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It's not peach blossoms or kumquat trees, nor the familiar traditional Tet dishes like banh chung (sticky rice cake), bamboo shoot soup, or fried spring rolls… For me, Tet has arrived when I smell the fragrant aroma of dried herbs – the scent of Tet.
For a long time, boiling coriander leaves to bathe in during Tet (Lunar New Year) has been a beautiful tradition in the culture of people in Northern Vietnam every spring. It has become a habit on the afternoon of the 30th of Tet for my family. When going to the market early on the morning of the 30th of Tet, besides the ingredients to prepare the New Year's Eve offering meal, there is one gift my mother never forgets to buy: bunches of coriander leaves.
For a long time, boiling water with fragrant herbs to bathe in during Tet (Lunar New Year) has been a beautiful tradition in Northern Vietnamese culture every spring.
Another spring has arrived, and the streets of Hanoi are gradually filled with vendors carrying bundles of fragrant coriander, their scent lingering in the air. These carts, laden with dark green bunches of coriander with their pristine white flowers or tiny fruits, pass through the streets. Loosely tied with straw, these bundles of coriander weave their way through the narrow alleys, releasing a sweet yet captivating aroma. This scent is unforgettable and has become deeply ingrained in the memories of many.
Along the bustling streets, filled with cheerful and lively atmosphere of buyers and sellers, the street vendors selling dried coriander leaves seem to carry the essence of a very simple, rustic, and familiar Tet season. Dried coriander has a truly special scent; the drier it gets, the more fragrant it becomes. The aroma of dried coriander leaves is very gentle, pleasant, and warm. Many people even call it the scent of love, of memories…
Another spring has arrived, and the streets of Hanoi are gradually filled with vendors selling coriander, their fragrance evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Bundles of coriander, loosely tied with straw, weave their way through the alleyways, emitting a sweet, lingering fragrance.
Since ancient times, our ancestors believed that the fragrant scent of coriander leaf water was suitable for warding off bad luck and attracting good fortune, bringing joy in the new year. Bathing with coriander leaf water on the afternoon of the 30th day of the Lunar New Year is also known as the "New Year's Eve cleansing ritual".
Typically, a pot of coriander water, in addition to the essential coriander leaves, may also include ginger and salt. Simply wash all the ingredients, tie the coriander into bunches, and boil for a few minutes. As soon as the water boils vigorously, the aroma, evoking a whole realm of memories, seems to spread throughout the house. The coriander water is neither overpowering nor pungent; it gently permeates, lingering and enveloping, awakening the emotions of each person.
Bathing with water infused with coriander leaves on the 30th day of the Lunar New Year is also known as the "New Year's Eve cleansing ritual".
In particular, coriander not only has spiritual significance but also many health benefits. The coriander plant, its leaves, and its seeds have antibacterial properties, so bathing in coriander water not only cleanses the skin but also helps fight inflammation. Even those suffering from colds can use coriander for steam inhalation to help them recover faster.
In the digital age 4.0, everything is faster and more convenient. E-commerce platforms are full of pre-distilled herbal teas. However, the experience of brewing herbal tea yourself, smelling the aroma as the water boils, remains a simple yet deeply nostalgic feeling.
Besides its spiritual significance, the scent of the galangal plant also has many beneficial uses for health.
Today, despite many changes in life, the custom of bathing with coriander leaves at the end of the year is still preserved by many families in Northern Vietnam. Once a year, in the last days of the year, people are immersed in the unique aroma of coriander leaves. The scent of coriander leaves lingers only for a few days during Tet, but it leaves a lasting impression – it is the scent of Tet…
And among the myriad scents of Tet, the aroma of dried herbs from the pot of water used for bathing on the afternoon of the 30th of Tet always brings a strangely peaceful and warm feeling.
Today, despite many changes in lifestyle, the custom of bathing with fragrant herbal water on New Year's Eve is still preserved by many families in Northern Vietnam.
