Wrapping anh Chung and Banh Tet for Tet – The Cultural Beauty of Vietnamese New Year
Discover the tradition of wrapping banh chung and banh tet during the Lunar New Year, a beautiful custom that reflects family reunion and Vietnamese heritage.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, every Vietnamese home begins familiar preparations: washing leaves, rinsing sticky rice, marinating pork, and lighting the cooking fire. Whether in the North with square banh chung or in the Central and Southern regions with cylindrical banh tet, the deeper meaning remains the same – a precious moment of family gathering.
Banh chung and banh tet are not simply traditional foods. They are symbols of reunion, gratitude to ancestors, and values passed down from one generation to the next.
The custom of making banh chung and banh tet for Tet has existed for centuries and has become an essential part of Vietnamese culture.
Banh chung and banh tet – the soul of Vietnamese Tet cuisine
Both cakes are made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in green leaves and boiled for many hours. However, their shapes create distinctive regional identities.
Banh chung is square, associated with the symbolism of the earth and commonly found in Northern Vietnam.
Banh tet is wrapped into a long cylinder, popular in the Central and Southern regions, representing completeness and growth.
Despite their differences in appearance, both hold the most important place on the ancestral altar during the first days of the new year.
These tightly wrapped cakes symbolize fullness, prosperity, and the strong bond between family members.
Even as society changes and modern life evolves, the tradition of making banh chung and banh tet during Tet continues to be preserved as an indispensable part of Vietnamese heritage.
Traditional steps of wrapping banh chung and banh tet
To make a delicious cake, families often prepare very early. Everyone has a task, creating the lively atmosphere typical of the final days of the year.
Preparing ingredients:
Sticky rice is washed and soaked for the perfect texture. Mung beans are peeled and cooked until soft. Pork is marinated with rich flavors. Banana leaves are cleaned and trimmed. Care in every step shows respect for the food that will be offered to ancestors.
Wrapping the cakes:
Banana leaves are spread out, and layers of rice, beans, and pork are arranged skillfully before being rolled and tied tightly. Experienced hands ensure the cakes are firm and beautifully shaped when sliced.
Children often sit nearby, helping the adults – and learning the stories of their family traditions at the same time.
Boiling the cakes:
The cakes are placed in large pots and boiled continuously for many hours, sometimes overnight. This is when everyone gathers around the fire, talking about the past year and sharing hopes for the new one.
These waiting moments often become the most unforgettable memories.
The meaning of wrapping cakes for Tet
The tradition of gathering to wrap banh chung and banh tet carries many layers of meaning:
- A time for generations to reunite.
- A way for descendants to show gratitude to their ancestors.
- A moment to strengthen family bonds by doing something together for the new year.
- A chance for Vietnamese people to preserve and pass this cultural heritage to future generations.
When the cakes are done, the first ones are placed respectfully on the family altar. Afterwards, everyone shares them together – like sharing spring blessings and wishes for luck.
Why visitors love learning about this traditional?
For many travelers, discovering Vietnamese Tet culture through traditional foods like banh chung and banh tet helps them better understand the role of family in Vietnamese life. From simple moments in the kitchen, the image of a country rich in tradition becomes clear.
Traveling in Vietnam during spring is not only about beautiful landscapes, but also about witnessing cultural values that are still preserved every day.
During their early-year trip to Vietnam, our guests had the opportunity to experience authentic local life by joining in cooking Banh Chung for Tet. Gathering around the fire, waiting for the cakes to boil, and sharing warm conversations created moments they will never forget. Thank you to our wonderful travelers for celebrating Vietnamese New Year traditions with Viet Orchid Travel.
✨ If you love cultural stories and want to understand Vietnam more deeply through each custom and traditional dish, continue accompanying Viet Orchid Travel in our upcoming articles.
Thank you for spending time reading and sharing the journey of preserving the spirit of Tet with us. Viet Orchid Travel always appreciates the opportunity to bring authentic cultural stories to you.
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