When I was about four years old, I attended my very first Tết celebration. At the time, we were living in Indianola and my family was helping to resettle a few Vietnamese refugees. These young men wanted to take me to experience a Vietnamese New Year with them. I don’t remember much about the celebration, but I can recall many people in a small space, possibly a church basement. The young men (who became longtime family friends) took turns carrying me around as I was shy and didn’t want to walk on my own. I remember some pretty young women in colorful clothing fawning over me, squeezing my cheeks. One of them gave me a piece of grape bubblegum which I thought was very special.
I enjoyed learning more about this celebration. Thanks for sharing!