A Belgian’s Embrace of Vietnamese Tet Traditions

Men Cheo, a Belgian national, experienced his first Tet holiday in Vietnam alongside his now-wife, Thuy. Five years later, he has fully immersed himself in Vietnamese New Year customs, contributing to his reputation as an honorary Vietnamese son-in-law.

Residing in Dak Lak, Cheo celebrates Tet with Thuy’s family each year. He eagerly engages in various traditions, such as cleaning the house, preparing offerings, and cooking festive meals, which has earned him affection from his Vietnamese in-laws.

Cheo’s fondness for Vietnamese dishes began with bánh chưng and bánh tét, whose unique sticky rice texture and savory fillings captured his interest.

Although he has not yet perfected the art of wrapping these cakes, he plays a vital role by washing the leaves and tying the cakes before they are cooked. Late nights are often spent with family as they monitor the pot of steaming cakes until they are done.

On New Year’s Eve, Cheo makes it a point to return home early to partake in family celebrations, assisting with meal preparations and cleaning up afterward.

His readiness to help with chores, including dishwashing, has won the hearts of his in-laws.

On the morning of the Lunar New Year, Cheo and Thuy dress in festive outfits and visit relatives. One memorable year, he was honored with the role of xông đất, which symbolizes good luck for the year. He diligently followed family traditions and practiced New Year greetings beforehand.

Tet was a significant cultural experience for Cheo. In his initial celebration, he was amazed by the vibrant atmosphere, with families gathering to present offerings and cook special dishes. He was especially captivated by the tảo mộ ritual, where families visit ancestors’ graves, a practice he had never encountered before.

A humorous incident occurred when Cheo learned about the tradition of refraining from sweeping the house in the first three days of Tet—doing so is said to sweep away good fortune. Oblivious to this, he once tidied up after a meal, only to be halted by his mother-in-law. After Thuy explained its importance, he found the belief intriguing and has respected it ever since.

After five years of experiencing Tet in Vietnam, Cheo no longer feels like an outsider. He deeply understands and values the traditions, making the Lunar New Year a poignant occasion for bonding with Thuy’s family.

True to form, Cheo and Thuy this year focused on spending Tet with family, treasuring the cherished moments of connection following a hectic year.