What is the sample research report on the Lunar New Year? What are the requirements regarding the educational content for upper secondary school students in Vietnam?

Sample research report on the Lunar New Year

I. General Introduction to Tet (Lunar New Year)

Tet, also known as the traditional New Year, is the most important festival of the year for Vietnamese people. Tet is not only a time for rest and family reunion but also a period for people to express gratitude to their ancestors and wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year. During Tet, many activities take place, each carrying deep cultural meanings and characteristics of the Vietnamese.

II. Activities during Tet (Lunar New Year)

Ancestral Worship Ceremony

The ancestral worship ceremony on New Year's Eve (30th night of Tet) is an indispensable custom in every Vietnamese family. On this night, families prepare a full tray of traditional dishes such as banh chung, banh tet, fruits, wine, and other special dishes to offer to the ancestors. This tray reflects the respect and gratitude of the descendants to their grandparents and ancestors, and it is a prayer for peace and luck for the whole family in the new year.

Additionally, many families also organize an outdoor New Year's Eve ceremony to invite deities, wishing for prosperity and peace for their homes in the new year. This occasion brings family members together to show unity and love.

First Footing Custom

The first footing custom is a unique activity of Tet. On the morning of the first day of Tet, the homeowner invites the first visitor or "first footer." This person is typically cheerful and amiable and is believed to bring luck and fortune to the family throughout the year. The first footer must often be of a compatible age with the homeowner and have a good relationship with the family to avoid misfortune.

First footing not only brings joy to the homeowner but also helps start the new year smoothly and favorably. It is one of the most important customs during Tet.

Visiting Relatives, Friends, and Wishing Tet Greetings

Tet is an ideal time for people to visit and send new year greetings to grandparents, parents, siblings, friends, and neighbors. Each family has relatives and friends to visit and send good wishes for Tet. Greetings like "Happy New Year," "Wishing you good health," and "Wishing your family peace and prosperity" are more than just formalities; they embody spiritual meanings, showing Vietnamese people's care and affection for each other during Tet.

Additionally, families invite guests to visit, chat, and enjoy delicious dishes in a cheerful and warm atmosphere.

Giving Red Envelopes

Giving red envelopes is one of the beautiful customs of Tet. Adults give red envelopes to children and unmarried persons. The red envelope is not only a material gift but also holds spiritual significance, expressing love and blessings from adults to the younger generation. Recipients of red envelopes are wished a peaceful, prosperous new year full of luck.

Red envelopes are typically given on the first day of Tet when family members or friends gather. The red envelopes symbolize luck and fortune and express respect for the receiver.

Recreational Activities and Entertainment

Throughout the Tet holiday, people engage in many recreational and entertainment activities to create a joyful and exciting atmosphere. In major cities, festive events such as lion dances, music performances, and spring flower exhibitions are lively and dynamic. People play traditional games such as tug-of-war, sack race, boat racing, and cockfighting in rural areas.

Besides official festivals, many families also host small activities at home like chess, card games, and o an quan to relax and reinforce family bonds in the early days of the new year.

Tet Meals and Traditional Dishes

The Tet meal is always an indispensable part of this festival. Traditional Tet dishes are not only tasty but also carry cultural significance. Banh chung (in the North) and banh tet (in the South) are essential, symbolizing heaven and earth, the harmony between yin and yang. Other dishes like braised pork with eggs, bamboo shoot soup, pickled onions, and Tet jam are also prepared to treat guests and family.

These dishes bring the distinctive flavor of Tet and express prosperity, wealth, harmony, and unity within the family.

Giving New Year Wishes

Giving new year wishes is a common activity during the early days of the new year. Elders in the family or friends wish the young and unmarried a happy new year. This is a way for everyone to convey blessings to each other, wishing the receiver a peaceful, healthy, and lucky new year.

III. Conclusion

Tet (Lunar New Year) is a significant holiday, not just a time for rest but also a time to show gratitude to ancestors and connect family and community bonds. Activities such as ancestral worship, first footing, visiting relatives and friends, giving red envelopes, and enjoying traditional dishes all reflect the profound cultural values of the Vietnamese people. These customs not only create a joyful and festive atmosphere but also help preserve and promote the nation's precious cultural values.

IV: References:

Nguyen Hong Duyen. (2020). Vietnamese Tet Customs. Culture Publishing House.

Tran Minh Tam. (2022). Tet – An Important Festival of Vietnamese People. Vietnamese Culture and Festival Magazine.

Dinh Gia Man. (2021). Tet Festivals and Vietnamese Customs and Practices. Pedagogical University Publishing House.

Le Thanh Binh. (2019). Tet: Customs and Cultural Significance. Education Publishing House.

Nguyen Quang Vinh. (2018). Tet Culture: From Customs to Social Behaviors. Culture Magazine.

Mai Thi Lan. (2021). Rituals and Beliefs during Vietnamese Tet. Social Science Publishing House.