TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1999

New Vietnamese year observed

By Lot Tan

On-Line Forty-Niner

While the Chinese culture celebrates the year of the rabbit this week, Vietnamese culture will honor the year of the cat.

"As I was growing up, the new year brought me closer to my culture and my family," Cal State Long Beach freshman Shophie Vieng said.

Vietnamese New Year, which is uniquely different than Chinese New Year, is celebrated with a sense of awe on the first three days of the year known as the "Tet" days.

The first Tet day is considered to be of extremely good fortune to the Vietnamese because it is the holy beginning of the new year. It is observed with the spirit of absolute goodness, purity and reverence.

Children are expected to thank their parents during this period and wish them "Phuc, Loc, Tho," which means happiness, good fortune and longevity.

"You cross your arms and wish your parents a prosperous new year and longevity," Vieng said.

While children express their thanks, parents congratulate their children for being a year older and give them lucky money in red envelopes, a tradition that is similar to Chinese New Year.

"I don't receive money anymore, because my mom thinks I've grown out of it," Vieng said.

Also during the first Tet day, the head of the household invites friends to visit the family during the morning.

The "Tet Nguyen Dan" and the "Le Gio To" are other ceremonies that are culturally and spiritually important for Vietnamese.

The "Tet Nguyen Dan" symbolizes the distinct aspects and characteristics of Vietnamese culture and the "Le Gio To" ties individuals of the new generation to their ancient roots.