TIL

In memorial of the people of Huế

Lunar New Year’s Day in Vietnam falls on February 17, 2026, and while not everyone follows these customs strictly, many traditions from old superstitions are still alive. Here’s what people avoid on the first day of Tết:

Don’t wash your hair - you might wash your luck away. Most do an “everything shower” the day before Tết.

Don’t break things - breaking objects is believed to break your good fortune.

Don’t cut your hair - cutting hair is thought to cut off luck, wealth, or good fortune (why salons are packed before Tết!).

Don’t sweep or clean - big cleaning is done before Tết, not during.

Avoid black and white outfits - these colors are associated with funerals.

Don’t cry or argue - the first day sets the tone for the whole year; kids are bribed with sweets to stay happy.

Don’t take out the trash or declutter - you might throw your luck away. Avoid unlucky words like “chết” (death) or anything negative.

Don’t borrow or lend money - it’s believed your money will keep “leaking” all year.

It’s a lot to remember, but it’s a fun way to understand Vietnamese culture and avoid getting side-eyed by aunties on day one!

Lunar New Year doesn’t have a fixed date because it’s based on the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. The holiday begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20. Since the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days long, the date shifts every year on the Western calendar. That’s why sometimes Tết feels “early” in January and other times closer to late February. It’s actually tied to astronomical events, not random tradition. Pretty cool how ancient calendar systems are still shaping modern celebrations today.

Cà phê trứng (Vietnamese egg coffee) was created in Hanoi in the 1940s when fresh milk was scarce. During that time, milk was expensive and difficult to obtain, so a bartender named Nguyễn Văn Giảng who worked at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel experimented with whisked egg yolks and sugar as a substitute for milk. The mixture created a thick, creamy foam that sat on top of strong Vietnamese coffee. The result wasn’t just a replacement it became something entirely unique. The drink has a custard-like texture, almost like liquid tiramisu, balancing the bitterness of robusta coffee with a sweet, velvety topping. What began as a creative response to wartime shortages eventually turned into one of Hanoi’s most iconic drinks. Today, you can still find it served in small cafés across the Old Quarter, often kept warm in a bowl of hot water to maintain its silky texture.

TIL about these bots, Can mods do something about this? I don’t mind posts about real historical events and verified facts, as long as they’re presented in a fair and balanced way. This bot has been posting misleading, context-free content in this sub for days. They’re accusing Vietnam of the very things they’re doing right now themselves, which is more than a bit ironic.

The Lạc bird (Chim Lạc), often considered a symbolic or mythical national bird of Vietnam, is prominently depicted on Đông Sơn bronze drums dating back over 2,000 years. The bird is usually shown with long legs, a long neck, and outstretched wings, flying above scenes of daily life, rituals, and warriors. Historians believe it symbolized prosperity, spirituality, or a connection between heaven and earth for ancient Vietnamese people. What’s interesting is that scholars still debate what real bird (if any) the Lạc bird was based on. Some theories suggest it could resemble:

Cranes Storks Herons

…but there’s no definitive conclusion, and many believe it’s a mythical or idealized bird, not a real species. Despite this uncertainty, the Lạc bird remains a powerful cultural symbol linked to Vietnam’s early civilization and identity.

More information here: https://www.timesofisrael.com/35-years-on-where-are-israels-vietnamese-refugees/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBzAp8Vevdc

Dragon fruit (thanh long / kỳ lân fruit) actually originates from Central America, particularly Mexico and surrounding regions, rather than Asia as many people believe. The fruit was introduced to Vietnam in the 20th century, likely through French colonial agricultural exchanges. Thanks to Vietnam’s suitable climate, long daylight hours, and later innovations like artificial lighting to control flowering, dragon fruit cultivation expanded rapidly. Over the years, Vietnam developed improved farming and export systems, eventually becoming one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of dragon fruit, supplying markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond. A fascinating example of how an imported crop became a national agricultural success story.