Lunar New year is coming, let’s learn about ‘Xông đất’ customs with Hanoi Language & Culture Academy!
Xông đất, also known as xông nhà – a traditional custom in Lunar New Year
So what’s “xông đất”?
“Xông đất” means the first guest entering the house after midnight on the Lunar New Year’s. That person will directly affect the fortune of the family. The selected “first foot” is normally required to have compatible age with the host to enter the house at New Year’s Eve or the morning of the 1st of New Year.
For us Vietnamese, the person who do “xông đất” is the person who brings luck and fortune to the family. If you meet someone who is not compatible for the host, the whole year will be difficult and unlucky.
The “first foot” wishes the host good wishes in the new year, gives lucky money to the elderly and children in the family.The host also congratulates the new year, gives lucky money to “first foot” and asks about each other.
Member of family can also become the first to enter the house. Last year, my father is the “first foot” of my family. He went out before midnight and came home after midnight with a cherry blossom branch.
