A Chinese person and a Vietnamese friend talk about the Spring Festival: one emphasizes reunion and “bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new,” while the other values inheritance through “celebrating with ancestors.”
小潘, you’re from Vietnam. Could you briefly explain in Chinese? What’s different about your Spring Festival compared with China’s?
In Vietnam, the New Year places more emphasis on “ancestors.” On New Year’s Eve, we put lots of food in front of the altar, and the whole family prays together for blessings.
In China, we also honor ancestors, but many families nowadays emphasize “a new start” and family reunion more—for example, having the New Year’s Eve dinner together and watching the Spring Festival Gala.
Yes. The first time I watched the Spring Festival Gala in Beijing, it felt like a huge show where the whole country celebrates together—so lively.
Right. Chinese people often say “bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new,” meaning we hope to put down last year’s troubles and welcome new good luck.
Vietnam has a similar idea, but we feel more that “our ancestors celebrate the New Year with us,” which makes us feel especially at ease.
That reminds me of a saying: no matter where you celebrate the New Year, what matters most is the care and blessings in your heart.
I agree. Even though the ways are different, we all hope the home becomes warmer and the new year becomes better.
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