Cover For translator and artist Trinh Lu, Tet remains a celebration of reunion, emotional bonds, and the belief in a promising new year—whether in the past or present.
For translator and artist Trinh Lu, Tet remains a celebration of reunion, emotional bonds, and the belief in a promising new year—whether in the past or present.
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Tet in the North has a unique charm. The gentle coolness, a slight drizzle, and a perfect air for traditional dishes...
As the vibrant energy of spring fills the streets, the Vietnamese people continue to cherish the beautiful memories of Tet. To explore how the holiday has evolved over the years, Tatler sat down with translator and artist Trinh Lu, whose life has long been intertwined with traditional culture and art. In this conversation, he shares his profound insights on the essence of Northern Tet, both in the past and today.
For Trinh Lu, no matter how Tet evolves, its core values—reunion, emotional connection, and the anticipation of a brilliant new year—remain unchanged.
How Has Tet Evolved Over Time?
Above Translator and artist Trinh Lu, whose life is deeply intertwined with traditional culture and art. Photo: Thao Hien
Translator and artist Trinh Lu, whose life is deeply intertwined with traditional culture and art. Photo: Thao Hien
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While Tet is celebrated across Vietnam with distinct regional variations, Tet in the North has its own unique character. For translator and artist Trinh Lu, the crisp, cool northern air enhances the warmth of family reunions, where loved ones gather to reflect on the past year and share their hopes for the year ahead. Reflecting on the contrast between Tet of the past and Tet today, Lu is transported back to his childhood memories.
“The Northern Tet will always hold a special place in my heart,” he says. “It evokes the innocence and joy of being a child. Every Tet, I find myself longing for my grandparents, my parents, and my childhood. Northern Tet has something irreplaceable—the gentle coolness, a soft drizzle, and the atmosphere that blends with traditional dishes such as pickled vegetables, banh chung, and moc van am. In the past, everything was simpler, not as refined as it is now. A child’s happiness was as simple as receiving a new sweater from their mother for Tet, and that joy would last all year. Nowadays, life is more comfortable, and people are increasingly drawn to travel, leaving less time for family. Tet used to be a time for families to reunite, reminisce, and make plans for the year ahead,” he reflects.
Above Translator and artist Trinh Lu believes that although Tet has changed over time, what remains constant is the depth of the Vietnamese soul. Photo: Thao Hien
Translator and artist Trinh Lu believes that although Tet has changed over time, what remains constant is the depth of the Vietnamese soul. Photo: Thao Hien
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During the lively Tet celebrations, adults exchange wishes for health and prosperity, while children eagerly receive red envelopes. The tradition of “bringing each other to every home” is not only a custom, but a means of strengthening family bonds and staying connected with loved ones, whether near or far. Rather than simply adhering to the Tet greeting schedule, many families now reward themselves with a true Tet holiday, enjoying the early days of the new year by visiting destinations they’ve always wanted to explore. Tet travel has gradually emerged as a trend, and it is expected to become a new habit for many in the years to come.
This shift is largely influenced by the modern lifestyle, where technology and new forms of entertainment dominate much of daily life, particularly for younger generations. The growing tendency to travel during Tet, rather than gathering around the family dinner table, illustrates a broader change in the way the Vietnamese celebrate this cherished holiday. The simplicity of traditional Tet remains beautiful, but as society evolves, customs must also adapt to align with contemporary life.
Above The work “On the first morning of Tet, I went to draw Hang Chieu street”. Photo: Thao Hien
The work “On the first morning of Tet, I went to draw Hang Chieu street”. Photo: Thao Hien
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According to Trinh Lu, while Tet has evolved over time, the essence of the Vietnamese soul has remained unchanged. In the past, people lived in harmony with nature, attuned to the rhythms of the seasons, and Tet served as a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year. Today, despite the rapid advancements in technology and AI, human nature remains unchanged.
“I believe that our continued attachment to Tet demonstrates the depth of our humanity,” says Lu. “Those who live in harmony with nature, in tune with the cycles of the earth and sky, are truly human. Unlike AI and machines, we need moments of pause to restore balance in our lives. Tet, therefore, is not just a holiday but an essential part of the Vietnamese soul. In the West, such holidays have become heavily commercialised, which underscores the stark cultural differences between the two regions,” he says.
