What Superstitions and Beliefs of Vietnamese You Need to Know: A Guide for Foreigners Living in Vietnam

Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage and an array of unique superstitions and beliefs shape daily life. As a foreigner living in Vietnam or planning to teach English, understanding these traditions can help you better navigate social interactions, build stronger relationships, and avoid cultural misunderstandings. These are the most important Vietnamese superstitions and beliefs that foreigners should know: The Power of Numbers, The Spirit World and Ancestor Worship, Tết and the Importance of First Visitors, The Concept of Good Days and Bad Days, Pregnancy Superstitions, Lucky Charms and Amulets, Pointing and Gesturing Superstitions. Whether engaging with locals in casual settings, teaching in a classroom, or simply living among the community, being mindful of these customs will enrich your experience in Vietnam.

1. The Power of Numbers

Numbers play a significant role in Vietnamese culture, particularly regarding luck and superstition.

• Lucky Numbers: Numbers like 6 and 8 are considered very lucky. The number 6 sounds like "lục," which is similar to "lộc," representing fortune or blessings in Vietnamese culture. The number 8 sounds like "phát," which conveys growth, success, or prosperity. It’s common for people to go to great lengths to incorporate these numbers into their lives, such as choosing phone numbers, license plates, or house numbers that include 6 or 8.
• Unlucky Numbers: On the other hand, the number 4 is often avoided as it sounds like "tứ," which is similar to "tử," meaning death. Many buildings in Vietnam skip the fourth floor altogether, much like how some Western cultures avoid the number 13.

2. The Spirit World and Ancestor Worship

One of the most deeply rooted beliefs in Vietnam is ancestor worship. This is a religious practice and an essential part of daily life. Vietnamese people believe that the spirits of their ancestors continue to look after their descendants, and maintaining a good relationship with these spirits is crucial for a fortunate life.

• Altars in Homes: Almost every Vietnamese household has an altar dedicated to their ancestors. It’s a space where offerings such as food, flowers, and incense are presented to honor the deceased, especially during special occasions like Tết (Lunar New Year) and the death anniversary, known as "ngày giỗ."
• Respect for the Dead: As a foreigner, be mindful of these altars if you're visiting a Vietnamese home. Never touch or disturb the items on the altar, and always show respect.

3. Tết and the Importance of First Visitors

Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. However, it’s not just a time of celebration; it is surrounded by many superstitions, especially regarding the first day of the new year.

• Xông đất (First Footing): It is believed that the first person to enter a house on the first day of Tết will bring their luck to the household for the entire year. Families often choose someone who is successful and of good moral standing to be the first visitor. As a foreigner, it’s important to be aware that you may be asked or avoided as the first visitor.
• Sweeping and Cleaning: On the first day of Tết, sweeping or taking out the trash is strictly prohibited as it is believed to sweep away the household's luck and wealth. Be mindful of this if you stay with a Vietnamese family or have local neighbors.

4. The Concept of “Good Days” and “Bad Days”

In Vietnamese culture, not all days are created equal. Many Vietnamese consult the lunar calendar or seek advice from fortune-tellers to determine whether a day is auspicious or inauspicious for certain activities, such as moving to a new house, getting married, or starting a business.

• Auspicious Days: Certain days of the lunar month are believed to bring good fortune. The first day of Tet is especially auspicious for the remainder of the year. These are considered the best times to make significant life decisions or undertake important tasks.
• Inauspicious Days: Conversely, the lunar month's 5th, 14th, and 23rd days are often seen as unlucky and are avoided for big events. If you’re planning any important activities, like arranging a gathering with Vietnamese friends or organizing a school event, be sure to check with locals about the suitability of the date.

5. Pregnancy Superstitions

For foreign teachers who may have pregnant Vietnamese colleagues or friends, it’s essential to be aware of the cultural superstitions surrounding pregnancy in Vietnam.

• Keeping Pregnancies Quiet: Pregnant women in Vietnam are often advised not to announce their pregnancy too early to avoid bad luck. This is why many women don’t reveal their pregnancy until after the first trimester.
• Avoiding Certain Foods: Pregnant women are advised to avoid certain foods that are believed to bring bad luck or negatively affect the baby, such as certain types of fish, and pineapples.
• No Funerals: A pregnant woman is typically discouraged from attending funerals as it is believed that exposure to death might bring harm to the unborn child. As a foreigner, it’s important to respect these beliefs and be sensitive when discussing pregnancy or related topics with Vietnamese colleagues.

6. Lucky Charms and Amulets

Vietnamese people often wear lucky charms or amulets to protect themselves from misfortune. These items can be gifted, especially during special occasions like the New Year.

• Jade: Jade is particularly popular as it is believed to bring good health and ward off evil spirits. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to see Vietnamese people wearing jade bracelets or necklaces.
• Buddha Amulets: Buddhist beliefs are also intertwined with superstition. Amulets featuring the image of the Buddha or other deities are worn for protection and good fortune.

7. Pointing and Gesturing Superstitions

When communicating with Vietnamese people, it’s important to be aware of certain gestures that can be interpreted as rude or unlucky.

• Pointing: Pointing at a person, especially at their head, is considered impolite and can be interpreted as bringing bad luck. If you need to gesture toward someone, use your whole hand instead.
• Using Chopsticks: Sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is considered taboo as it resembles how incense sticks are placed during funeral rites. Always put your chopsticks flat on the table or chopstick rest to avoid this mistake.

Conclusion

Understanding Vietnamese superstitions and beliefs is crucial for any foreigner living in Vietnam, especially those teaching English and interacting closely with local communities. While some of these superstitions may seem unusual or unfamiliar, respecting them will not only help you avoid potential misunderstandings but also allow you to immerse yourself more deeply in the rich culture of Vietnam.

By being mindful of these traditions—knowing the significance of specific numbers, respecting ancestor worship, or understanding the importance of lunar calendars - you’ll be better equipped to navigate life in Vietnam and foster stronger connections with the people around you.

If you want to know more about Vietnamese culture, you can follow these links:

How to Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Understanding Vietnamese Customs and Etiquette: A Guide for Foreign Teachers

How Different is the Lifestyle in North, Central, and South Vietnam?

Double Fifth Festival in Vietnam 2024

Celebrate Reunification Day and International Workers' Day in Vietnam

How To Get Along With Your Co-workers In Vietnam

Essential Vietnamese Phrases for New English Teachers

Fish Release Ceremony Before Tet

Unique Flavors of Lunar New Year in North and South Vietnam

Unveiling the Magic of Tet