Traditional Tet Folk Games

In addition to traditional customs, folk games during Tet are an indispensable cultural element, adding vibrancy to the festivities and fostering national unity. Join Vietjet as we uncover the most exciting and popular traditional Tet folk games!

Traditional Tet folk games are an essential spiritual aspect of Vietnamese culture.

1. Tug of War

Tug of war is one of the most popular and beloved Tet folk games. The rules are simple: all you need is a long rope with a red scarf tied at the center. Players are divided into two teams with equal members. Each team pulls the rope with all their might to make the scarf cross their designated line first.

This folk game not only creates a fun atmosphere but also helps improve physical strength and enhances team spirit. Tug of war can be organized in various settings, such as village squares, schoolyards, or open plazas.

Tug of war is one of the most popular and beloved Tet folk games.

2. Blindfolded Pot Breaking

Blindfolded pot breaking is a long-standing Tet folk game tied to the childhood of many Vietnamese people. Its thrilling nature makes the Tet celebration even more vibrant and exciting.

To set up, two tall poles are placed about 5 meters apart, connected by a rope to hang the pots. Players are blindfolded and start from a marked line. Each player is given a stick about 50 cm long to break the pot. Guided by their sense of distance, they advance towards the pot and try to break it.

This game emphasizes skill, accurate judgment, and teamwork as players rely on their teammates' guidance. It is often organized in wide open spaces or eco-tourism sites.

3. Con Throwing

Con throwing, also known as ball tossing, is a traditional Tet folk game linked to the cultural life of ethnic minorities in the mountains, especially the Thai and Muong people.

To play, a tall bamboo or rattan pole with a circular target (decorated with colorful patterns) is placed at the center of the yard. The “con” (ball) is about the size of a child’s fist, made of colorful fabric and stuffed with rice and cotton, with decorative tassels to stabilize its flight. Players stand opposite each other, and the winner is the one who successfully throws the ball through the target.

Con throwing often takes place in the early spring, serving as a social and romantic meeting ground for participants.

4. Human Chess

Human chess is a Tet folk game that has long been popular in village squares and community centers. Each game draws a large crowd of spectators.

The game follows Chinese chess rules, with the key difference being that real people play the chess pieces. The chessboard is a large flat area marked with standard chess squares. Players dressed as chess pieces stand in designated positions, and two opponents in traditional attire direct the game using flags.

This game highlights intellectual prowess and celebrates local cultural traditions, often accompanied by folk dances or martial arts performances.

5. Wrestling

Wrestling is a traditional Tet folk game commonly seen in northern provinces and usually held during the first lunar month. Wrestlers compete shirtless, wearing only a loincloth. The match takes place in a circular ring on an open field.

Victory is achieved by throwing the opponent to the ground or pushing them out of the ring. Wrestling matches attract young men eager to showcase their strength and honor the martial spirit.

Wrestling is a popular Tet folk game mostly in the Northern provinces.

6. Boat Racing

Boat racing is a traditional Tet folk game prominent in water-rich regions, especially in the Mekong Delta. Competitors decorate their boats with colorful flags for identification. Each team, typically consisting of 10 members, rows their boat with synchronized efforts. The first boat to cross the finish line wins.

This game fosters teamwork and symbolizes gratitude to the water gods, praying for favorable weather and a prosperous year.

Boat racing is a traditional Tet folk game popular in river areas.

7. Stilt Walking

Stilt walking is a Tet folk game that captivates audiences with its excitement and humor. Players must balance on tall bamboo stilts equipped with footholds. They race to the finish line without falling.

Mastering this game requires excellent balance, agility, and concentration. Stilt walking is often organized at cultural centers or eco-tourism sites.

8. Bamboo Bridge Crossing

Popular in northern Vietnam, bamboo bridge crossing challenges players to walk across a narrow bamboo bridge to retrieve a flag or prize at the other end. Success requires balance and steadiness to avoid falling into the water.

This game is typically set up in natural areas with shallow ponds or open fields, adding a touch of adventure to the Tet festivities.

We hope this article helps you learn about Tet folk games and their significance.

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