What Is Tet Decoration? Meaning, Origin, and Vietnamese New Year Decorating Customs

New year approaches. Not only does it beautify the home, but Tet decoration also carries spiritual meaning, feng shui symbolism, and long-standing traditions.

To better understand why Vietnamese people place great importance on decorating their homes for Tet, let’s explore what Tet Decoration is, its meaning and origin, and the role this activity plays in the spiritual life of Vietnamese families.

The Concept of Tet Decoration in Vietnamese Culture

Tet decoration is the process of refreshing, arranging, and embellishing living spaces with items symbolizing spring and good fortune. Familiar Tet decoration items such as yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai), peach blossoms (hoa đào), kumquat trees, red parallel sentences, Tet paintings, lucky money envelopes, lanterns, and other traditional accessories all contribute to the lively atmosphere of the New Year season.

Changes in how Vietnamese people “prepare their homes for the new year” across different periods reflect a blend of tradition and modernity. In the past, Tet decoration relied mainly on rustic materials and folk symbols, whereas Tet decor today is more diverse and modernized.

While some families continue to preserve traditional styles, many others prefer minimalistic or simple yet elegant decoration to match modern living spaces.

For the Vietnamese, Tet decoration is not merely aesthetic. It is also:

• A way to welcome new energy and leave behind the misfortune of the old year
• An expression of respect toward ancestors during the family reunion season
• A sign of care and hospitality when welcoming the New Year
• An essential part of creating warmth, togetherness, and the festive Tet spirit within the family

Therefore, despite changes over time, the tradition of Tet decoration remains strong and continues across generations with increasing creativity.

The Origin and Formation of Tet Decoration Practices

Tet decoration did not emerge randomly but developed from long-standing customs of Vietnam’s agricultural communities. Every decorative element is tied to folk beliefs, spiritual symbolism, and feng shui concepts that have existed for thousands of years.

Connected to the Custom of Cleaning and Arranging the Home

The origin of Tet decoration dates back to the tradition of cleaning the house at the end of the year. According to the concept of “sending off the old and welcoming the new,” a clean, tidy home symbolizes the removal of bad luck and the welcome of blessings.

• A neat home attracts good fortune.
• A clean space respectfully invites ancestors to return for reunion
• A bright and tidy home signals a prosperous new year

Thus, cleaning and decorating the house become essential rituals before the new year arrives.

Symbolism and Folk Beliefs

Beyond refreshing the space, Vietnamese people decorate their homes based on auspicious symbols. Colors, items, and layout choices all stem from the belief that they bring prosperity, peace, and luck to the family. Among these, the color red plays a special role, symbolizing life, luck, and the ability to ward off negativity.

The Role of Tet Decoration in Vietnamese Spiritual Life

Tet decoration holds special significance because it not only beautifies the space but also evokes cultural and emotional values.

• Evokes the feeling of reunion and the Tet atmosphere: Just a peach blossom branch, an apricot tree, or a few red hanging ornaments can awaken the spirit of Tet.
• Creates motivation and positive energy: A refreshed, vibrant space helps people feel uplifted and optimistic about the new year.
• Preserves memories and traditions: Through items such as apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, red couplets, or the five-fruit tray, younger generations learn about Tet traditions.

Expresses personal style: In 2026, Tet decoration is diverse, allowing each family to show their unique aesthetic: traditional, minimalist, modern, vintage, or themed concepts.

Core Elements of a Tet-Themed Space

1. Tet Flowers and Plants

Apricot blossoms symbolize prosperity, peach blossoms represent peace, and kumquat trees represent wealth and abundance.
Primary Colors:

• • Red: luck and auspiciousness
  • Yellow: prosperity and richness
  • Green: freshness and hope

2. Parallel Sentences and Tet Paintings

They contain blessings, wisdom, and cultural beauty.

3. Lanterns, Hanging Ornaments, and Accessories

These brighten the space and enhance the festive mood.

4. Ancestral Altar and Five-Fruit Tray

This sacred space reflects filial piety and the connection between past and present.

5. Cleanliness and Tidiness

The most essential foundation of Tet preparation.

6. Changes in Tet Decoration Across Different Periods

• In the past:
  Decorations were mainly traditional items, such as handmade paper flowers, Đông Hồ paintings, handwritten parallel sentences, lamps, and rustic crafts.
• In the modern era:
  Industrially produced items appeared-string lights, decorative fireworks, wall decals, mascot models, and feng shui accessories.
• Today:
  Trends lean toward harmony between tradition and modernity with eco-friendly materials, minimalist concepts, and color-themed decor (red–yellow, green–white, pastel, etc.).

Tips for Effective Tet Decoration

• Identify a decor style that fits your space
• Avoid overusing accessories
• Choose items with feng shui meaning
• Use harmonious colors, especially red and yellow
• Keep your space clean and tidy
• Respect sacred areas such as the ancestral altar
  Incorporate traditional items to preserve cultural values.

Where to Buy Tet Decorations and Tet 2026 Items at Good Prices?

You can visit FAHASA bookstores nationwide to purchase Tet decorations, Tet gift baskets, lucky money envelopes, 2026 calendars, and more. You can also order through the fahasa.com  web or app for fast delivery.

Conclusion

Tet becomes more meaningful when each person personally prepares decorations that create a warm and festive atmosphere for the new year. If you are looking for high-quality, diverse Tet decor products with strong spring vibes, FAHASA is always ready to help you create a beautiful and fulfilling Tet space.

FAHASA CORPORATION