For Ikeoluwa, Tết was not only about festive celebration, but also a moment of slowing down, when people turn toward family, memory, and a new beginning.
What impressed Ikeoluwa most was the strong sense of “coming home” in the days leading up to Tết. She saw preparations everywhere as people hurried to buy gifts, clean their homes, and travel long distances simply to sit together at the same table again. One scene that stayed with her was watching families light incense to honor their ancestors.
Tết is not only about welcoming a new year, but also about remembering one’s roots and expressing gratitude to those who came before.
— Ikeoluwa Taiwo reflects
She was also struck by how small gestures carry significant meaning, from offering New Year wishes to elders and giving lucky money to wearing new clothes and choosing positive words for a fresh start. Together, these traditions created what she described as a gentle “reset” for both the heart and the home.
Ikeoluwa Taiwo finds deep meaning in the traditions of gratitude and family connection during Tết.
How to Feel the Spirit of Tết
Ikeoluwa offered two practical suggestions grounded in her own experience for international students:
- Spend time with Vietnamese families: Shared meals, greetings, and lucky money make the warmth of togetherness tangible and real.
- Explore the city before the holiday: Visit flower markets to see peach blossoms and kumquat trees—this is when the city reflects the true excitement of a new beginning.
In Ikeoluwa’s view, these moments help international students do more than observe Tết; they allow them to feel it as a meaningful season of connection, kindness, and hope.
