TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC THƯƠNG MẠI

KHOA TIẾNG TRUNG QUỐC

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BÀI THẢO LUẬN

HỌC PHẦN: TIẾNG ANH CHUYÊN NGÀNH 1

TOPIC: HOLIDAY: PREPARATION, BENEFITS, PROBLEMS

- TET HOLIDAY -

Giảng viên hướng dẫn : Vũ Thị Thanh Hoa

Nhóm thực hiện : 04
Lớp học phần : 241_ENTI1011_54

Hà Nội, 2024
STT Tên thành viên MSV Nhiệm vụ Đánh giá

29 Lê Thanh Lan 22D107093 Làm nội dung, làm Hoàn thành

word
30 Nguyễn Ngọc Lan 22D150084 Làm nội dung Hoàn thành

31 Dương Thị Hồng Linh 22D107096 Làm nội dung Hoàn thành

32 Lê Thùy Linh 22D107099 Làm nội dung Hoàn thành

33 Nguyễn Diệu Linh 22D107100 Làm nội dung Hoàn thành

34 Nguyễn Diệu Linh 22D107101 Làm nội dung Hoàn thành

25 Nguyễn Thị Khánh Linh 22D107104 Làm PPT Hoàn thành

36 Phạm Thùy Linh 22D107107 Làm nội dung Hoàn thành

37 Trịnh Thị Thùy Linh 22D107112 Làm nội dung Hoàn thành

CỘNG HÒA XÃ HỘI CHỦ NGHĨA VIỆT NAM

 Độc lập – Tự do – Hạnh phúc

BIÊN BẢN HỌP NHÓM

1. Thời gian, địa điểm

- Thời gian: 22h00, thứ bảy ngày 30 tháng 09 năm 2024.

- Cuộc họp của nhóm 04 diễn ra trực tuyến trên ứng dụng Google Meet.

2. Thành phần tham dự

- Đầy đủ 9 thành viên của nhóm 04.

3. Nội dung cuộc họp

- Triển khai đề tài thảo luận của nhóm, nhóm trưởng đề xuất đề cương bài thảo luận
của nhóm.

- Các thành viên trong nhóm đưa ra ý kiến, góp ý về đề cương.

- Thống nhất đề cương hoàn chỉnh, nhóm trưởng phân công công việc và thời gian
hoàn thành công việc cho các thành viên trong nhóm.

Nhóm trưởng

(Ký, ghi rõ họ tên)

Lan

Lê Thanh Lan
 MỤC LỤC
I. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................1
II. MAIN CONTENT...................................................................................................2
2.1. Preparation.........................................................................................................2
2.1.1. Shopping for preparation.............................................................................2
2.1.2. Preparing food..............................................................................................2
2.1.3. Decorating street and houses........................................................................3
2.1.4. Prepare offerings and worship ancestors.....................................................4
2.2. Benefits................................................................................................................5
2.2.1. Tet is a time for reunion...............................................................................5
2.2.2. Develop the national economy......................................................................6
2.2.3. Preserving cultural identity..........................................................................7
2.2.4. Creating beautiful memories........................................................................8
2.3. Problems..............................................................................................................9
2.3.1. Financial pressure........................................................................................9
2.3.2. Traffic problems..........................................................................................10
2.3.3. Psychological pressure................................................................................11
2.3.4. Illegal Acts During Tet...............................................................................13
2.3.5. Environmental issues..................................................................................14
III. CONCLUSION....................................................................................................16
 I. INTRODUCTION

Holidays indeed play a crucial role in the cultural and social fabric of societies.
They offer a pause from the daily routine, allowing individuals and communities to
commemorate historical events, honor religious traditions, or celebrate national
milestones. These special days foster a sense of unity and shared heritage, providing
an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and joyous gatherings.

