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Besides peach blossoms, pork fat, pickled onions, and other traditional Vietnamese festivities, there's another beloved tradition that Vietnamese people eagerly anticipate every time winter ends and spring begins, one that everyone knows: the Kitchen Gods (Táo Quân) – a long-awaited event that even sparks speculation long before the twelfth lunar month, with questions like, "After all this time, will the Kitchen Gods still be good?" or "Will it be shown again this year?". The public has been anticipating, discussing, and even debating about the Kitchen Gods for over 20 years, as if it were a familiar feeling that people want to relive to add to the lively atmosphere leading up to Tet.
Setting aside its characteristic topicality, Táo Quân is, above all, a three-hour story to recap how viewers have lived through the past 365 days. Because people in this country never neglect social issues, no matter how busy they are; perhaps those who live too hastily still have those last three hours before the transition from the old year to the new to catch up on all the events of the year.
In the whirlwind of city life, young people have their own interests, and adults have their own tastes. People have experienced the ups and downs of different eras, sometimes reminiscing about the old days, when television only had a few channels, when the whole country talked about a single famous film or program. Thankfully, Táo Quân (the annual Lunar New Year comedy show) still exists as a thread connecting generations, so that after a hectic year, both the elderly and the young can still gather in front of the screen to share, despite their differing tastes in life.
There isn't a single pressing issue that the Kitchen Gods overlook, from corruption and violence to food safety and hygiene, from transportation to culture, education, and electricity. From the inner chambers of Heaven, where the Kitchen Gods report to the Jade Emperor on their accomplishments, every prominent and hot topic of the year is recreated through charming yet subtly sarcastic performances, reflecting on shortcomings while also praising the overall achievements of society.
The Kitchen Gods (Táo Quân) continues to exist as a thread connecting generations after a hectic year.
The way a traditional Vietnamese New Year's Eve comedy show is presented has also evolved over the years. We certainly can't forget the "Apple Blossom" contest in the 2009 Táo Quân show – a script and stage design inspired by a beauty pageant, or the "Táo Idol" in 2011, based on the Vietnam Idol program. In 2013, the script borrowed from The Voice Vietnam, and in 2015, with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and The Magic Hat, the story of Corruption was the theme of Táo Quân 2016.
The music in Táo Quân (the annual Lunar New Year comedy show) is also an unforgettable element for the public, not only because of its high entertainment value, but also because of its wit and subtle humor, creating a unique and special flavor that everyone eagerly anticipates for this special New Year's Eve celebration. Audiences appreciate the program because it addresses their specific needs; the script, year after year, represents the people of society, allowing them to express their feelings through dialogue and songs.
It's understandable that, due to sensitive issues, Táo Quân sometimes has to tone down its script to avoid harsh scenes on television. However, it must also be acknowledged that the program's team truly strives to provide the most objective and comprehensive perspectives to the audience.
The Kitchen Gods have seemingly become an indispensable part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Why isn't the Kitchen Gods show broadcast on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, but instead on the 30th day of the 12th lunar month? Is it because if the Kitchen Gods set off on the 23rd, they will arrive at Heaven on the 30th? However, the underlying intention is speculated to be to compensate for the busy days leading up to Tet, with the Kitchen Gods show on the last day of the year serving as a milestone, a reason for people to hurry up and tidy up before the New Year so they can enjoy their remaining leisurely hours in preparation for the upcoming Tet holiday.
At 8:30 PM on the 30th day of the Lunar New Year, the living rooms of each family are filled with the vibrant colors of peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, pine trees, and kumquats, the sound of joyful laughter and children's songs, occasionally punctuated by thoughtful nods at profound hidden meanings. And then, as the three hours of the program pass, people feel that the new year is very near.
For all those years, the Jade Emperor (Quoc Khanh), the North Star (Cong Ly), the South Star (Xuan Bac), and even the Kitchen Gods (Tu Long, Van Dung, Chi Trung, Quang Thang)... have all appeared on the family screen on New Year's Eve. Their natural performances, sometimes with added touches based on the script, are humorous yet immersive, taking the audience from one surprise to another with their wit and intelligence.
Just like Journey to the West, the characters in Táo Quân (the annual New Year's Eve comedy show) have become iconic. Thinking of Nam Tào, people recognize a male deity in a blue robe, a dignified official's hat, and solemn shoes; they remember Bắc Đẩu with his vibrant pink attire and distinctive voice... People are so familiar with the characters that they know by heart every change in their costumes and appearances each year; even just by hearing their voices, long-time viewers can recognize who it is. Even now, as the year-end show approaches its 22nd anniversary, people still seem unable to answer the question: "After this generation of artists, who will continue to be Táo Quân?"
Each of us has our own reasons for loving and looking forward to the Táo Quân (Kitchen Gods) show. Some are drawn to the charming humor, others to the talent on stage, but we all share a common thread: an intangible connection to these generations of artists. People are buzzing with anticipation, wondering what will be different about Bắc Đẩu's costume this year, whether it will be as extravagant as in previous years, what color his hair will be, and how flamboyant his style will be. As for Ngọc Hoàng, people are looking forward to his distinctive demeanor and his concise yet impactful dialogue. And, of course, Tự Long will be the author of his satirical songs. And how will the other Kitchen Gods respond to Bắc Đẩu's sarcastic remarks?
Through the changing times and the countless variations of the Táo Quân (Kitchen Gods) show, the same faces remain, yet their appeal remains as strong as ever. These roles, timeless and made for them, are the hallmarks of seasoned veterans, deeply rooted in their craft and delivering performances that are both satirical and relatable to the audience. One wonders if the younger, newer generations of actors will possess the life experience, the depth, and the depth of character to continue and maintain these unique characteristics.
The public has been anticipating and discussing Táo Quân (the annual Lunar New Year comedy show) for over 20 years, much like a familiar feeling that people want to relive to add to the hustle and bustle of the days leading up to Tet.
We struggle with even the smallest changes in life; few are patient enough to wait for time to provide the answers. Just like Tet (Vietnamese New Year), the Táo Quân (Kitchen Gods) show will also change over time, both internally and in the audience's perception. People often say that Táo Quân is becoming less interesting. But Táo Quân is like a meal, a delicious spiritual treat served when people are overwhelmed and exhausted after a long year.
The Kitchen God's Kitchen is like a delicious treat we haven't had in a long time, and now that it's served again, we're even more eager to enjoy it. This delicious dish, cooked again, is naturally something that will never be perfectly flavorful every time we first started cooking it; sometimes it will be bland, sometimes too salty. But only our hearts remain as pure as they were at the beginning—the excitement and anticipation. And when people have longed for something that's been gone for so long, when it returns, that's when they know how to cherish and treasure it the most. It will be a long time, but surely no one dares to imagine that day when the Kitchen God's Kitchen can no longer continue. Who among Vietnamese families would then be able to fully experience the essence of the 30th night of the lunar month?
