How Veteran Vietnamese Artists Celebrate Tet: Traditions from North to South

The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most sacred and celebrated festival in Vietnam. While the core values of family reunion and gratitude remain the same, the way people celebrate can vary significantly between the North and the South. This year, several veteran Vietnamese artists shared a glimpse into their holiday preparations, offering a heartwarming look at how they preserve traditional customs in a modern world.

In Hanoi, the legendary NSND Cong Ly and his wife, Ngoc Ha, have been busy transforming their home into a festive sanctuary. Despite the chilly Northern winter, the atmosphere inside is warm and vibrant. Ngoc Ha took it upon herself to meticulously clean and decorate their living space, choosing iconic symbols like kumquat trees and peach blossoms to bring the spirit of Spring indoors. Beyond the decor, she also prepared a traditional feast for the year-end offering, showcasing her dedication to her husband’s health and happiness. Fans were touched to see NSND Cong Ly looking stable and cheerful, a testament to the loving care he receives at home.

Meanwhile, NSND Le Khanh, a true daughter of Hanoi, emphasizes the importance of a 'true Hanoi Tet.' For her, the holiday is about preserving the soul of the capital. She believes in three essential elements: the five-fruit tray for the ancestral altar, a traditional feast, and the boiling pot of Banh Chung. At 60, she finds joy in the 'rushed' feeling of preparation—buying flowers like gladiolus and hand-making traditional snacks like braised starfruit and stir-fried omai. For Le Khanh, Tet is not just a holiday; it is a profound connection to her roots and the land of Hanoi.

Moving to the South, the atmosphere is equally vibrant but carries a different flavor. Actress Trinh Kim Chi recently stunned netizens with the elaborate decorations at her 10-billion VND villa in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning over 200 square meters, the villa became a canvas for a 'Western Vietnamese' rural landscape. She created a rustic scene featuring thatched roofs, corn baskets, and a traditional Banh Chung pot, bringing a slice of the countryside to the heart of the city. Her playful invitation to offer decoration services next year highlights the joy and creativity that Tet brings to many families. Whether it is the quiet traditions of the North or the grand displays of the South, Tet remains a time for reflection, love, and the preservation of Vietnamese cultural identity.

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