Pray to Ancestors, Prepare the Rooster: How Czech Vietnamese Celebrate the Lunar New Year
The article explores how the Czech Vietnamese community celebrates the Lunar New Year, highlighting both traditional practices and adaptations among the younger generation.
The Lunar New Year, known as 'Tét', is one of the most significant Vietnamese holidays marked by a series of rituals and celebrations. This year's celebrations took place on February 17th, witnessing a stark contrast between the lively street festivities in Vietnam and the more intimate gatherings within the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. The celebration in Czechia was marked by family-centric activities, reflecting the unique adaptation of cultural traditions in a foreign land.
Key aspects of Tét celebrations, such as the giving of red envelopes containing money to younger family members and enjoying traditional dishes like 'bánh chưng' (rice cakes with pork), remain central even in the Czech Vietnamese context. The article emphasizes how the second generation of Vietnamese in the Czech Republic navigates their cultural identity during these festivities. Interviews with community members reveal their efforts to maintain traditions while also incorporating their own experiences in a new cultural environment.
Notably, for some families, this year’s Tét was particularly special as they welcomed new members, such as babies, into the festivities. The meaningfulness of the celebration is underscored, showing how cultural practices evolve while still retaining their core significance. This hints at a dynamic blend of heritage and adaptation, portraying how immigrants honor their roots while also creating new traditions in a global society.