Jan 28, 2017
Lunar New Year 2017 (Vietnam)
This Doodle’s Key Themes
With paper lanterns, watermelon, and lots of red, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Rooster.
Also known as Tết in Vietnam, Lunar New Year falls on the first new moon between January 21 and February 20 each year. While this means the date is always changing, the traditions surrounding the holiday have long been the same. Leading up to it, families clean their homes and begin preparing food for the festivities. One of the signature dishes, bánh chưng, can take days to make.
Once New Year’s Day arrives, red decor and envelopes abound, while lion dancers and drummers fill the streets. The celebration often lasts multiple days in Vietnam, leaving plenty of time to feast. Families enjoy the pre-made bánh chưng, along with roasted watermelon seeds, pickled onions, and dried fruit. There may even be some gambling – games like bầu cua cá cọp, which lets players make bets as they roll three dice, are popular during Tết.
As loved ones come together for good food and fun, here’s to a happy and healthy new year!
Where this Doodle appeared
Discover more Doodles by color
Did you know?
The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
Learn MoreDid you know?
Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
Learn MoreDid you know?
The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
Learn More