The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the biggest and most important festival in Vietnam. Tet often falls between late January and early February.

A great deal of excitement still builds up well before Tet. Streets are decorated with colored lights and red banners. Shops are full of goods. People are busy buying gifts, cleaning and decorating their houses, and cooking traditional foods.

    Homes are often decorated with plants and flowers at this time. Peach blossom is traditional at Tet in the North, while apricot blossom is traditional in the South. One of Tet’s most special foods is Banh Chung, which is made of sticky rice, green beans, and fatty pork.

On the days of Tet, people visit other family members or friends, and they exchange New Year’s wishes. Children receive their “lucky money” inside red envelopes. Many people go to pagodas to pray for a happy new year for themselves and their families. Both children and adults take part in games and various forms of entertainment. Tet is really a time of fun and festivals throughout the country.

              Tet is a national and (1) ……… festival in Viet Nam. It is occasion for every Vietnamese to be reunited to think (2) …………… their past activities and hope for good luck in the year to come. Before Tet, all houses are white washed and (3) ………… with yellow apricot flowers and colorful lanterns. Everybody is looking forward to a more favorable life. On the New Year’s Eve, children are smartly dressed. They are hoping to (4) ………… money put in small red envelopes as they are wishing longevity (5) ……….. their grandparents and parents.