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Did you know that Tet originally lasts only three days? And the longer holidays we enjoy before or after these three days are simply an extension of the preparation and celebration. That is why you will see Vietnamese people complete the most important rituals within the first three days of Tet. These days demonstrate the deeply rooted value of this ‘Gathering Holidays’ through the byword ”Mùng Một Tết Cha, Mùng Hai Tết Mẹ, Mùng Ba Tết Thầy”.
Across these three days, gratitude is shown to those who gave us life, nurtured us, and guided us to grow. In this guide, let’s dive into the meaning of the first three days of Tet and how Vietnamese people traditionally spend them.
The Origin of The First 3 Days of Tet
In Vietnam, there is a saying that almost everyone including me grows up hearing, both at home and at school:
“Mùng một Tết cha, mùng hai Tết mẹ, mùng ba Tết thầy.”
No one truly knows where this saying originated. It has simply passed quietly from generation to generation, carried by practice rather than written record. Yet Vietnamese people continue to follow it with joy and respect, because it reflects something deeply human and deeply Vietnamese. It honors every part that shapes a person’s life, our roots, the care that raises us, and the guidance that helps us grow. This saying is not just a phrase. It is a moral compass woven into daily life.
‘Mùng 1’: The First Day of Tet, Tet of Father
The first day of Tet is dedicated to the father, who traditionally holds the highest position in Vietnamese family belief. This idea is deeply rooted in folk culture, where the father is seen as the pillar of the household. An old saying captures this clearly: “A home without a father is like a house without a roof.”
Just as a roof protects and shelters, the father is believed to safeguard the family’s stability and continuity. For this reason, many families return to the paternal side on the first day of Tet, gathering with grandparents, relatives, and ancestors from the father’s lineage.
Mung 1 is also considered the most sacred day of the year. Families carefully prepare five fruit trays and heartfelt meals to place on ancestral altars, inviting their ancestors to return home from eternity and celebrate Tet together. In many households, this is also the day chosen to visit ancestral graves. Families clean the tombs, offer fruit, drinks, and food, and respectfully ask their ancestors to come home and welcome the new year with them.
Another important tradition on this day is visiting homes. Vietnamese families pay special attention to who enters their house first in the new year, a practice known as ‘xong dat’. The first guest is often chosen carefully, usually someone of the same age or older, believed to have good fortune and positive energy. It is thought that this person’s presence will influence the family’s luck, health, and prosperity for the entire year.
‘Mùng 2’: The Second Day of Tet, Tet of Mother
The second day of Tet is devoted to the mother, symbolizing nurturing, warmth, and unconditional love. This day is often spent visiting maternal relatives, strengthening bonds, sharing meals, and expressing gratitude to the mother’s side of the family. Families may also honor deceased maternal ancestors through offerings at altars or visits to gravesites.
Mung 2 holds special meaning for married daughters. In traditional belief, once a woman marries, she becomes part of her husband’s family. Because of this, daily life often keeps her closer to her husband’s side. Tet offers a rare and precious chance to return home. The second day is when families visit the wife’s parents, allowing daughters to reunite with their roots, sometimes after long periods away.
Unlike the busier first day, Mung 2 is gentler and more intimate. After visits, people prefer to stay home, talk, reconnect, and share stories. Conversations stretch long into the afternoon, laughter fills the house, and affection is expressed not through rituals, but through presence. This quiet togetherness reflects exactly what the second day stands for: love, care, and emotional connection.
‘Mùng 3’: The Third Day of Tet, Tet of Teacher
The third day of Tet is dedicated to teachers, honoring their role in shaping knowledge, character, and values. This reflects the Vietnamese principle of “Ton su trong dao”, which emphasizes deep respect for education and those who provide it. Teachers are often regarded as second parents, people who help raise a child into a responsible and thoughtful adult.
On this day, students visit their teachers or send wishes and gifts to express gratitude for their guidance. It is a reminder that success in life is not achieved alone, but built through the patience and wisdom of those who teach us.
Mung 3 also marks the closing of Tet within the family. A final offering is prepared for the ancestors, symbolizing the last shared meal of the holiday. It is a moment of quiet reflection, a farewell to the ancestors as they return to eternity. After this, family members are free to step back into the outside world, to meet friends, attend festivals, and enjoy the lively spirit of spring beyond the home.
More and More Vietnamese Traditional Stories Are Waiting to Knock on Your Door
These three days of Tet hold profound spiritual and cultural meaning. They teach respect for family, gratitude for love, and appreciation for guidance. Rather than searching too hard for the historical origin of these traditions, perhaps understanding their emotional weight is enough. They remind us who we are, where we come from, and who helped us become the person we are today.
At Jackfruit Adventure, we do not only share folk tales on the page, but also bring them to life through immersive adventures across Ho Chi Minh City in our Saigon city tours. Book a tour with us today and experience Vietnamese traditions, customs, and local behaviors with your own eyes.
