Early spring sprouts new
life after the dull winter months. Tet usually comes with a grey sky
still, the leftover of the harsh cold winter. But when the occasional
sun pierces through that cloud, it brings a wave of golden warmth that
all manages to chase away the gloominess still linger in people’s mind.
For the poetic composer in all of us, the days leading up to Tet are
often drowned in a hazy mist that makes even the most common thing
surreal. When the sun lights up the day and warms the heart, one knows
that Tet is finally coming.
Morning dew in Tet's branch
Tet
is like rain coming down on the small alleys. Everyone seems able to
hear its rhythm, and feel its touch. And it’s just like a warm
refreshing rain, Tet urges people to hurry for the unfinished tasks,
while at the same time slow down to be more careful and listening to
changes in the air. Tet is not a torrential shower though, since it
brings up smile on every face. Streets will choke with travelers all day
long, but honks will not blare like usual. Everyone is onto something,
but one can hardly see an unhappy face, for it is a time to rejoice and
look forward to a new beginning.
As the blooming peach brightens
days in the north, and golden apricot further heats up the sunlight of
the south, the people of Vietnam are in full overdrive mode to prepare
for Tet. Just about when families bid farewell and send red carps to
accompany the kitchen gods to heaven, streets will take up a new vibrant
coat. The flowers come to town, in bicycle-driven carts to bring Tet to
each and every family, and public space is utilized to add the most
dazzling colorful ones to shine in the dull concrete jungle. This year
has been fruitful for the flower farmers, since temperate weather yields
a good crop. By the sheer number of trees and the beaming smiles, the
New Year will sure make some very happy.
Busy shopping scenes just before Tet
It
is a custom of the old days, but still very alive even now. Tet is a
fresh start, and one has to come into the New Year full and abundantly.
People will buy and sell a lot more in the days leading up to Tet.
Perhaps it is another reason smiles are beaming on everyone. The
occasion can make the most prudent savers spending a bit. There are a
lot of activities going on, which convinces some that preparing for Tet
is actually the best part of it.
In a twist of the thoughtful
mind, some comment on a tough time in the year of the cat and how that
can turn on a good Tet. The economic downturn has not spared many, and
some will indeed have a less-abundant Tet than the previous year, but a
meager Tet is indeed a more joyful Tet. It is a break for the people to
actually ease from all the hardship that they have endured for an entire
year. It will be a new beginning. The milestone is reached, and one has
hope for a better day. Tet shall bring much hope for prosperity in the
new year of the Dragon. After all, it is hope that can give even the
most unfortunates the will to carry on. And it is Hope that Tet offers
plenty.
Wait for the incense to fill every corner of the land! It
is an unmistakable trademark scent that reminds every Vietnamese soul
of her beloved New Year.
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