By Admin 
Vietnam Birthdays: In many parts of the world, birthdays are personal milestones celebrated with cakes, candles and parties. But traditionally celebrating different birthdays was not common in Vietnam. Instead of celebrating birthdays on different dates throughout the year, people historically celebrated birthdays together with the entire nation.
Why birthday together?
The most important festival in Vietnam is Tet Nguyen Dan. It is commonly known as Tet. It marks Lunar New Year and is the biggest celebration in the country. Traditionally everyone’s birthday was celebrated on Tet. It was believed that on this day people become one year older regardless of their actual date of birth. Instead of celebrating individual birth anniversaries, the age of the entire population was symbolically updated during this festival.
1 year old child at birth
According to traditional Vietnamese age, a child is considered to be one year old at birth. This belief comes from the idea that life begins in the womb. Therefore, the time mentioned before birth is considered part of one’s age. This is because everyone’s age increased at the same time during Tet, making it historically less important to track the exact date of birth in everyday life.
Emphasis on family and ancestors
Vietnamese society has long emphasized collective identity rather than individual identity. Respect for parents, elders and ancestors is most important. Birthdays were traditionally not seen as personal achievements to be celebrated. Instead, more emphasis was placed on expressing gratitude to the parents who gave life and respecting the ancestors who came before them.
Religious and philosophical beliefs
Some traditions and beliefs say that birth marks the beginning of life’s struggles and sorrows. Because of this, birthdays were not always seen as an occasion for great celebration. Instead, ceremonies to remember ancestors and family gatherings were celebrated with deep reverence and spiritual significance.
But today cultural change is taking place in Vietnam. Celebrating birthdays in western style has become common in urban areas and among the new generation. Cake, candles and parties have now become popular. Especially in cities.
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