Holidays around the world reflect diverse traditions and histories. In Japan, the
Obon Festival honors ancestors with lantern lighting and traditional dances. Mexico
celebrates Día de los Muertos with vibrant festivities, honoring the dead with colorful
altars and sugar skulls. The United States' Thanksgiving focuses on gratitude,
commemorating a historical feast between Native Americans and Pilgrims. These
holidays strengthen cultural identity and community bonds, showcasing the richness
of global traditions.

In Vietnam, the most awaited holiday is Tet, the Lunar New Year, which
signifies the start of spring and brings families together to honor ancestors, celebrate
new beginnings, and wish for prosperity. Cities and villages are adorned with
decorations like peach blossoms and red lanterns symbolizing luck and renewal.
Before Tet, bustling markets sell traditional foods like bánh chưng and bánh tét,
essential for celebrations. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a feast and midnight
prayers to welcome blessings for the new year. Tet's spirit, deeply rooted in
Vietnamese culture, highlights the importance of family, gratitude, and hope for the
future, making it a cherished time for all Vietnamese people.

Tet Nguyen Dan is the most important festival in Vietnamese culture, marking
the end of a farming cycle and the beginning of a new year, with hopes for a bountiful
harvest. The festival also involves worshiping ancestors and deities, particularly the
Kitchen Gods, who report to the Jade Emperor. Influenced by Chinese culture, Tet
follows the lunar calendar. Over time, the festival has evolved into a time for
expressing gratitude and wishing for prosperity in the coming year. It combines
traditional beliefs and customs, creating a unique cultural identity for the Vietnamese
people.
 II. MAIN CONTENT

2.1. Preparation

2.1.1. Shopping for preparation

To prepare for the traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year, it is necessary to

buy many kinds of things. Including decorations such as peach blossoms, apricot
blossoms and kumquat trees to decorate the house. If peach blossoms are considered
the symbol of Tet in the North, apricot blossoms are the soul of Tet in the South.
Vietnamese people believe that these plants not only have high aesthetic value but
also symbolize fertility, signaling a new year of harmony, peace and prosperity. The
indispensable things on the traditional Tet holiday in Vietnam, considered as the
culture of thousands of years of the Vietnamese people, are banh chung, banh tet and
fruits to offer to the ancestral altar.

In addition, Tet is also an occasion to buy new clothes because wearing new,
clean clothes to welcome the New Year means getting rid of the old and welcoming
the new. Giving lucky money in a red envelope is a beautiful cultural feature
symbolizing wishes for luck, health, and success in work and study. So red envelopes
are a must-buy during the year-end holidays. Gifts for family are also necessary if you
live far away from your hometown. You should buy special gifts such as fruits,
candies, wine, tea, etc.

2.1.2. Preparing food

One of the most important aspects of Tet is food. Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar
New Year, is a time for family, celebration and of course delicious food. The most
traditional and popular dishes that you will see on the Vietnamese New Year table are
Banh Chung, Xoi Gac, Pork sausage, Nem Ran, etc. And we also need to buy the
necessary ingredients to make these special dishes. For Banh Chung, you need to
prepare sticky rice, pork, green beans and banana leaves. Xoi Gac is made from sticky
rice and Gac fruit. Crispy spring rolls need to prepare pork, shrimp, vegetables, herbs
and other additives needed when cooking. Tet jam is indispensable and diverse. Jam is
often bought according to personal and family preferences such as mango, kumquat,
tamarind, coconut and ginger. Jam is a specialty of Vietnam and is used all year
round, not just during Tet. Dishes can vary depending on regional preferences and
family traditions.
2.1.3. Decorating street and houses

Decorating streets and houses for Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is an
essential part of the holiday, symbolizing the welcoming of a prosperous and lucky
new year. The decorations are steeped in cultural traditions and full of bright, festive
colors.

1. Streets Decoration

- Colorful Lanterns: Streets are lined with red, yellow, and gold lanterns, which
symbolize happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. These lanterns are often hung
along roads, on trees, or in public squares.

- Kumquat Trees and Peach Blossoms: Kumquat trees and peach blossom branches
are placed along major streets. The kumquat tree symbolizes wealth and luck, while
peach blossoms represent renewal and peace.