Read more: Tet-Ta: Lucky cultural dishes in Asia
Above “Regardless of how society evolves, Tet remains a time for us to reconnect with our roots and cherish moments with loved ones,” says translator and artist Trinh Lu. Photo: Thao Hien
“Regardless of how society evolves, Tet remains a time for us to reconnect with our roots and cherish moments with loved ones,” says translator and artist Trinh Lu. Photo: Thao Hien
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Whether in the past or today, the heart of Tet has always been the value of reunion. Travel, gatherings, and New Year wishes all serve the purpose of bringing people closer together. Regardless of how society evolves, Tet remains a time for us to reconnect with our roots and cherish moments with loved ones. Today, Tet no longer adheres to the old patterns, yet the enduring beauty of its past values remains, adapting to the fast-paced rhythms of modern life. As we journey along new paths, we continue to carry the spirit of Tet with us, ensuring that each step marks a meaningful beginning for the year ahead.
Read more: Tet-Ta: How Gen Z turns Tet into a traditional art "gallery"
Tet: The Heart of Vietnamese Identity
Above Painter Trinh Lu believes that Tet is more than just a holiday—it is an integral part of the Vietnamese soul. Photo: Thao Hien
Painter Trinh Lu believes that Tet is more than just a holiday—it is an integral part of the Vietnamese soul. Photo: Thao Hien
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From ancient times to the present, Vietnamese artists have passionately depicted the zodiac animals, reflecting a deep connection with the culture, life, and spirituality of the Vietnamese people. Trinh Lu explains that each zodiac animal is not only a symbol of the life, qualities, and stories of the Vietnamese people but also carries spiritual significance, representing luck, peace, and hope for the new year. This highlights how art continues to maintain the bond between humanity and nature, resisting the trends of industrialisation and commercialisation. The fusion of modern and traditional art ensures that the cultural values of the nation remain alive, despite the passage of time.
At the 7th season of the “My Zodiac” project, held at the Centre for Culture and Arts (22 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi), which honours the symbolic mascots of traditional Tet, Trinh Lu notes that every year, artists produce new and exciting works on this timeless theme. Even after many years abroad, Vietnamese people continue to carry with them a rich and indelible cultural heritage. One fortunate aspect is that traditional art remains preserved, free from commercialisation or replacement by AI, retaining the essence of “organic life” and a connection to nature. Therefore, Tet cannot truly be complete without the people who keep its spirit alive.
Above Translator and artist Trinh Lu speaks at the event for “My Zodiac” season 7, held in the days leading up to Tet in Hanoi. Photo: Thao Hien
Above Trinh Lu signs a desk calendar of the late artist Trinh Huu Ngoc. Photo: Thao Hien
Translator and artist Trinh Lu speaks at the event for “My Zodiac” season 7, held in the days leading up to Tet in Hanoi. Photo: Thao Hien
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Tet provides an opportunity for the Vietnamese people to express their love for culture and family through art. Each year, the zodiac animals are depicted by artists, and while the methods of expression evolve, the “human quality” in every stroke remains constant. From familiar creatures to sacred symbols, Tet art is not just a visual representation but a spiritual and cultural message.
Through the profound insights of translator and artist Trinh Lu, we see that no matter how Tet evolves, its core spiritual values of reunion, family affection, and new hopes remain unchanged. These elements are essential to every Spring celebration.
Above Painting: ‘The 5th Day of Tet’. Photo: Thao Hien
Painting: ‘The 5th Day of Tet’. Photo: Thao Hien
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“I believe that no matter how developed society becomes, people will always feel the need to return to their roots. Tet will always be a time for family reunions and expressions of affection. Art, too, will continue to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the traditional values of Tet.”
READ MORE:
Tet-Ta: Spring dialogue between two generations of painters and their spouses
Tet-Ta: Discussing the paintings of the Zodiac animals in Spring with artist Dang Mau Tuu
Tet-Ta: When the scent of Omakase tea whispers cultural stories and life philosophies
