February 22, 2008

Tet festival and the Lunar New Year celebrated in San Jose

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Vietnamese families celebrate the Lunar New Year with parades, festivals and feasts at downtown San Jose’s annual Tet parade.

Tet is the most important holiday for Vietnamese. They celebrate the Lunar New Year with parades, festivals and feasts. The annual Tet parade in downtown San Jose draws a large attendance to view the colorful dragon dances, traditional attire and the revelry of the marchers.

Tet is a time for family get-togethers and to pay homage to ancestors. Good food is essential to the celebration. Sticky rice cakes are prepared in various shapes and are said to have been part of Vietnamese culture since its civilization began thousands of years ago. Soups and stews are popular and fruit baskets are symbols of hope for prosperity in the New Year.

Wikipedia lists dos and don’ts to be observed during the holiday. One example is to buy water, because the wish is to have money flow like the currents in a stream. It is ta-boo is to buy or wear white clothing because white is the color of funerals.

A Vietnamese zodiac ascribes symbols for people born in a certain year. 2008 is the year of the Rat, and persons under that sign are said to be attractive, charming and enjoy life. They make good politicians and business people. On the down side, they may fear the light, dislike routine and be distrustful. Some celebrities born in the Year of the Rat are Wolfgang Mozart (1756), Marlon Brando (1924) and Scarlett Johannson (1984).

These young girls celebrate Tet by marching in the parade in downtown San Jose.

San Jose has one of the largest Vietnamese-American populations in the U.S. They are industrious and entrepreneurial, starting many new businesses and also entering the work force in education, public safety, technology and politics. At least three Vietnamese candidates are seeking the District 8 city council seat.

This year’s parade in San Jose drew attention to the controversy over the naming of a predominantly Vietnamese business area on Story Road. Those desiring it to be called “Little Saigon” disagree with the City Council’s decision for another designation and have clamored for the recall of councilwoman Madison Nguyen. The parade committee did not invite Nguyen to attend the parade and Mayor Chuck Reed opted out, citing concerns for disruption of the ceremonies. A vote on the name of the business district will be held this year.