- Banners and Flags: Streets are adorned with Tet banners that carry traditional wishes
like “Happy New Year”. Red and gold banners represent wealth and happiness.

- Light Displays: LED light decorations in the shape of zodiac animals (for the
corresponding year) or dragons and phoenixes are hung across busy streets.

- Flower Markets and Festivals: Public spaces, parks, and streets may have flower
markets, showcasing different blossoms associated with Tet such as apricot blossoms,
symbolizing prosperity in the southern part of Vietnam.

2. Houses Decoration

- Kumquat Trees and Apricot Blossoms: Families will place apricot blossoms (in the
South) and peach blossoms (in the North) in their homes. The flowers symbolize
wealth and happiness. These trees are decorated with lucky envelopes, red ribbons,
and gold ornaments.

- New Year Couplets: Parallel sentences (câu đối) written in calligraphy on red paper
are placed beside or above doorways. These couplets usually express best wishes for
the new year.
- Altars: Homes typically have an altar dedicated to ancestors or deities. During Tet,
families clean and decorate altars with fresh fruits (like watermelon, bananas, or
pomelos), flowers, and incense.

- Bright Lighting: Homes are illuminated with bright lights and candles, symbolizing
warmth and inviting luck and prosperity into the household.

- Popular Tet symbols:

❖ Lucky Money: Decorated with paper envelopes, representing fortune for
the upcoming year.
❖ Five-fruit Tray (Mâm Ngũ Quả): Each fruit symbolizes different wishes,
such as wealth, health, and peace.

The decorations for Tet bring an air of festivity, symbolizing the hope for a
prosperous, lucky, and happy new year while honoring the deep cultural roots of
Vietnam.

2.1.4. Prepare offerings and worship ancestors

In Vietnam, the Tet holiday is the most significant celebration, and ancestor
worship is a key element of this tradition. Prepare offerings and worship ancestors
during Tet:

1. Clean and decorate the Altar

- Clean the ancestral altar: Days before Tet, the family should clean and rearrange the
ancestral altar. Wipe down all altar items such as incense holders, vases, and candle
stands.

- Fresh flowers: Place fresh flowers on the altar, such as marigolds, peach blossoms,
or apricot flowers, which are symbols of Tet.

- Fruit offerings: A tray of fruits (mâm ngũ quả) is an important part of the altar setup.
Typically, five fruits are chosen for their symbolic meanings of prosperity, health, and
longevity. Common fruits include bananas, oranges, watermelons, pomelos, and
persimmons.

2. Prepare Offerings
 The offerings on Tet vary by region and family traditions, but typically include
the following traditional foods:
➢ Bánh chưng or bánh tét: These are the signature rice cakes of Tet. “Bánh
Chưng” (square-shaped) is popular in the North, and “Bánh Tét” (cylindrical)
is common in the South. Both are made from glutinous rice, pork, and mung
beans, wrapped in banana leaves.
➢ Boiled chicken: This is often considered a staple offering. The chicken should
be whole and beautifully presented.
➢ Joss paper: Burn offerings of joss paper, symbolic money, or other paper items
to honor the ancestors.
➢ Incense: Light incense as an essential element of the offering ceremony.

3. Worship Ritual

- Invite the ancestors: On the eve of Tet, the family gathers around the altar to invite
the ancestors to return home and celebrate with the family. This is done with prayers,
bowing, and the lighting of incense. Each family member may make their own wishes
for the new year.

- Light incense and offer food: After lighting the incense, the family places the food
offerings on the altar, which could include bánh chưng, fruits, tea, and other dishes.
The food is meant for the ancestors to "enjoy" during the celebration.

- Prayers: Each family member may say a prayer, expressing gratitude to the ancestors
and asking for blessings, health, and prosperity in the new year.

4. After the Worship

After the incense burns out, it is believed that the ancestors have finished
"eating," and the family can now take down the food from the altar to share with each
other, symbolizing togetherness and blessings passed from ancestors.

