The festive meal to welcome Tết will always include traditional dishes such as bánh chưng, bánh tét, and other Vietnamese specialties like braised pork, pickled bean sprouts, and bitter melon soup stuffed with pork, etc., just like in our homeland. Most of the members of my family will wear áo dài, a formal Vietnamese dress, to mark the occasion.
In the afternoon of Tết, during the family reunion, everyone will make sure to take plenty of photos to preserve the memories, so many that we get exhausted sifting through all of them to pick out the best ones.
Inside the house, the altar will be adorned with flowers, especially red lilies, and the incense burner will be cleaned thoroughly. The space dedicated to ancestor worship is set up with great respect.
A corner of the house will be decorated to reflect the spirit of Tết, with displays of hoa mai (apricot blossoms), hoa đào (peach blossoms), hoa cúc (chrysanthemums), fireworks, and bánh chưng, all arranged beautifully. Of course, the apricot and peach blossoms are only artificial, a symbolic reminder of the colours of spring in our homeland.
Credit: Uyen Di
Although I grew up in Australia, I always cherishes my Vietnamese heritage. Therefore, when I had a family of my own, I made sure to learn how to make traditional dishes and delve into our cultural roots to pass them on to my children.
Vietnamese culture is rich in spiritual and humanistic values. One that touches my heart the most is the story of bánh chưng and bánh dày, and the memories of learning to make these cakes with my Grandma when I was young.
Bánh chưng symbolises the sacrifice and nurturing care of our ancestors for the next generations. It also represents the connection between heaven, earth, nature, and all beings, bringing life to humanity. Therefore, when slicing bánh chưng, those who understand it will feel an immense sense of gratitude for their life.
Credit: Uyen Di
During the three days of Tết, the altar for our ancestors can never be without bánh chưng and fruits symbolising abundance for the coming year. Fortunately, in Australia, we can find all the traditional fruits such as custard apple, coconut, papaya, mango, and marigold flowers.
While my family doesn’t strictly follow these fruit traditions, we do create beautiful fruit displays and always make an effort to find high-quality, aromatic tea to serve our guests.
In the afternoon, when we offer food to our ancestors, the entire family gathers to burn incense and pray for the well-being and peace of the departed. As the incense burns down, the room is filled with the warm and soothing scent of incense, creating a uniquely sacred atmosphere.
The children would disappear into another room to play and chat, while the adults sit in the living room, whispering stories of their lives. If the weather is nice, everyone will take the opportunity to head out to the garden and capture more photos as keepsakes.
Credit: Uyen Di
I believe the Tết celebrations of most Vietnamese families in Australia are quite similar to my family’s experience. Tết is one of the most important occasions for strengthening familial bonds and fostering connections among loved ones. As for me, I wish for the new year to bring health and happiness to everyone, alongside cherished moments with family and friends.
Credit: Uyen Di
Today, in addition to caring for her small family and maintaining a stable career, Uyen Di continues to pursue her passion for contributing to the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese culture. Six years ago, she founded the Bach Viet Dance group with the aim of celebrating and sharing traditional Vietnamese values. The group remains active, bringing cultural vibrancy to the Vietnamese community in Australia.
