On the traditional tet of ethnic minorities in the Southern Central of Vietnam

Abstract

Tet is considered a time of changing seasons that marks the end of winter
and the beginning of spring. This transition is regarded as the time of the Lunar New Year,
which coincides with the Viet (Kinh people)’s the lunar calendar. Nevertheless, such a clear
change of seasons is only actual for the weather from Hai Van Pass forward, while from Hai
Van Pass backward, Tet is not the time for change between the seasons. The festivals such
as Ka tê and Rija Nưgar of Cham people as well as new rice celebration of the Raglai in the
Southern Central region illustrate that their Tet and the Viet (Kinh people)’s one takes place at
the different time.