Offerings throughout Tet: During the first few days of the Tet, incense is
burned regularly, and additional offerings are made. Some families perform offerings
daily until the end of the first lunar month.

2.2. Benefits

2.2.1. Tet is a time for reunion

Tet Holiday is considered an occasion for reunion because

- According to the concept of Vietnamese people, Tet is a day of reunion, an

opportunity for people far from their hometown to return to gather with their families,
relatives and friends.

- Tet holiday is also an occasion for Vietnamese people to express their love and
connection with their families and relatives. People often gather together, prepare for
Tet, wish each other a happy New Year, give gifts, etc. These activities have helped
strengthen family and village relationships, creating a united and close-knit society.

- Besides, Tet is also a day of reunion with the deceased. On the evening of New
Year's Eve, families gather for a festive dinner and light incense to invite the spirits of
their ancestor and departed loved one which honors their presence, invites them to
share in the festivities and take part in the meal with their descendants. This profound
ritual is a beautiful expression of ancestor worship deeply rooted in Vietnamese
culture.

In short, Tet is an occasion for family members to gather, share happy moments
together, help strengthen family affection, and at the same time help strengthen
relationships between generations.

2.2.2. Develop the national economy

Tet contributes to the development of the national economy because:

- During Tet, people's shopping needs increase. From food, clothes, decorations, to
other consumer goods, all are purchased in large quantities to prepare for this big
holiday.

- To meet the increasing market demand, businesses and manufacturers must increase
production and business. This makes production and business activities more vibrant
and creates more job opportunities, thereby helping to promote economic
development.

- Promotional activities are increased: During Tet holiday, businesses often launch
many promotional programs and discounts to attract more customers. This not only
helps businesses increase revenue but also stimulates people's shopping needs.

- Promote the development of tourism and services: During Tet, many families will
certainly plan to travel for fun and relaxation, and there will also be families who plan
to go to temples and pagodas at the beginning of the year to pray for luck and peace
for the following year. In addition, there are many foreign tourists, especially those
from Western countries - where there is no Lunar New Year - who also come to
Vietnam during this time to experience. This has promoted the development of
tourism and services, creating many jobs and income for localities.

- Create sources of income: To meet the diverse needs of the Tet market, many
industries such as trading apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, kumquat trees, etc. have
been formed and only formed during this Tet holiday. This contributes to bringing a
large source of income to some people, helping to stabilize the people's economy.

In short, Lunar New Year is not only an occasion for family reunion but also a
strong driving force to boost the economy, create many job opportunities and
contribute to improving people's quality of life.

2.2.3. Preserving cultural identity

Depending on each region or according to different beliefs, religions and

customs, traditional Tet in each locality also has different features. However, Tet
customs are generally divided into three periods, including: the days before the new
year, New Year’s Eve, and the first days of the new year. Outstanding activities in the
festival include worshiping “Ong Cong, Ong Tao” (Land Genie and Kitchen Gods),
wrapping “banh chung" (square glutinous rice cake) and “banh tet" (cylindrical sticky
rice cake).

In addition, Vietnamese people celebrate Tet with joyful and healthy activities
such as wrestling, cloth ball throwing, swinging, boat racing, buffalo fighting and
horse racing. The most sacred moment is New Year’s Eve when family members
gather to welcome the new year, talk about the gains and losses of the past year and
discuss how to do business to make the coming year better. In addition, Vietnamese
people have the custom of first footing on New Year’s Eve.

In the traditional culture of Vietnamese New Year, folk games are

indispensable for children. Depending on the culture and custom of each locality and
region, there will be different folk games. For example, in Northern Vietnam, children
often participate in folk games such as swinging, throwing cotton ball game, human
chess, etc. while wrestling, mandarin square capturing, dragon-snake game, lion
dance, etc. are popular in Southern Vietnam.

