The Vietnamese consider the first day of lunar year to be the very important day.
They celebrate the day irrespective of whether they are rich or poor.
The Vietnamese call each year by name of one of 12 animal designations include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The Vietnamese New Year celebration is the most important festival of the Vietnamese.
As usual, preparation for this day is made weeks ahead.
Cakes of various kinds are made.
Houses are cleaned and painted.
Red cloths bearing the words "Prosperity" and "Happiness" are hung on the walls.
As custom, children wear new dresses.
That means "throw away old things and receive new good things".
On the eve of the New Year's day, they perform a small ceremony in front of the house, by offering food and delicacies to their ancestors, gods and goddesses.
They also burn joss-sticks and joss-papers for this occasion.
At night, all the members of family (children, parents, grand-parents) gather for a reunion dinner and wait for time of transfer of the old year and the new year.
On the New Year's day, all members of family get early and pray for the Prosperity and happiness.
Red packets containing little of money are given to the children.
This money is called "money to mark one year growing up".
Cracker firing to scare away the evil spirits is also part of the celebration but the government bans it now.
January 2014
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