Q: What is lunar new year? What does it mean to you?

A: Lunar New Year is the beginning of the New Year based on the second New Moon of the year after winter solstice. I am Vietnamese so we call it Tet. It last for 16 days and is represented by a zodiac animal that rotates in a cycle every year. China brought this holiday to Vietnam and many other nations in Asia. We share similar traditions with the Chinese, but we also have our own version of festivities. The month and day you were born doesn’t really hold a lot of significance, but the year does. Lunar New Year represents everyone turning a year older. We are basically throwing a birthday party for everyone, so that is why it is one of the most important holidays for us. In Vietnam we take the time to honor family and our ancestors who we believe protect and look after us. Food offerings and praying are a big part of the traditional activities, along with the abundance of food, dragon dancers and monetary gift giving to the children. It really a time to start fresh and leave last year’s problems behind.

Q: Do you have any traditions related to celebrating lunar new year?

A: It’s a very superstitious holiday for many households including mine. I don’t work or stress out because it sets a very negative tone for the rest of the year. I don’t clean the house or take a shower on the first day because it is believed that you would sweep or clean away good luck or bring bad fortune. We all clean our homes and shower the day before it starts and the day after the first day.

I was raised Buddhist, so traditionally I would accompany my mother to temple to light incense and pray for good fortune in the coming year.

Q: How will you celebrate this year? What is your favorite part of celebrating?

We celebrate with a huge dinner with family and close friends. It’s about togetherness and bonding with the people that bring us joy in our lives. Cooking for Tet is a social activity. Everyone chips in to help. This way it not considered work. This activity is my favorite part because its a good way to catch up with everyone and share stories.

Q: Do you have any favorite dishes traditionally associated with lunar new year?

A: Fried spring rolls have always been symbolic of celebratory food. We don’t make them often during the year, but you will always find them at the table at a Tet dinner. The spring roll recipe is like an heirloom recipe. My class recipe for spring rolls is based on the family recipe but are not the same by the way. It’s closely guarded!

Q: What do you enjoy about lunar new year at The Trustees?

A: Every year I hold Asian Classes leading up to the Lunar New Year. It’s our most popular month for classes at Powisset. We step into an unfamiliar territory by working with exotic spices and cooking techniques from Asian cultures while using local produce/ meats whenever possible. Cooking unfamiliar cuisines can be very intimidating. It’s a beautiful thing to watch the enthusiasm and feel the energy of our visitors when I show them how approachable cooking can be no matter what the topic.

Q: We hear you had the Trustees Conservation in Color Employee Resource Group (ERG) visit and taught them about Tet. How was that experience?

A: It was really fun! Cooking and eating together allow people to share their cultural identity and history. Understanding and respecting other cultures leads to meaningful connections no matter your background. I have led many programs where I was a part of or witnessed those connections being made. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. I wanted the Conservation in Color ERG experience that and wanted them to see the work that we do to build those bridges through education and engagement.