorporating these elements into your celebration of the fourth day of Tet Holiday, you can create a memorable and meaningful experience, honoring traditions while fostering joy, unity, and prosperity in the new year.
