Refuse anything others give or wish during Tết
Don't. That's rude
Get a haircut
Don't. Haircuts should be avoided as you will be cutting your luck
Wearing white clothes
Don't. Because white color is associated with death
Mentioning people's past mistakes
Don't. New Year is the time for new/happy things
Wearing black clothes
Don't. Because black color is associated with bad luck
Wear red clothes
Do. Red color is considered lucky in Vietnamese culture
Give out red envelopes
Do. Give out the red envelopes to other people to bring them good luck!
(Sad) crying on New Year's day
Don't. If you cry on New Year’s Day, you will cry through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked.
Pay all debts before New Year
Do. To avoid bad luck
Fill vessels of rice, water, salt in the home
Do. To hope for a prosperous New Year
Set foot in anybody’s home on the first day of Tết
Don't. Many households choose the right person to be the first one to set foot in their home. That right person could bring luck and fortune to the family!
Go to the pagoda to pick young buds from trees or plants and display them in your home
Do. To welcome good fortune
Sweep the floor
Don't. People believe that good fortune will be swept away