Rộn ràng ngày cuối năm, chuẩn bị đón Xuân mới Bính Ngọ | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Chợ Tất Niên (Year-End Market): Traditional market held on the 29th or 30th of the Lunar New Year, focused on last-minute Tet shopping.
• Phong vị (Flavor/Atmosphere): The unique cultural essence and feeling associated with Tet celebrations.
• Mâm cỗ Tết (Tet Feast): The traditional spread of food prepared for Tet celebrations.
• Du xuân (Spring Excursion): The custom of traveling and visiting during the Tet holiday.
• Cố Đô Huế (Former Imperial City of Hue): Historical city in central Vietnam with unique Tet traditions.
• Đồng bào Hà Nhi (Ha Nhi Ethnic Group): An ethnic minority group in Lao Cai province with distinct Tet customs.
• Nếp sinh hoạt (Daily Routine/Custom): Established habits and traditions.

Hà Nội’s Year-End Market and Tet Preparations

The video begins by highlighting the significance of the year-end market (chợ Tất Niên) in Hanoi, portraying it as more than just a shopping trip but a cherished tradition and a source of nostalgic “phong vị” (flavor/atmosphere) associated with the capital’s Tet celebrations. Despite modernization, this tradition persists across generations. The market on the 29th of Tet was bustling with activity, offering the freshest produce specifically reserved for the occasion. Each item holds a symbolic meaning within traditional Tet customs. A young couple, preparing for their first Tet as a married pair, expressed their desire to have a complete “mâm cỗ Tết” (Tet feast) representing Vietnamese cultural traditions. Vendors, some having worked at their stalls for decades, diligently maintain the authentic flavors of Hanoi’s cuisine, contributing to the festive spirit. One vendor emphasized learning the traditional techniques from their mother, including intricate floral arrangements, demonstrating the passing down of cultural skills. Locals, including those returning from abroad, view the market as a crucial part of experiencing the transition between the old and new year, enjoying the lively atmosphere despite the crowds and slightly higher prices. They emphasize the importance of visiting the market, connecting with familiar vendors, and preparing for a complete and meaningful Tet.

Đà Nẵng, Huế, and Central Vietnam’s Tet Atmosphere

The video then shifts to Đà Nẵng, where the pre-Tet bustle has subsided, giving way to family time and reunions. Families who have completed their “mâm cỗ Tết” are enjoying a relaxed pace, while others are taking early “du xuân” (spring excursions) in the warm weather. However, the central region, recently impacted by historical storms, experienced reduced flower sales and slightly increased prices at the Phạm Phú Thứ flower market.

In Huế (Cố Đô Huế), the atmosphere is vibrant, with people shopping for last-minute necessities. While flower purchases were down 20-30% from earlier in the season due to the storms, the final day saw people taking advantage of slightly lower prices. Traditional flowers like chrysanthemums, peach blossoms, marigolds, and globe amaranths were still popular. Traditional markets like Đông Ma and Vị Già were bustling with activity, with people buying flowers, fruits, food, and items for the New Year’s Eve offering. The offering often includes vegetarian dishes (“cổ chay”), leading to a strong demand for vegetarian ingredients. Notably, prices remained stable compared to previous days. The beautiful weather encouraged residents to prepare for the New Year’s Eve celebration, hoping for a year of health and happiness.

An Giang’s Spring Fair and Phú Quốc’s Island Spirit

The video moves to An Giang province, showcasing the Xuân Phú Quý Xuân Phú Quốc spring fair on Phú Quốc Island. This unique event, held only once a year, attracts a large crowd. The fair features a diverse range of flowers, including yellow apricot blossoms (symbolizing the West), peach blossoms, and kumquat trees. The fair is described as a spiritual and cultural experience for the island’s residents. Vendors reported reasonable prices and strong sales, comparable to the previous year. Yellow apricot blossoms and kumquat trees, representing luck and prosperity, were the most popular items. Locals praised the quality of the locally grown flowers. The fair is seen as a vital part of the Tet spirit on the island, fostering a sense of community and optimism for the new year.

Lào Cai and the Hà Nhi Ethnic Group’s Tet Traditions

Finally, the video highlights the Tet celebrations of the Hà Nhi ethnic group in Lào Cai province. While they follow a different lunar calendar, they celebrate Tet alongside the national holiday when the peach blossoms bloom. The video focuses on the Kin Chu Phìn 1 village in Mường Hung commune, where families were slaughtering pigs and enjoying a reunion meal. A successful harvest and livestock raising contributed to a prosperous year. The meal included offerings to ancestors and deities, expressing gratitude for their protection. A key tradition is the offering of bánh trôi (glutinous rice balls) and bánh dày (sticky rice cake) on the first day of Tet.

The video features Ông Phú Rì, the village’s only skilled craftsman in traditional weaving, who is dedicated to preserving this cultural heritage by teaching younger generations. Young people returning from education or work contribute a renewed energy to the celebrations, showcasing traditional clothing, performing dances, and sharing stories. The community is embracing a more sustainable approach to Tet celebrations, encouraging families to share pigs instead of slaughtering large ones individually to reduce waste and align with modern realities. The video concludes by emphasizing the unity, joy, and cultural richness of the Hà Nhi people’s Tet celebrations, adding another vibrant layer to the diverse tapestry of Vietnamese Tet traditions.

Key Takeaways

The video provides a comprehensive snapshot of Tet preparations and celebrations across different regions of Vietnam. It emphasizes the enduring importance of traditional customs, the strong sense of community, and the diverse ways in which Vietnamese people welcome the new year. From the bustling markets of Hanoi and Huế to the island spirit of Phú Quốc and the unique traditions of the Hà Nhi ethnic group, the video showcases the richness and complexity of Vietnamese culture during this significant holiday. The video also highlights the impact of recent events, such as storms, on Tet celebrations and the community’s resilience in adapting to challenges while preserving their cultural heritage.