Vietnam and some other wet rice-growing countries in Asia, like Japan, Korea, China, etc., enjoy the new year, which is called Tet, on the first day of the first lunar month.Since long, long ago the habit of worshipping has been closely attached to Tet. On Tet Eve, almost all families place trays of offerings outside the house to offer to the god of the old year and the god of the new year so that they can bring the blessing of a good, happy and prosperous new year to the house owner. At the Hung temple in Vinh Phu province, vestiges of worship to heaven, the earth and other spirits practiced by the Hung kings before Christ was born are still retained.Worship during Tet holidays still plays an important role in Vietnamese social life, as on these days, ancestors are also worshipped by all families.The worshipping of dead ancestors and family members is a most solemn ceremony that involves everybody. It is a strong ethic that contrasts between the dead and those alive to family members who have passed away. In some places, worship is conducted according to steps recorded on stone or bronze-artifacts.In general, worship is practiced voluntarily by everybody with their own beliefs, yet precisely like official written documents.Worship in Vietnam is mainly devoted to those who have great merit or to ancestors to express respect and gratitude. This practice is somewhat like the celebrating of parents and relatives birthdays by western people.Traditional worship is not superstitious at all, but a popular social habit that is retained and respected.To welcome the lunar new year with traditional worship, folk festivals and entertainment is a longstanding habit practiced by the Vietnamese people. Through this habit, the traditional cultural identity full of humanity, communal help and unity has been well preserved.
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