Hanoi Old Quarter a hive of activity as Tet draws near

February 08, 2018 | 11:20

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The streets are brimming with busy people as they flock to local shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to prepare for the most important traditional festival of the year – the Lunar New Year (Tet).

hanoi old quarter a hive of activity as tet draws near

Foreigners enjoy the thriving atmosphere of Tet preparations on Hanoi’s streets.

Traditionally, one of the most popular destinations for many Hanoians is Hang Ma street, where they can find various types of votive offerings and decorations needed for Tet.

As Tet is several days away, Hang Ma and many other Hanoi streets are teeming with crowds of people purchasing all they need for Tet.

The 2018 Lunar New Year will be the Year of the Dog, so many decorative objects and Tet lucky envelopes are emblazoned with dog-shaped symbols.

The streets are awash with the richness of red, the colour of Tet, which represents wealth, happiness, and luck.

The vibrant and beautiful streets before Tet provide a wonderful scene for many young couples to capture their meaningful moments.

Thousands of Tet related products are offered for sale at small stalls.

Lanterns are one of the most popular decorative items during Tet as they are said to drive away bad fortune, while bringing the home owner good luck for the future.

It is easy to find the items characteristic of Tet, such as red couplets wishing for a happy New Year, decorative firecrackers, and chung (sticky rice) cake – the indispensable Tet treat of Vietnamese people.

As Tet holds a very special meaning for all Vietnamese, everyone is busy buying food, clothes, and decorations for their homes.

Many kinds of flowers and plants are used to decorate houses during this special festival, with peach blossoms and kumquat trees being particularly popular, the plants bring the hope of welcoming a new spring filled with luck and wealth.