Xông đất: who should be your first visitor of the year

Xông đất is the Vietnamese custom of choosing the first person to step into your home after midnight on New Year's Eve. That first visitor is believed to set the tone for the household's luck all year, so families often pick someone cheerful, kind and successful, ideally with a zodiac age that suits the head of the house.

Say it roughly as "sohng dut." In the South, people often call the same custom đạp đất or xông nhà.

What the custom means

Xông means to enter or rush into, and đất means earth or ground. The idea is that the first visitor "opens the ground" of the new year for the household. If that person brings good energy, the family hopes for a smooth, prosperous year. If things go badly, older relatives may half-jokingly blame the first visitor.

Because of this, many families don't leave it to chance. They invite someone specific to arrive early on the first day of Tết, often just after midnight or early in the morning.

Who makes a good first visitor?

Traditionally, families look for someone who is:

• In good health and good spirits, with a cheerful personality
• Doing well in work, family life or reputation
• Kind and generous, not known for quarrels
• Of a compatible age according to the zodiac
• Not in mourning, since a recent death in their family is seen as inauspicious for others' first visit

Some families also prefer a man as the first visitor, though attitudes are changing and many families now choose whoever brings the best energy.

The zodiac part

Many families check whether the visitor's birth year fits well with the homeowner's. In traditional Vietnamese astrology, certain animals are considered compatible, grouped into "tam hợp" (three harmonies). A commonly cited group for the Goat is the Pig, Cat and Goat. Others look at the year's heavenly stem and element too, which gets complicated quickly.

For Tết 2027, the Year of the Goat (Đinh Mùi), some families will look for visitors born in compatible years. If your family takes this seriously, an elder or a traditional almanac will usually guide the choice. Our guide to the Year of the Goat 2027 explains what Đinh Mùi means.

What the first visitor does

The first visitor's job is simple: arrive, bring warmth and offer good wishes. Typical gestures include:

• Saying "Chúc mừng năm mới" and a few wishes for health and prosperity
• Bringing a small gift, like fruit, candy or tea
• Giving lì xì to the children in the house
• Keeping the visit short and cheerful

The family welcomes them with tea and sweets from the candied fruit tray. Some hosts give the first visitor a small red envelope too, as thanks.

What to avoid on the first day

Because the first visit carries so much weight, some households have unwritten rules for the first day of Tết:

• Avoid arguments or sad topics
• Don't sweep the floor, which some believe sweeps away luck
• Try not to break things
• Avoid visiting others early if you're in mourning or going through a hard time

These beliefs vary widely between families and regions. Many younger people treat them with a light touch, following them out of respect rather than strict belief. You can read about more of these in Vietnamese Lunar New Year superstitions.

What if nobody is invited?

Some families choose to "self-xông," meaning a member of the household steps out just before midnight and walks back in as the first visitor. This way, the family controls who enters first. It's a practical solution, especially for households that don't want the pressure of inviting someone.

Being asked to be someone's first visitor

If a friend or neighbor asks you to xông đất their home, it's a compliment. It means they see you as a positive person. Arrive on time, bring a small gift, say warm wishes and don't overstay. If you're unsure whether your zodiac year fits, it's fine to ask; most people appreciate the care.

Xông đất outside Vietnam

Vietnamese families abroad often keep the custom, adjusting to local schedules. If Tết falls on a workday, the first visit may happen in the evening instead. The spirit stays the same: start the new year with good people and good wishes.

If you're invited to be someone's first visitor, bring oranges or a box of sweets and a big smile; that's the best luck you can carry through the door.