1. CLEAN & TIDY
All cleaning both outside & inside to be done before Tết. Cleaning your home on the actual day of Tết is a considered a no-no because you’ll also sweep away your luck & good fortune.
2. DON’T BREAK
Avoid breaking anything. Breakage equates to damage or loss & thus nothing positive.
3. DON’T LOSE YOUR TEMPER
Everyone should be on their best behavior as losing your temper, shouting or cursing will bring bad luck for the year.
4. FIRST THROUGH THE DOOR
For Vietnamese, the first person to visit your home on Tết will affect your family’s fortunes for the whole year. Basically, they’re responsible for your family’s luck or misfortune for that year. It’s kinda based more so on the person’s personality/morals. Often families would seek someone with good deeds or successful background or just great personality overall (usually within the family or close friends) to be the first walk in. I was never a believer of this one until 2018, now I’m very selective with who being the first through our door on Tết. After 2018 I even made sure that we weren’t at home on mornings of Tết so that no-one can come unexpected.. my in-laws are number ones at uninvited & random visits. My MIL has no respect for anyone’s opinion/requests so she just does anything she pleases, all the time.
5. DON’T BORROW OR LEND MONEY
It’s believed that borrowing or lending money during Tết is considered unlucky. Borrowing means you’ll be poor all year whereas lending (money or other items) means you’re giving away your luck.
6. SIT DOWN, BE HAPPY
No one wants to be around a downer during what’s meant to be the happiest time of the year. Leave your worries for another day & join in on the good time vibes & positive energy.
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