Describe an important holiday that is celebrated in your country
You should say
when this celebration takes place
what people do during this celebration
what you especially like and dislike about this celebration
and explain why it is important
Among the various national holidays in Vietnam, Tet, normally observed in late January or early and mid-February, is definitely the most important festival and it holds significant meaning as it’s not just the time when the old year is over and the new year is celebrated. It’s the quality time to spend with our nearest and dearest that makes Tet so special and unique.
By tradition, houses are thoroughly cleaned in preparation for Tet. People also purchase many kinds of plants, trees and flowers like kumquat trees, peach blossom or apricot blossom to decorate their houses. In addition, many Vietnamese prepare for Tet by cooking some delicacies such as square sticky rice cake, dried bamboo shoot soup, jellied meat or caramelized pork and eggs. Sweet treats like dried candied fruits or seeds and nuts are also displayed for sale in local street markets as well as supermarkets or shopping malls.
There are certain things to observe during Tet and of course so many things to avoid. The fireworks start on New Year's Eve and many Vietnamese people, especially the younger generations tend to flock to some popular locations like Nguyen Hue Walking Street to watch these and celebrate the beginning of a brand-new year. Also, according to tradition, first-footing on New Year's Eve is deemed crucial as this can influence the new year's fortune. Vietnamese people often wish each other peace, health, luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. For many children, however, the very special thing that they often look forward to is receiving lucky money in red envelopes from the older family members or guests.
There are some taboos as well. Sweeping during Tet is considered unlucky as it means sweeping away all the luck. What’s more, it’s not a good idea for anyone who experienced a recent loss of a family member to visit others during Tet.
I reckon that Tet means a lot to me and the dearest people in my life. It’s not just a celebration of a new year, but it’s more like a time for reunions, a moment to reflect (up)on what's happened and prepare for the fresh starts, and most importantly, an occasion to enjoy ourselves, recharge our batteries as well as cherish the most valuable things in life.
Vocabulary
observe sth : ăn mừng (1 lễ hội nào đó)
hold significant meaning : có ý nghĩa quan trọng
quality time : khoảng thời gian dành trọn cho ai đó
one’s nearest and dearest : những người thân trong gia đình và bạn bè thân thiết
by tradition = according to tradition : theo như truyền thống
thoroughly : kĩ lưỡng, kĩ càng
kumquat trees : cây quất, cây tắc
peach blossom : hoa đào
apricot blossom : hoa mai
delicacies : các món đặc sản, món ăn đặc trưng
square sticky rice cake : bánh chưng
dried bamboo shoot soup : canh măng
jellied meat : thịt đông
caramelized pork and eggs : thịt kho tàu
sweet treats : các món ngọt ăn vặt
dried candied fruits : mứt Tết
fireworks : trình diễn pháo hoa
flock : đổ xô đến đâu đó
first-footing : tục xông đất đầu năm
be deemed crucial : được xem là rất quan trọng
new year's fortune : vận may trong năm mới
prosperity : sự giàu có, thịnh vượng
upcoming : sắp tới, sắp đến
lucky money : tiền lì xì, tiền mừng tuổi
red envelopes : phong bì đỏ
taboos : những điều cấm kị, kiêng kị
sweeping : quét nhà
reunions : những cuộc đoàn tụ
reflect (up)on sth : suy ngẫm về gì đó
fresh starts : những khởi đầu mới
recharge one’s batteries : nạp lại năng lượng
cherish sth : trân trọng, trân quý điều gì đó
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