For Vietnamese people, Tet usually takes place on three main days, but a week
before that, people are busy shopping for Tet. The typical flower that people in the
northern and central regions celebrate Tet with is peach blossom, while southerners
prefer apricot blossom. Five-fruit tray is also an indispensable decoration of
Vietnamese people. There is also a difference between the North and the South.
Because, the typical five-fruit tray of northern people is pomelo, banana, mango,
tangerine and chili. In the South, locals often choose custard apple, fig, coconut,
papaya and mango.

Besides, Vietnamese people often visit scenic spots, temples and pagodas
during Tet. Festivals associated with famous sacred temples and pagodas attract the
participation of a large number of Buddhists and visitors from all over the country
who come to pray for peace and prosperity in the new year.

2.2.4. Creating beautiful memories

Memories are a crucial part of Tet, and the ones you create during this special
holiday fill your life with richness and meaning. Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New
Year, is not just a time of celebration; it’s a time for reflection, family bonding, and
creating unforgettable memories that shape the way you view the world and yourself.
Experiencing Tet brings excitement and fulfillment in three significant stages:

The anticipation before Tet: As the holiday approaches, there’s a tangible sense
of excitement in the air. Homes are cleaned, streets are filled with stalls selling apricot
blossoms, peach flowers, and kumquat trees, and families start preparing traditional
foods like Chung cake and sugar-coated fruit. The buildup to Tet fills your heart with
hope and positivity as you look forward to reconnecting with family, sharing meals,
and participating in meaningful rituals. Even before Tet begins, the spirit of the
holiday brings you joy, as you anticipate the blessings and happiness that the new year
will bring.

The joy during Tet: When Tet arrives, it’s a time of pure joy and togetherness.
Everywhere you look, there’s a feeling of celebration. Whether you’re sitting around
the family table enjoying traditional dishes, visiting loved ones to exchange good
wishes, or joining in the lively lion dances and fireworks, Tet offers moments of
happiness and connection. The streets are alive with laughter, children eagerly wait for
their lucky money, and families take the time to pay respects to their ancestors. It’s a
time to recharge your spirit, soak in the culture, and be reminded of what truly
matters-family, love, and unity.

The memories you take home: After Tet, the memories you’ve made become
treasures that you carry with you. They stay etched in your heart—whether it’s the
image of your family gathered around the ancestral altar, the smell of incense
mingling with the sounds of prayers, or the laughter shared during holiday games.
These memories are not just moments in time but are gifts that keep on giving.
Whether captured in photos or held in your heart, the memories of Tet remind you of
your roots, your connections, and the beauty of tradition.

Tet memories, whether they are about family gatherings, the warmth of
friendships, or the beauty of cultural experiences, are priceless. They offer a window
into the things that matter most in life-love, tradition, and connection. These memories
are the best gifts you can give to yourself and to others, as they help you live a fuller,
happier life. In looking back on your Tet experiences, you’ll see that living with your
whole heart, especially during your youth, ensures that your life is filled with joy,
meaning, and no regrets. Tet is not just a celebration; it’s a time to embrace life,
cherish your loved ones, and create memories that will bring you happiness for years
to come.

2.3. Problems

2.3.1. Financial pressure

In addition to the excitement and anticipation, when Tet comes, many people
face financial pressure due to rising costs. We often say "first comes money", a saying
that shows the importance of money. This is the time when the need to spend on
shopping. These expenses may include:

- Food shopping: This is a large expense, including traditional foods such as

banh chung, gio cha, meat, fish, fruits, candy, and drinks. These items often
increase in price during Tet, increasing financial pressure.

- Gifts and lucky money: Giving gifts to relatives, colleagues, and lucky money
to children is a traditional custom, but it also causes great spending pressure. In
particular, parents and grandparents often have to prepare lucky money for
many people.

- Home decoration and repair: Many families have the habit of decorating their
homes by buying apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, or kumquat trees to
display, repairing items to prepare for the New Year, this is also a significant
expense.

- Travel or return home: For those who are far from home, buying train, bus, or
plane tickets to return to reunite with family is a large expense. Increased
 demand can cause ticket prices to double or more, causing additional financial
burdens.

