Tết in 2025

This winter scenario was co-curated with Julia Thanh from the Museum’s Community Authors group.

What’s happening

On the eve of Tết, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Hoa and her children prepare the rước ông bà ceremony to welcome back their ancestors.

The meal includes thịt kho trứng (braised pork belly and eggs) and bánh chưng (sticky rice cake) – a household must. Meanwhile, Tiet, her husband, makes the tea and drinks.

Today, the children will wear their best outfits and recite their new year wishes in Vietnamese to their parents in exchange for li xi (red envelope with money). Hoa will then place peach blossoms, fruit and light a few incense sticks to send prayers at the altar.

The dining table is set, let the eating begin. An Tết!