The cultural beauty of three-day of Tết in Vietnamese medieval poetry

Abstract

Folklore elements have become a precious material in medieval poetry. With an approach to literature from a cultural view, through typical Vietnamese medieval poetic works, the article synthesizes, analyses, and discusses customs in three-day Tết (Lunar New Year) such as the chosen day to welcome the New Year, the day to exchange New Year’s wishes, and the day to travel/begin spring festivals. Besides the vivid and meaningful customs on Tết, these works contain poet’s hidden personal thoughts on changes in life and the desire for a better life. The article contributes to exploring and highlighting the cultural beauty of the Vietnamese traditional Tết, while improving the understanding and engaging deeply with Vietnamese medieval poetry.