- Party and ceremony expenses: Family parties and meetings with friends during
Tet are also a significant expense. In addition, preparations for the worship of
Ong Cong, Ong Tao, ancestors, and New Year's Eve also require a lot of
expenses for offerings.

For those with low or unstable incomes, financial pressure becomes even
heavier. The end of the year is the time when very few companies recruit, the labor
market will fluctuate less because employees and companies are in a stable phase to
complete all the goals of that company, employees try to stick together to get Tet
bonuses.

In addition, many people also feel pressured by the expectations of society and
family to organize Tet in a "full" and "luxurious" way. Especially for young people,
those who are just entering the labor market, whose jobs are not yet stable, they are
often compared with each other in terms of salary, using that as a standard of success.
This leads to many people having to borrow money or cut back on spending after Tet,
causing them to fall into debt.

2.3.2. Traffic problems

Traffic congestion during Tet is a very common phenomenon in Vietnam,

especially in big cities and main roads connecting provinces and cities. The main
cause of this situation is the sharp increase in the number of people returning to their
hometowns to reunite with their families or go on vacation.

During the period before and after Tet, the demand for travel increases
dramatically, causing roads, bus stations, train stations, and airports to become
overloaded. Motorbikes, cars, and buses are all crowded, causing prolonged
congestion on many roads. In particular, the entrances and exits of big cities such as
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are often severely congested. Flight delays at airports,
sold-out train and bus tickets, or overcrowding have become a daily occurrence during
Tet.

In addition, the deterioration of some roads, which cannot meet the increased
traffic volume, along with unfavorable weather, also contributes to making the traffic
situation more complicated. Major roads such as National Highway 1A, expressways,
and gateways to the city often experience prolonged congestion. This situation not
only causes discomfort for people but also increases the risk of traffic accidents during
Tet.

The situation of drunk driving during Tet is a serious problem, occurring

commonly in Vietnam and causing many serious consequences. During Tet, gathering
and partying with friends and family becomes an indispensable part of the culture, and
this is often accompanied by the use of alcohol. Due to the "Happy Tet" mentality,
many people still drive after drinking a lot of alcohol, despite warnings about traffic
safety. This situation contributes to an increase in the number of traffic accidents,
especially during Tet holidays. According to annual statistics, the rate of accidents
caused by drivers using alcohol accounts for a large part of the total number of traffic
accidents occurring during this time. Not only causing loss of life and property, this
behavior also puts great pressure on the health system, traffic police force and society
in general. According to the report of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security,
during the 7-day Lunar New Year holiday in 2024, there were 541 traffic accidents
nationwide, killing 214 people and injuring 504 people.

2.3.3. Psychological pressure

Stories of young people being "afraid" of Tet or "hiding" to celebrate Tet have
appeared in the past 5-6 years. There is currently no specific survey, but researchers at
the Institute of Social Life Research believe that this phenomenon often affects a
group of young people over 25 years old. This is the period when they begin to feel
pressure from expectations about starting a family, salary and bonus, and economic
pressure when Tet comes, causing young people to feel shy and find ways to escape
Tet.

- Family Expectations
Many people feel pressured to meet family expectations during Tet, such as
preparing elaborate meals, buying new clothes, and giving or receiving red envelopes.
This can create stress, especially for those who feel they cannot meet these
expectations. Especially for young people, every Tet holiday comes questions from
relatives, all of which are difficult to answer such as "Do you have a lover yet?",
"Why aren't you married yet?", "How much is your monthly salary?" and dozens of
other problems about starting a family, finances and work, this also unintentionally
causes quite a lot of pressure on young people.

- Financial Strain
The costs associated with preparing for Tet can add significant financial
pressure. Each Tet holiday also means a series of expenses such as shopping for Tet
gifts for both paternal and maternal families; gifts sent to parents; Tet clothes, even
home decoration items, bus tickets back home, etc. also have the opportunity to
increase prices. Individuals often feel forced to spend beyond their means to ensure a
joyful celebration for their family, leading to financial anxiety.

