A safer celebration
Vietnamese community adapts traditions and observes public health rules for 2021
Visiting Vietnamese households in P.E.I. these days, it’s easy to spot the decorations from the living room to the kitchen in shades of golden apricot mixed with peach blossom.
Vietnamese Lunar New Year — or Tet — is coming.
Chien Ly, president of Viet P.E.I., says in previous years, the Vietnamese community on the Island hosted many social events and activities for everyone to celebrate the traditional new year.
“Our most known event is Tet Viet, the biggest party gathering (with) more than 500 people participating,” he said. “Besides the Vietnamese community, we also invited many officers, representatives from government authorities, social organizations, culture communities and business partners to join and celebrate with us.
“Activities included people wearing traditional clothes, going to dinners, participating in celebrating performances like dancing or singing, sharing stories of the past year and sending wishes for a better year to come.”
But COVID-19 has cancelled the tradition this year.
So, the association has decided to do something different.
To celebrate Tet 2021, the Vietnamese community is hosting Viet P.E.I. Got Talent, an online contest where individuals and families can record their performances, from singing to dancing, from magic to cooking, and then post them on the Viet P.E.I.
Facebook page for scoring. Prizes are raised and
“Although our big party for Tet is cancelled due to COVID19 and we have to limit our activities, I’m still happy that we still get together, make Chung cake and have fun with everyone within our family.”
Layla Do
contributed within the Vietnamese community, Ly said.
“The purpose of the contest is to bring the community together, especially during this challenging time, to celebrate our most important holiday of the year.”
Gathering to make Chung cake is another highlight of the Tet celebration, Ly said. The square shape of Chung cake symbolizes the earth, luckiness and wealth, making it the most important traditional dish in the Vietnamese culture on New Year’s Eve.
A group of young Vietnamese Islanders — who have named themselves Viet teen’s kitchen — recently gathered to make Chung cake to deliver to families who aren’t able to make the dish themselves.
Chau Nguyen, one of the youngest members of the group, couldn’t hide her smile while wrapping her cake.
“I feel very excited because the Vietnamese community is still getting the opportunity to make Chung cake to prepare for our Lunar New Year here on P.E.I.”
Although it’s the first time Zack Nguyen made Chung cake, his skill surprised his family.
“Back in Vietnam, I didn’t really have the chance to make Chung cake,” said the Colonel Gray student. “But luckily, when I came here to P.E.I., thanks to the Vietnamese community, I finally have the chance to make Chung cake (to prepare for Lunar New Year) and learn more about my own culture.”
Layla Do, a Queen Charlotte Intermediate student, said she’s glad the COVID-19 situation on P.E.I. is under control so some social activities are still able to take place safely.
“Although our big party for Tet is cancelled due to COVID-19 and we have to limit our activities, I’m still happy that we still get together, make Chung cake and have fun with everyone within our family.”
Huong Ngo, who is in charge of the kitchen’s activities, said it’s important to educate children about their culture, especially to those who are far away from their home country.
“It’s very meaningful to the community to see our children learn to make Chung cake, so they can learn, understand and maintain the Vietnamese heritage wherever they live.”
Ly said the association makes sure all the personal gatherings have fewer than 10 additional people to follow the public health guidelines.
“Although Tet is important, ensuring public health safety is our priority at this time,” he said.
Ngo agrees, saying the Viet community on P.E.I. is “lucky to still be able to gather and celebrate Tet”.
“This is a very special Tet to us,” she said. “Together, we can make it. Wish everyone (who celebrates Lunar New Year) a year filled with luck, health and happiness.”