"Tet" is a shortened form of Tết Nguyên Đán, a way to say "Lunar New Year" in Vietnamese. Considered the first day of spring and most important of national holidays in Vietnam, Tet is the annual Vietnamese New Year celebration. It is the busiest time of the year in Vietnam. Millions of people will be traveling throughout the country to share reunions with friends and family.
Tet is typically celebrated for three days with some traditions observed for up to a week. The first day of Tet is usually spent with immediate family, the second day is for visiting friends, and the third day is dedicated to teachers and visiting temples.
Tet is seen as a chance for a fresh start. Debts are settled, old grievances are forgiven, and houses are cleaned of clutter—all to set the stage for attracting as much luck and good fortune as possible in the upcoming year.
One of the most important traditions observed during Tet is the emphasis put on who is the first to enter a house in the new year. The first person brings the luck (good or bad) for the year! The head of the house—or someone considered successful—leaves and returns a few minutes after midnight just to ensure they are the first to come in.