Tet Nguyen Dan, or the Lunar New Year, is the most important festival in Vietnamese culture. It's not only a time for family reunions but also an opportunity for people to exchange meaningful gifts, sending wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year. However, according to folk beliefs, Tet gift-giving requires subtlety and cultural understanding. An inappropriate gift can inadvertently bring bad luck to the recipient. This article will serve as a guide to help you identify and avoid taboo Tet gifts in 2026, ensuring that every gift you give is filled with good intentions.

Why Should You Avoid Taboo Tet Gifts?

In East Asian culture in general, and Vietnamese culture in particular, many items carry deep symbolic meanings tied to concepts of feng shui, yin and yang, and even homophones. Gift-giving during Tet is not just a material exchange but also a way of bestowing blessings and positive energy. A gift is considered 'taboo' for the following reasons:

• Symbolizing separation or breakage: Some sharp or fragile objects are believed to represent fractures and breakdowns in relationships.
• Evoking mourning and sadness: Items that are black or white, or related to endings and farewells, are often avoided.
• Homophones with negative meanings: Many items have names that sound similar to unlucky words like 'poverty,' 'death,' or 'separation.'
• Representing an end: Gifts like clocks can be interpreted as suggesting the recipient's time is running out, which is especially sensitive when given to the elderly.

Therefore, learning about and avoiding these gifts shows respect, genuine care, and a desire to bring the best to the recipient in the new year.

Are Sharp Objects Like Knives and Scissors Bad Gifts?

Absolutely. Sets of knives, scissors, or any other sharp objects top the list of gifts you should never give during Tet. According to feng shui, these items carry negative energy (sát khí), symbolizing conflict, cutting off, and separation. Giving someone knives or scissors at the beginning of the year is seen as a curse, wishing to sever the relationship with them. Instead of conveying connection, this gift implies division and brings a bad omen for the entire year.

Does Gifting a Clock or a Cat Bring Bad Luck?

Yes, both of these gifts are on the list to avoid.

• Clocks: Although a useful and elegant item, a clock is a major taboo gift. In Chinese, the phrase 'to give a clock' (送鐘 - sòng zhōng) sounds identical to the phrase for 'attending a funeral' (送終 - sòng zhōng). This evokes death and endings. Giving a clock to an elderly person is considered extremely disrespectful, as it implies their time is running out.
• Cats: In Vietnam, the 'meow meow' sound of a cat is believed to be phonetically similar to the word for 'poverty' ('nghèo'). Therefore, gifting a cat at the beginning of the year is like inviting poverty and hardship into the host's home. No matter how much you love animals, put aside the idea of giving a cat as a Tet gift.

Why Shouldn't You Gift Squid, Coffee, and Black-Colored Items?

The color black in Vietnamese culture is often associated with mourning, gloom, and misfortune. The common idiom 'đen như mực' ('as black as squid ink') says it all. Giving gifts related to the color black or with 'unlucky' connotations is a big no-no.

• Squid (for eating or writing ink): Fresh or dried squid should be avoided. It symbolizes bad luck for the entire year.
• Coffee: Being black and bitter, coffee suggests a year full of hardship and bitterness. Instead, opt for high-quality teas that convey elegance and tranquility.
• Black-colored items: All-black clothing, handbags, or wallets are not ideal choices. Prioritize bright, vibrant colors like red, gold, and orange to bring a joyful and lucky atmosphere.

Is a Handkerchief a Gift Choice to Avoid?

Yes, it is. A handkerchief is used to wipe away sweat and tears. Historically, it has been associated with hardship, suffering, and tearful goodbyes. Gifting a handkerchief at the start of the year is believed to be an omen of a sorrowful year, filled with difficulties and farewells. Therefore, remove handkerchiefs from your Tet gift list immediately.

Should You Gift Glasses, Cups, or Mirrors During Tet?

Fragile items made of glass or ceramic, such as glasses, cups, plates, or mirrors, are not ideal Tet gifts. Their fragility symbolizes brittle relationships, separation, and instability. In feng shui, mirrors are also believed to attract negative spirits and bring impurities into the home. Breaking a mirror is considered an extremely bad omen. Thus, be cautious and steer clear of these gifts.

What is the Meaning of Gifting Shoes at the Beginning of the New Year?

Gifting shoes during Tet is also taboo, especially for couples. In Chinese, the word for 'shoe' (鞋 - xié) is a homophone for the word 'evil' (邪 - xié). Giving shoes is thought to bring evil spirits and bad luck to the recipient. Furthermore, the act of giving shoes implies encouraging the recipient to walk away or leave the current relationship. This is like an unwelcome breakup message at the start of the new year.

Which Types of Fruits Should Be Avoided as Tet Gifts?

Fruit is a popular gift choice, but not all fruits are suitable for Tet. Some fruits with unlucky names or characteristics that you should avoid include:

• Bananas (Chuối): Especially in Northern Vietnam, a bunch of bananas is often used for ancestor worship. The name 'chuối' also makes people think of the word 'chúi,' meaning to stoop or fall, symbolizing failure and lack of progress.
• Pears (Lê): The word 'lê' sounds like 'ly' in 'chia ly,' meaning separation. Gifting pears during Tet is like wishing for distance and breakup.
• Oranges (Cam): Despite their beautiful color, the name 'cam' evokes 'cam chịu,' meaning to endure suffering, a sentiment no one wants in the new year.
• Durian, Jackfruit: Fruits with sharp thorns symbolize obstacles and difficulties. Their strong, distinctive smells may also not be to everyone's liking.

So, What Gifts Should You Choose to Bring Luck for the Year of the Fire Horse 2026?

After learning what gifts to avoid, you might be wondering what to choose. Selecting a meaningful gift for Tet 2026 not only shows your thoughtfulness but also conveys your best wishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Tet Gift Baskets: This is the safest and most popular choice. Choose baskets wrapped in bright red and gold paper, filled with candies, tea, and good wine.
• Feng Shui Paintings: A painting of carp, 'eight horses galloping to success,' or 'smooth sailing' is a luxurious gift that signifies wealth, luck, and success.
• Tet Ornamental Plants: Apricot blossom, peach blossom, kumquat trees, or plants symbolizing wealth like the money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) or fortune plant (Dracaena fragrans) are wonderful gifts to decorate the home and bring good fortune.
• Red Items: New clothes, lucky money envelopes, and red decorations are always welcome, as red symbolizes luck, happiness, and abundance.

In conclusion, choosing a Tet gift is an art form. Understanding the taboos will help you avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and fully express your heartfelt sentiments. Wishing you and your family make thoughtful gift choices to welcome a prosperous, peaceful, and happy the Year of the Fire Horse 2026!