From Tết Meals to Gold Rush
Why the First Days of Work in Vietnam Still Feel Festive
For many, the first workday after Tết feels more like an extra day of vacation than a real day back at work. The streets are quiet and slowly moving, as if the city wants to hold on to the joy and love of the events.
Employees are at work, but they’re thinking about family gatherings and holiday food. The office is full of friendly talks about trips home, tasty food, and the small red boxes of lì xì exchanged with smiles and good wishes. Deadlines seem distant, surrounded by the lingering scent of incense and the shiny decorations still on the tables.
Even though the busy holiday season has ended, there is still a surprising feeling of excitement in the air. The 10th day of the Lunar New Year is approaching—it’s the Day of the God of Fortune. On this day, many people and companies hurry to gold shops, believing that buying gold will bring them good luck and success for the year. Before the holiday, conversations shift from enjoying festive foods to discussing financial issues. People shift from talking about their holiday meals to deciding when to go to jewelry stores to avoid long lines.
Even the most sensible workers get caught up in the habit. Some people quietly look at gold prices, while others plan to go out in the morning to buy a small gold bar or a charm of the God of Fortune.
It’s a time when traditional beliefs and new dreams meet, highlighting the ongoing ideas of good fortune and success that are part of the
Vietnamese Lunar New Year (*Tết Nguyên Đán*) is the most important celebration in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring with family reunions, festive feasts, vibrant traditions, and wishes for prosperity, luck, and happiness in the year ahead.