- The "war" of cleaning up

Even though you're busy at work, you're still the main "force" in the family
when you need to clean up at the end of the year, such as the intricately carved
wooden tables and chairs that can't be wiped quickly, the stove that gets greasy after
rubbing it a few times still feels greasy. ... Just that amount of cleaning makes young
people "fever" right from the subconscious when talking about Tet!

- Peer pressure
The days leading up to Tet are always the time when everyone looks back on
the past year, what they have accomplished and what unfinished goals they still have.
At the same time, this is also the time when many young people have to face "peer
pressure" when they realize that their friends around them are all successful and have
many things in their hands, while they are still "standing still" in one place, worried
about the current "modest" income level. And, this invisibly creates a feeling of "fear"
or reluctance to go home to celebrate Tet.

- Nostalgia and Loss

For many, Tet is a time of reflection and remembrance of lost loved ones. This
can evoke feelings of sadness and nostalgia, complicating the festive atmosphere.

- Cultural Obligations
The expectation to participate in various customs and traditions can lead to stress.
For example, choosing which family to visit and how to balance time among relatives
can be overwhelming.

- Travel Stress
Tet is a time when many people travel, leading to crowded transportation and
potential delays. The logistics of travel, along with the pressure to visit family, can
increase anxiety and stress.

- Work-related Pressures
The end of the year is usually the peak season, the hustle and bustle of the
atmosphere is most evident, especially in the office. Tet preparations often require
completing work at work before the holiday, work piles up in mountains, departments
are reeling with dozens of deadlines, year-end sales, and a series of summary reports
need to be completed. to the boss,... this can create a high-pressure environment and
cause us to waste a lot of energy. Returning to work after vacation can also cause
anxiety about catching up.

2.3.4. Illegal Acts During Tet

Tet is the most important traditional holiday in Vietnam, a time for families and
friends to gather and enjoy a festive atmosphere. However, alongside the excitement
and joy of the holiday, there is also a tendency for an increase in law-breaking
activities, negatively impacting public security and order. These violations not only
diminish Tet's joy but also threaten the safety of the community.

- Traffic safety violations

One of the most common violations during Tet is traffic violations. As
mentioned above, during the holiday season, the volume of traffic surges as people
travel for shopping or to reunite with their families. The consumption of alcohol
during festivities increases the risk of traffic accidents. Behaviors such as running red
lights, drunk driving, and not wearing helmets become more frequent, leading to
numerous serious accidents causing casualties and property damage.

- Theft and robbery

In addition, theft and robbery are also crimes that see a significant increase
during Tet. This is the time when people shop a lot, carrying cash or valuables, and
families often leave their homes to travel or return to their hometowns. Criminals take
advantage of this to commit thefts in public areas or private homes, causing a sense of
insecurity and anxiety within the community.

- Illegal gambling
Illegal gambling is another common problem during Tet, as people gather and
participate in games of chance such as lottery, football betting, and dice. Although the
law prohibits gambling, many people still deliberately violate it, leading to serious
consequences such as loss of property, debt, and sometimes violent disputes.
Gambling not only violates the law but also destroys family happiness and causes rifts
in social relationships.

- Illegal manufacture, sale, transport, storage and use of firecrackers

Moreover, the illegal manufacture, sale, transportation, storage, and use of
fireworks also increase during Tet. Although the state has issued a ban and imposed
penalties to ensure safety, the demand for fireworks during Tet remains high.
Especially in rural areas, the practice of setting off fireworks to create a festive
atmosphere is still common. This not only violates the law but also poses a high risk
of fire and explosion, endangering the lives and property of people. Fireworks are
considered a unique cultural feature of the traditional Vietnamese Tet. However, the
buying and using of fireworks must comply with the law to avoid endangering the
lives and health of oneself and others.

