Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant celebration in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. It is a time for family reunions, paying respects to ancestors, and making wishes for prosperity and happiness in the new year. One of the most iconic and cherished traditions during Tet is the use of câu đối (Tet couplets), which are intricately written pairs of lines that adorn homes, temples, and public spaces. These couplets are not only a decorative feature but also carry deep cultural and philosophical meanings that reflect the values, wishes, and aspirations of the Vietnamese people.

This article delves into the significance of câu đối during Tet, exploring their role in Vietnamese culture, the meanings behind common phrases, and the symbolism they convey. By examining the use of couplets in Tet celebrations, we can better understand how they represent the hopes for a prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious new year.

1. The Origins and Evolution of Tet Couplets

Couplets, or câu đối, have a long history in Vietnam, dating back to the Tang Dynasty of China (618–907). The use of poetic couplets as a literary form spread from China to Vietnam and became an integral part of Vietnamese culture. Initially, couplets were primarily used in literature, poetry, and scholarly works. However, over time, they evolved to become a significant part of festive and ceremonial life, especially during Tet.

In the past, câu đối were composed by scholars, poets, or wealthy families and written by hand with beautiful calligraphy on red paper. These couplets were often hung on doors, windows, and altars during Tet as a way to welcome the new year and invite good fortune into the home. The use of red paper symbolized good luck and happiness, while the poetic and parallel structure of the couplets reflected the balanced harmony of nature and life.

Today, câu đối are still widely used during Tet, though many are now printed or digitally created. Despite these modern changes, the essence and meaning of these couplets remain deeply connected to Vietnamese cultural values.

2. The Structure of Tet Couplets

Tet couplets typically consist of two lines, which are written in parallel. Each line of the couplet must adhere to specific linguistic and poetic rules, including balance, symmetry, and rhyme. The structure is designed to reflect harmony and unity, which are essential values in Vietnamese culture.

The first line of a câu đối often expresses a wish for prosperity, good health, or happiness, while the second line complements the first by expanding on the theme or offering an equally positive and hopeful sentiment. The two lines are meant to work in harmony, both in terms of meaning and structure. The use of rhyming words and parallel sentence structure further emphasizes the importance of balance in Vietnamese philosophy.

Example of a Tet Couplets Structure:

The couplet might read:

• “Vạn sự như ý, tỉ sự như mơ” (Wishing that everything goes as desired, everything is like a dream).
• “An khang thịnh vượng, hạnh phúc thọ trường” (Wishing health and prosperity, happiness, and long life).

In this example, both lines share a theme of wishes for well-being and success in the new year, with each line balancing the other in terms of both meaning and rhyme.

3. Common Themes and Meanings Behind Tet Couplets

Tet couplets are carefully crafted to convey specific wishes and blessings for the new year. The themes of these couplets often center on prosperity, peace, health, and happiness—values that are highly regarded in Vietnamese culture. Some of the most common themes found in Tet couplets include:

A. Prosperity and Wealth

The most common wish expressed in Tet couplets is for wealth and prosperity in the coming year. This theme is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese society, as financial success is often seen as a sign of good fortune and a means of securing happiness and stability for families.

Common couplets with a focus on wealth include phrases such as:

• “Phú quý, cát tường” (Wealth and good fortune).
• “Tiền tài vô hạn, lộc phát như ý” (Unlimited wealth, good luck as desired).

These couplets express the hope that the family will experience financial abundance in the new year, often associated with the idea that wealth brings not only material success but also the ability to care for loved ones and contribute to the well-being of the community.

B. Health and Longevity

Health and longevity are also central themes in Tet couplets, reflecting the deep cultural importance placed on well-being and the desire for long, prosperous lives. The Vietnamese people traditionally celebrate the wish for good health during Tet by expressing hopes for the longevity of family members and the continued vitality of the elders.

Examples of Tet couplets wishing for health include:

• “Sống lâu trăm tuổi” (Live for a hundred years).
• “Chúc bạn thọ bền, sức khỏe dồi dào” (Wishing you long life and abundant health).

These couplets reflect the reverence for elders in Vietnamese society and the desire to maintain good health throughout life. The theme of longevity ties into the broader cultural values of respect for family, ancestors, and the generations that came before.

C. Harmony and Peace

Tet couplets also express the wish for peace and harmony within the family and society. Vietnamese culture places great importance on unity, respect for one another, and social harmony, and this is reflected in many Tet couplets. The family unit is central to Vietnamese life, and the preservation of peace within the home is seen as a key to happiness and prosperity.

Common couplets wishing for peace and harmony include:

• “Hòa thuận, an vui, gia đình hạnh phúc” (Harmony, peace, and family happiness).
• “Gia đình sum vầy, đất nước phồn thịnh” (A united family, a prosperous country).

These couplets serve to remind the family and the community of the importance of maintaining peace, mutual respect, and harmony in both personal and social relationships.

D. Good Luck and Success

The pursuit of good luck and success is another prevalent theme in Tet couplets. During the new year, Vietnamese people express their hopes for success in all aspects of life, from academic achievements to career progress and personal growth.

Tet couplets expressing good fortune and success include:

• “Mọi sự tốt lành, công danh vượng phát” (Everything is good, career success and advancement).
• “Tân niên phú quý, đại lợi phát tài” (A prosperous new year, great profits, and wealth).

These couplets are often placed in areas where people will see them frequently, such as the front door or living room, to attract success and good fortune into their lives for the coming year.

4. The Role of Tet Couplets in Vietnamese Culture

Tet couplets are not just decorations; they are an integral part of the Tet celebration. Their placement in the home reflects the cultural importance of welcoming the new year with positive energy and good intentions. By hanging these couplets, families are not only beautifying their homes but also inviting good fortune, happiness, and blessings into their lives.

In addition to being a form of artistic expression, câu đối also reflect the intellectual and literary traditions of Vietnamese culture. The art of composing and displaying these couplets during Tet represents a form of cultural continuity, passing down traditional values and beliefs to younger generations.

Tet couplets also symbolize the Vietnamese people’s deep connection to the natural world and the cosmos. The use of natural imagery and references to harmony with the universe in many couplets highlights the belief that the balance between human beings, nature, and the divine is essential to achieving prosperity and happiness.

5. Conclusion: The Enduring Cultural Significance of Tet Couplets

Tet couplets are more than just beautiful decorations for the Lunar New Year—they are powerful symbols of the hopes and dreams of the Vietnamese people. Through their intricate structure and thoughtful words, câu đối convey wishes for prosperity, health, harmony, and good fortune. These couplets serve as reminders of the importance of family, community, and the connection between human beings and the natural world.

In a world that is constantly changing, the tradition of hanging câu đối during Tet remains a meaningful and cherished practice in Vietnamese culture. It is a way for families to connect with their past, honor their ancestors, and look forward to a new year filled with hope and possibility. Whether written in elegant calligraphy or printed on modern paper, the words of the Tet couplets continue to bring joy, inspiration, and a sense of spiritual renewal to the Vietnamese people as they welcome the new year.