As a resident of Chinese communities and a practitioner of New Year customs, I would like to share the customs that are typically observed at the start of the year. To understand the three most common customs in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

1. Lion Dance 

The lion dance is a traditional Chinese performance that is often performed during the Lunar New Year (or "Tet" in Vietnam). The lion dance symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and happiness and is performed to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune to the community.

In the beginning of the new year, lion dances are performed at various locations, including homes, businesses, and community events. The dance is performed by two people, with one person controlling the head and the other controlling the tail of the lion costume. The performers mimic the movements of a lion, including jumping, rolling, and play-fighting, to the beat of drum music.

2. Lantern Lunar New Year / Yuánxiāo jié Festival 

also known as the Chinese Lantern Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. It falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, usually in February or March.

The festival is celebrated by making and eating sweet glutinous rice balls (tangyuan), hanging lanterns, solving lantern riddles, and enjoying dragon and lion dances. The sweet glutinous rice balls symbolize reunion and togetherness, and they are traditionally served in a sweet soup or syrup.

In addition to the food and decorations, the festival is also marked by various activities and games, including lantern riddles and competitions, which are meant to encourage learning and problem-solving skills.

The Chinese Lantern Festival has a long history and is an important part of Chinese cultural traditions. It is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the end of the Lunar New Year festivities, while wishing for continued prosperity and good luck in the new year.

3. Beating the petty people 

The Chinese agricultural calendar divides a year into 24 "qi periods", each of which corresponds to 24 points in the Earth's orbit and affects human work and productivity. Customs and beliefs are also aligned with the temperaments to support individuals in the most efficient manner.

In March, the Kinh Trap period is particularly prominent, lasting from March 5 to March 20. According to the Chinese, this is the time when "negative forces" become more active. The practice of customary rituals is commonplace, with the most notable being the day for worshiping the Tiger and the tradition of "beating the petty people". 

The locals normally practice custom at On Lang Assembly (Quan Am pagoda) 

To understand more the customs and beliefs, please practice them by taking a Tales of Cho Lon Tour with us HERE