- Counterfeit goods
Furthermore, during Tet, the increased demand for shopping has created
conditions for counterfeit and fake goods to flood the market, causing losses for
consumers and damaging the reputation of genuine businesses. These products often
have similar designs to genuine products but are of poor quality, with unclear origins,
ranging from clothing and shoes to food and alcohol. The consequences of consuming
counterfeit goods not only waste money but also pose potential health risks to
consumers and erode trust in the market.

- Dirty food
Tet is also a time when people's demand for food consumption increases
significantly. Everyone wants to prepare delicious and nutritious meals to entertain
their families and friends. However, this is also when issues related to food safety
become alarming, as unscrupulous businesses take advantage of the high demand to
sell low-quality products, seriously affecting the health of consumers. Contaminated
food can include meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables treated with preservatives,
processed products of unknown origin, or expired food that is recycled for resale. The
presence of such food not only affects health but can also cause food poisoning,
leading to serious digestive problems and even death in severe cases.

- Domestic violence and public order violations

Finally, domestic violence and public disorder are also prominent issues during
Tet. Drinking sessions, family gatherings, and gatherings with friends often last long,
leading to drunkenness and loss of control. Conflicts can erupt, leading to fights,
brawls, disturbing public order, or domestic violence. These behaviors not only
destroy Tet's joyful atmosphere but also leave negative consequences for family
members and the surrounding community.

2.3.5. Environmental issues

According to data from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment,

it is estimated that more than 300 tons of household waste are generated every day on
Tet. However, only less than 18% of this is collected and processed, leading to very
serious environmental pollution after Tet. There are many reasons why localities have
not yet planned and built centralized waste treatment sites such as lack of space and
lack of funding. We can be aware of some of the consequences of Tet on the
environment as follows:

- Food waste
During Tet, there is a tendency to shop and cook a lot of food. Traditionally,
the Tet meal tray tends to be fuller and have more variety of dishes, which often leads
to a lot of food being left over and being wasted.

- Air pollution
Many families set off firecrackers and incense, increasing the concentration of
fine dust and toxic emissions in the air. This not only affects public health but also
pollutes the environment

- Use chemicals
During Tet, decorating homes with fresh flowers and ornamental plants also
leads to the use of many chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides, which negatively affect
soil and water. Besides, traditional decorations such as flowers, lanterns and neon
lights contribute to environmental degradation. Many of these items are made from
non-biodegradable materials or involve the use of toxic chemicals during the
manufacturing process.

- Transportation Emissions
During the Tet holiday, traffic often becomes congested due to the movement
of many people from and to localities. The holiday season also causes a surge in
tourism as people return to their hometowns. This increase in traffic, whether by car,
bus or plane, leads to higher carbon emissions, contributing to air pollution and
climate change.

- Water Pollution
During Tet, water usage also increases due to the need for cleaning and
cooking. This can put pressure on water resources and cause water shortages in some
areas. Besides, the disposal of waste into rivers and lakes during the celebrations can
lead to water pollution, affecting not only aquatic life but also the communities relying
on these water sources.
 III. CONCLUSION

Tet, one of the most important traditional holidays for Vietnamese people, is
more than just a time for family reunions; it's a much-needed respite and rejuvenation
after a hectic year. The preparations leading up to Tet, from decorating homes to
purchasing offerings, while joyful, demand considerable effort and meticulous
planning. Despite the inherent pressures, the spiritual essence of Tet – family bonds,
gratitude, and the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture – transcends these challenges
and remains cherished from generation to generation.

Tet is the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture, a time not only to reunite with
loved ones but also to safeguard the timeless values that have been passed down
through millennia. Let us join forces to preserve and promote the true spirit of
traditional Tet, fostering a safe, civilized, and meaningful celebration. Every small act,
from maintaining a clean environment to embracing a civilized lifestyle, contributes to
making Tet not only a source of joy for families but also a point of national pride.

Let's come together to transform Tet into an emblem of unity and

responsibility, where the joy of togetherness is intertwined with a collective sense of
duty. By cherishing our traditions and promoting our culture, we can ensure that Tet
continues to mark the beginning of a new year filled with positivity, happiness, and
prosperity!