Cay Neu—Special Feature of Tet! in Vietnam 2025

Cay Neu is similar to the western Christmas tree, but instead of a pine tree, it is customary to plant a leaveless bamboo tree in front of one's home and decorate its top in red, which is believed to keep the bad spirits away. Vietnamese folks plant the "Cay Neu" bamboo tree in the days leading up to Tet. Now, let's get into further details.

Traditions and Beliefs

As Tet draws near, residents customarily clean their homes in an effort to "sweep away" any bad luck that has accumulated from the previous year. Meanwhile, it's strictly forbidden to clean on Tet.

Commemorating the Deceased

Over the three days of Tet, people will visit shrines and temples–in addition to seeing friends and family. On this day, some people might choose to honor their ancestors. During the week of New Year's, in commemoration of the deceased, incense is lit and offerings are placed on the household altar every day. Locals decorate their homes with kumquat trees and peach flowers. In Tet tradition, these plants are emblematic of wealth and well-being.

Family Customs

Families prepare a magnificent feast of bánh tét (sticky rice and mung bean "cake"), pickled scallion heads, and pork cooked with eggs on Tet. Before leaving for their own places of worship (Buddhist or Christian) to pray for the upcoming year, family and friends always get together.

Symbolism and Meaning

Cay Neu, the symbolic bamboo tree, is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and holds significant meaning as a symbol of strength, rebirth, and optimism. These traditions bridge the gap between history and modernity, reminding the Vietnamese community of the importance of respecting ancestors, fostering familial bonds, and ensuring community harmony.

In an era increasingly focused on the future, Tet celebrations and the rituals surrounding Cây Nêu serve as vital anchors to cultural identity and national pride. By commemorating these traditions, the Vietnamese community sustains its heritage and collective morale in a rapidly globalizing world.

Places to Visit

One of the greatest locations for visitors to enjoy Tet is the capital of Vietnam–Hanoi. Locals gather pink peach boughs from the Quang Ba Flower Market the week before the event, believing them to bring good fortune to their homes. At the stroke of midnight, fireworks erupt throughout Hanoi, including spots like Thong Nhat Park, Lac Long Quan Flower Garden, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Other cities where you can celebrate Tet are Saigon, Huế, and Hội An.