(When the Moon Isn’t) Full of Food and Fun 

Post date: February 3, 2025

By Hillary Lai

“Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!” rings out in celebration, a “Happy New Year!” to proud and jubilant spirits all over the country. Phone calls are made to relatives for the warm exchanges of well wishes for health and prosperity. Traditional dishes like Gà Luộc (Boiled Chicken), Xôi (Steamed Sticky Rice), and Bánh Chưng (Rice Cake) and more cover the table as red and golden paper lanterns hang all over the house. Vietnamese Lunar New Year 2025 took place on January 29 and here’s everything you need to know about this beautiful holiday and how it’s celebrated in America.

Many Vietnamese homes have an altar in their home to worship the Gods and commemorate their deceased relatives. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, these altars will be decorated with traditional dishes and the porcelain cups will be refilled with fresh water. In addition to the meals already mentioned, bowls of Miến Măng (Glass Noodles with Bamboo Shoots) and various fruits are presented to the respected, who will bless the food before the family eats it. Incense sticks are lit and the house momentarily goes silent as everyone pays their respects and offers thanks to the altar. 

Practices aside, what is the point of all of this? Lunar New Year (Concurrently referred to as Chinese New Year) is celebrated on the night of the first new moon on the lunar calendar. Following the lunar calendar dates back several centuries, and although not applied to everyday life, religions such as Buddhism refer to the lunisolar system for their practices. (This practice is similar to Christianity’s reliance on the spring equinox to celebrate Easter.) 2025 is the year of the snake, one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The snake represents intelligence and transformation, a good sign of renewal for those who celebrate this year. Alongside these virtues, the Lunar New Year is an opportunity to take a break and celebrate with family. Many Vietnamese households that honor this holiday are family-oriented, which only solidifies the importance of making time for its celebration. To commemorate the Lunar New Year is a beautiful privilege full of fun, food, and family time.