Culture
12 Zodiac animal theory refers to the collection of 12 animals that represent year and age of people , including : Rat , Buffalo ( Ox in Chinese culture ), Tiger , Cat ( or Rabbit in Chinese culture ), Dragon , Snake , Horse , Goat , Monkey , Hen , Dog , Pig . They are made up to 6 pairs that negatively impact each other . Also , there are pairs that positively influence each other which means that bringing fortune , success and good to each other .
Sometimes , choosing the first visitor to come to the family depends on other factors as well . Some people might not have the most matching astrology with the household head but they are known to be amiable and " luck-generator " which are preferred by the host . The vice versa also holds water . The Xong Dat tradition has grown in importance over years , as people place a higher value in spiritual and belief life and so is choosing the right one to Xong Dat .
Being the first visitor is not easy
Being invited to be the first guest of the year is both an honor and a challenging responsibility to anyone . The best time for “ xong dat ” is from the midnight of New Year ’ s Eve until the morning of the first day of Lunar Calendar ’ s New Year . However , the host and the guest normally come into an agreement in advance about the time deemed most suitable for the host ’ s zodiac sign .
A successful and humorous gentleman , smiling happily , giving wishes is believed to bring the lucky new year to every member in the house . Before coming to the host ’ s home , the guest is expected to spend time visiting pagodas or temples praying for the fortune , health and achievement for the upcoming New Year . Afterward , he can bring some buds , tree branches with fruits or a bottle of wine , which stand for vitality and wealth as gifts for the host . He can also give some lucky money wrapped in red envelope for small children , in the hope for health and wisdom .
Does it sound fun and easy ? Definitely not if you know that you are likely to be responsible for the family ’ s whole year luckiness . Of course , no one blames you for their bad luck , yet they may not choose you as the first visitor for the next year .
All hosts are nice at the time of Xong dat ?
The answer is yes . Showing the generous hospitality is essential for the host in preparation for the first visit of the year . To welcome the guest visiting the house , a small party with some simple Tet ’ s food such as “ banh chung ” - sticky rice cake or sweet preserved fruits , and rice wine is considered indispensable .
Moreover , the host also needs to wish the guest all the best for the New Year and gives him some lucky money in return . In the southern of Vietnam , the host puts a small bucket of water and a branch of apricot blossom so that the guest can splash the water and scatter the flower on the way leading to the house . Water and apricot blossom ’ s petals symbolize “ multiplying the luck ”, according to Vietnamese ’ s beliefs .
22 The MAG Vung Tau