The traditional Tet always brings nostalgic feelings to those living abroad. Wherever they are, Vietnamese always lean toward their roots. Welcoming the Year of Tiger, artists confided their memories and feelings about Tet in Vietnam.

Cai Luong actor Kim Tu Long misses his mother's meals

Cai Luong actor Kim Tu Long. (Photo: PLO)

Having just returned home after a busy day, Kim Tu Long could not hide his exhaustion. However, when he was asked about Tet, his face was lightened up with memories of the old days.

“I came to the USA when I was 35 years old, it has been 12 years now. Before I became a vegetarian, during Tet, my family always had bitter melon stuffed with meat, braised pork with duck and chicken eggs. My mother cooked all the meals when she was alive. After her death, my youngest sister and an aunt took over the duty. I am easygoing when it comes to food. Most dishes taste fine to me. However, the most delicious ones are those cooked by my mother. My mom's dishes taste good not because of luxury ingredients but of the happiness and family union they present," said the Merited Artist.

On the last days of the Year of Ox, Kim Tu Long was still busy with his art shows.

"After finishing my performance on new year's eve, I will visit the temple with my family, pick a young tree for luck, then visit my relatives and friends," he said.

“When I wake up tomorrow morning, I will go buy some watermelons and bunches of daisies. Banh Chung is already cooked by everyone in the family," he said.

Kim Tu Long usually returned to Vietnam before Tet. But due to the pandemic, he could not fly to Vietnam in the last two years. "I miss Tet in my hometown," he sighed.

“The pandemic taught me many lessons. Life is short, so live the moment, help anyone you can, don't worry about farfetched things. Anger only makes life heavy and complicated. I now live peacefully, without pain, without hatred. For me, having health is having everything,” Kim Tu Long said.

Singer Quang Thanh. (Photo: PLO)

Singer Quang Thanh: "The smell of Tet is unforgettable"

Quang Thanh has celebrated 20 Tet holidays away from Vietnam. “2002 was the first year I celebrated Tet alone and away from home. I felt lost at that time and missed Tet in Vietnam, with my family, giving lucky money to my grandchildren, visiting relatives' houses," said Quang Thanh.

Quang Thanh is preparing to welcome the first Tet that his whole family can gather. Even though settling abroad, he still preserves Vietnamese customs, especially when Tet comes.

“Wherever the Vietnamese live, they are proud of the traditional customs that have been kept for generations. In Tet, Vietnamese restaurants and markets are more crowded," he said.

"Before Tet, we artists usually meet and produce a bunch of programs of all genres to broadcast during Tet. We send each other gifts. Khanh Ly (a famous Vietnamese singer) makes really delicious braised fish, so she often cooks the dish and gives everyone. I gift my fellow artists banh chung. Then on the first day of Tet, we visit each other's houses to wish them a happy new year," Quang Thanh told reporters.

“Since my mother came to live with me, Vietnamese customs are better practiced. We clean and decorate the house, buy apricot and peach flowers. I have finished my work to welcome new year's eve with my family. Then I will perform at temples days after.”

Millions of Vietnamese stay up late on the last day of the Year of Ox, waiting for Tet to begin. For overseas like Kim Tu Long and Quang Thanh, the "smell of Tet" is still unforgettable.

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