Regarding the Thai custom of "keeping the fire burning" during the New Year.

(Baonghean.vn) -Like other ethnic groups in Vietnam, Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is eagerly awaited by everyone throughout the year, so every household excitedly anticipates its arrival. During Tet, the unique cultural characteristics of each ethnic group are showcased, and the Thai people are no exception, possessing many distinct cultural traditions, including the custom of "keeping the fire burning."

On the 30th day of the Lunar New Year, every Thai family gathers firewood to light a fire. The logs must be large, sturdy, straight, and have glowing embers to keep the fire going. Late at night, the women of the family must bury the ashes in the fire overnight, and in the morning, they dig up the ashes, which are still glowing red.

In Thai belief, a family that keeps the embers burning is said to have a prosperous and happy new year. The Thai people believe that if the fire goes out on the 30th night of the lunar month, the family will not be happy in the new year.bad luck in businessThereforeFor generations, the Thai ethnic group in the mountainous district of Con Cuong has preserved the custom of keeping the fire burning on the night of the 30th of Tet (Lunar New Year's Eve).

No matter how busy they are, in the last days of the year, able-bodied men all go to the forest together to gather dry firewood. They have to choose logs that are large, straight, and sturdy to cook sticky rice cakes, prepare dishes to welcome relatives, and especially to keep the fire burning on the night of the 30th, keeping the whole family warm.

The Thai people believe that keeping the fire burning is also about preserving the family tradition; on the night of the 30th, everyone in the family gathers.Sitting together by the warm fire, we listened as our grandparents told us about the custom of keeping the fire burning overnight on the 30th of Tet (Lunar New Year's Eve). From their stories...Our grandparents and parents pass down the way of keeping the flame of our nation alive to their children and grandchildren.

Today, some customs of the Thai ethnic group are gradually disappearing.The custom of keeping the fire burning overnight on the 30th day of the Lunar New Year is still preserved by the Thai ethnic minority people in Con Cuong. This custom reflects the belief in wishing for good things in the new year, peace, and prosperity.

Bao Ngoc