[ThaiHaBooks] Tet is the season of reunion, a time when age-old cultural values flow through the veins of Vietnamese life. It is an occasion for us to return to our roots, listen to the whispers of tradition, and cherish the moments where the past and present harmonize. Tet is not merely a holiday; it is a vivid symbol of love, connection, and the aspiration for a new beginning filled with peace and hope.

In “Tet Across Three Regions” (Tết Ba Miền), author Le Rin guides readers on a journey to explore the traditional Tet atmosphere of the North, Central, and South through a creative and profound lens.

This book does more than just describe Tet; it vividly recreates unique customs and traditions: from wrapping Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cakes) by the glowing pink fire, and making paper flowers in Thanh Tien village, to the intricate art of crafting lion heads in Cho Lon or the bustling atmosphere of the Sa Dec flower market. Through these pages, the author offers readers a reel of emotional memories while helping the younger generation understand the value of their roots and the delicate intersection of tradition and modernity.

Notably, Le Rin skillfully portrays Tet not just as a festive occasion, but as a cultural space holding deep lessons about love, gratitude, and sharing. Tet is the time to erect the Neu tree (bamboo pole) to ward off evil spirits, worship Ong Cong Ong Tao (the Kitchen Gods) to send them off to heaven, or gather to wrap Banh Chung and Banh Tet as offerings to ancestors. Customs such as making Dong Ho folk paintings, preparing coconut jam, or playing the Tam Cuc card game are also authentically depicted, reflecting the deep bond between the people and their folk culture.

Tet – A Journey of Preparation Through Every Moment

The bilingual book “Tet Across Three Regions” is a vivid painting that recreates the atmosphere of Vietnamese Tet preparations, spanning from the 15th day of the twelfth lunar month (Thang Chap) to the end of the 3rd day of the New Year. More than just a book, it is a journey to discover the beauty of Tet culture through the activities and objects characteristic of each stage.

From the early days of the twelfth lunar month, you will see families bustling to clean their homes, prepare altars, and strip Mai (Ochna) leaves so the trees bloom right on time. By the 23rd day, the atmosphere becomes more solemn with the ceremony for Ong Cong Ong Tao—a traditional ritual to see the Kitchen Gods off to heaven.

Following this, each milestone is vividly illustrated through activities like wrapping Banh Chung and Banh Tet, arranging the Five-Fruit Tray, shopping at flower markets, or preparing familiar dishes such as pickled onions (Dưa hành), fried spring rolls (Nem rán), and head cheese (Giò thủ).

With exquisite watercolor illustrations, this book not only helps you feel the beauty of Tet through imagery but also provides bilingual information to deepen your understanding of each activity’s significance. It is the perfect gift to explore, cherish, and spread the values of the traditional Tet holiday to friends and loved ones.

Thaihabooks proudly presents!

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