(TAP) - After the sacred moment of New Year’s Eve, when the air still carries the breath of the old year, Vietnamese people eagerly await the custom of first footing - a ritual that begins the new year with faith, hope, and blessings. More than just a tradition, first footing is also a subtle expression of spiritual life, where people place their wishes for peace and prosperity in the journey ahead.
Traditional Tet First Footing Custom. Source: Squa Land (Pinterest)
In the flow of folk culture, first footing has long become an essential tradition whenever spring returns. Taking place at the moment of transition between the old and the new year, or on the morning of the first day of Tet, the custom is linked to ancestor worship and the belief in harmony between humans and the universe. In the past, people believed that the first guest to step across a home’s threshold would bring “fortune” to the entire family. If that person was compatible in age, open-minded, and successful in work, the host would expect a smooth and favorable year ahead.
Although each region has its own way of observing the custom, at its heart, first footing is a meeting filled with good wishes. Many families carefully choose the first visitor of the year - usually someone cheerful, with a happy family life and a stable career. They come bearing red lucky envelopes or small gifts symbolizing blessings and prosperity, offering wishes such as “thriving business”, “growing fortune and longevity”, and “success in studies”. In return, they are welcomed with a warm cup of spring tea, a glass of New Year wine, and lively conversations filled with laughter.
Compatible ages for first footing in the Year of the Horse 2026. Source: Maison Office (Pinterest)
In modern life, the custom of first footing has gradually become more relaxed. Many families let things happen naturally, viewing the first visitor as a blessing from heaven. Some homeowners even step outside and then re-enter their house after midnight, symbolically performing the first footing ritual for themselves.
Ultimately, what truly brings good fortune is the goodwill, sincerity, and positive spirit people share with one another in the first days of the year. Beyond symbolic omens, a smooth and successful year also depends on each person’s determination and steady effort. A good start can plant the seeds of motivation, but it is persistent effort that ultimately determines the sweet harvest at the end of the year.
Ngoc Giau
