Tet in the eyes of foreigners

Eight years ago, an American couple - Mark Rapoport and his wife Jane - arrived in Vietnam and they loved the country, its landscape and people at first sight. They had travelled to many places around the world before deciding to settle down in Hanoi.

“The Tet atmosphere in Hanoi is very jubilant and wonderful. On New Year’s Eve or the following morning, we go to a pagoda to pray for good health and prosperity in the New Year.”

The couple say they are amused by neighbours’ children dropping into their house and waiting for their lucky money.

“In a cosy atmosphere, people gather together and extend best wishes to each other. This is rarely seen in New York.”

Both say Vietnamese people work very hard, but are always happy, friendly and hospitable.

“People are always wiling to help us when we ask for a favour,” they say. “Hanoi is not as modern and busy as Shanghai, Hong Kong or New York, but it is very special. It is very comfortable to live here. Dishes here are very delicious, especially ice cream, bun cha (noodle with grilled pork) and pho (beef or chicken noodle soup).”

French writer Laurence de Villeneuve has been living in Vietnam with her son for only 13 months. She says this is the first time she has enjoyed the Tet holiday in Vietnam.

“I really like the Tet atmosphere, especially when families are busy preparing for the holiday. This year, my friends and I will go to a pagoda on the first day of the New Year. The next day, I will visit some Vietnamese families to explore your customs and will then go fishing. I have already prepared some lucky money to give to the children.”

Lawrence says she likes living in Vietnam and learning Vietnamese so she can speak to local residents. She will publish a book describing French women’s lives.

“I think family is very important to Vietnamese women, who always work hard at home taking care of family members. They are hard working people and I like this. I plan to write and publish a book on Vietnamese women’s lives after I finish this book”.

Meanwhile, Suzanne Lecht, art director of the Art Vietnam Gallery in Hanoi, says she has enjoyed the Tet holiday in Vietnam for nearly 10 years. 

“I am really impressed with the Kitchen Gods Tet on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, watching people hurry to release fish into nearby ponds or lakes. Without live fish, they burn paper fish in the hope that the Kitchen Gods will ride the fish to Heaven to report what they have witnessed during the year to the Jade Emperor.”

She says unlike Americans who often gather and cook dishes they like during the holiday, Vietnamese people often make preparations long before Tet.

“It’s interesting to see people line up at markets and supermarkets to buy peach and kumquat trees,” she says.

Suzanne, who has been living in Vietnam since 1993, acknowledges that there is a big contrast in Vietnam before and after Tet.

“I am shocked that on New Year’s Eve revellers take to the streets and converge on Hoan Kiem Lake in crowds, but the next morning all the streets are quiet with very few people to be seen.”

She says during her days off, she often goes to see her colleagues and eat fried chung cake or goes to the pagoda. 

This year, Hanoi will celebrate its 1,000^th anniversary in October and she plans to run an exhibition displaying artworks by Vietnamese painters especially selected for the occasion.

Currently, her gallery is organising an installation displaying calligraphies by five Vietnamese artists to welcome the Lunar New Year.