Vietnamese Tet, then and now

January 30, 2014 - 15:38
Villagers arrange la dong (Phrynium leaves) in the olden days. The leaves were indispensable for wrapping traditional Chung cakes. -- File Photo
People buy phrynium leaves in a present-day Ha Noi market. -- VNS Photo Doan Tung
Chung cakes were compressed and boiled in the past. -- File Photo
Many young people still follow the traditional custom of boiling Chung cakes at home. -- VNS Photo Doan Tung
Jam, cigarettes and wine were essential articles during Tet earlier. -- File Photo
Now Tet goods are much more diversified and ceremonious. -- VNS Photo Doan Tung
The Hang Luoc flower market during Tet in the 1930s. -- File Photo
Peach blossoms are still bought by every Ha Noi family for Tet. -- VNS Photo Doan Tung
Hanoians shop for Tet goods at a state-run market in the old days. -- File Photo
Today, many people shop for Tet items at supermarkets or trade centres. -- VNS Photo Doan Tung
Scholars wrote parallel sentences, a Tet custom, a a street corner in the old days. -- File Photo
The tradition is still preserved today, as many young people ask for scholars' handwriting on Tet. -- VNS Photo Doan Tung
Today, many youngsters request scholars' handwriting on the Lunar New Year in the hope for achieving better learning. -- VNS Photo Doan Tung

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