That time usually falls in the 12th lunar month, which is one month before the Lunar New Year. This is a time to rest and relax after a year of hard work. At the same time, Tet is also a time for families to reunite, children and grandchildren show gratitude and respect to their ancestors and pray for a peaceful and happy new year.

Unique features of the traditional New Year of the Mong people

Mong people is more than 53% of the population in Sapa. In recent years, the Mong people's Tet culture has changed a bit. They choose to celebrate Tet at the same time as the Lunar New Year so it is convenient for their children, grandchildren, and relatives who go to school or work far away to come home and celebrate with their families. However, they still keep the traditional Tet customs of their people.

For the Mong people, the altar is very sacred, a place to worship ancestors and house ghosts. Therefore, every year during Tet, they will clean and redecorate, hoping that luck and peace will come to their family in the new year.

The atmosphere on the days leading up to Tet is always bustling throughout the villages in Sapa. Young and old, male and female, everyone has their own job. Men repair houses and prepare chicken and pork to reserve for Tet. Women quickly weave new brocade costumes and blankets for the whole family; clean up as well as prepare special Tet dishes. Children play happily, eagerly waiting to wear new clothes to welcome Tet and taste delicious dishes.

Whenever we see chunks of sausage or pieces of fresh or smoked meat hanging in the kitchen, we realize that the Mong people have almost completed the preparation stage.

Bich Ngoc