A Look at Thanksgiving Day and Tet – Celebrations of Gratitude and Renewal

Thanksgiving Day and Tet, also known as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, are two important holidays that both center around gratitude and renewal. These holidays are steeped in tradition and are celebrated by millions of people around the world. Although Thanksgiving is primarily an American holiday, Tet is celebrated by Vietnamese people all over the world. In this post, we will take a closer look at these two holidays and explore their significance and traditions.

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States, primarily on the fourth Thursday of November.

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early 17th century, when the Pilgrims held a harvest celebration to give thanks for a successful harvest.

Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together, share a meal, and express gratitude for all the blessings in their lives.

One of the most recognizable traditions of Thanksgiving is the Thanksgiving dinner, which typically includes a roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

Another important aspect of Thanksgiving is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a tradition since 1924.

Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture.

Tet falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar, which typically falls in January or February.

The origins of Tet can be traced back to Vietnamese mythology, where it is believed that the Kitchen God ascends to heaven on New Year’s Eve to report on the household’s activities.

To prepare for Tet, Vietnamese people clean their homes, decorate with flowers, and cook traditional dishes like banh chung, a savory rice cake wrapped in leaves.

On New Year’s Day, families will exchange gifts, visit temples and pagodas, and pay respects to ancestors.

Both Thanksgiving and Tet are celebrated with family and friends in a spirit of gratitude.

They are also times for renewal – a time to let go of the past and look forward to a better future.

In Vietnam, it is believed that how you spend Tet will influence the rest of your year.

Similarly, on Thanksgiving, we reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one with fresh goals and aspirations.

Both holidays are also celebrated with traditional foods and customs that have been passed down for generations.

While Thanksgiving is typically associated with American culture, it is worth noting that both holidays celebrate similar values – gratitude, family, and renewal.

So whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving Day or Tet, take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life and the hope for a better tomorrow.

And in the spirit of the holiday season, spread love and gratitude to those around you.

Happy Thanksgiving and Chuc Mung Nam Moi (Happy New Year)!

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