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The TET IN SEATTLE is currently in process of applying for a 501(c)(3). We are currently operate under the umbrella of a fiscal agent, Ethnic Heritage Council, which is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3). TET IN SEATTLE organization is composed of students and working professionals who volunteer their time, energy, and resources to plan, organize, and produce the annual TET- Lunar New Year festival which is held at Seattle Center. TET In SEATTLE started in 1996 and went public with its very first TET festival in 1997.
PURPOSE:
- The mission of TET IN SEATTLE is to add to the culturally diverse community of Seattle by contributing a positive reinforcement of the Vietnamese culture.
- To preserve and promote the Vietnamese cultural heritage and traditions to people of all ethnic backgrounds through traditional ceremonies, arts and crafts, entertainment, and cuisine.
- To provide an opportunity for youths to get involved in the spirit of community service.
- Provide an opportunity for all Vietnamese-Americans to work together, and to celebrate a rich and ancient tradition, at the same time empowering the Vietnamese community.
- To instill pride in culture and family values in young Vietnamese-Americans with hope that they will provide a great contribution to our society.
- To reduce the gap between different generations of Vietnamese immigrants.
HISTORY :
Traditionally, Tet - the Lunar New Year Festival takes places on the first day of the first of the Lunar New Year and continues for several days. During the days of festivities, participants feast, play music, dance, and observe traditional customs. Festival organizers have taken this concept and condensed the festivities of Tet into a two-day event to be held on Seattle Center grounds. The Seattle Center and TET IN SEATTLE have arranged for the festival to be held annually in the Seattle Center house for the next three years.
Through a variety of performances, which include dancers, singers, musicians, and youth choirs, the Tet Festival is afforded the opportunity to exhibit the beauties and treasures of Vietnamese culture to the residents of King County and its outlying areas. In addition to the performance, an equally important part of the festivities will highlight cultural exhibits, traditional art demonstrations, tradtional foods, ancient Tet customs and observances, and literary arts.
The people of King County in the State of Washington and neighboring residents will be able to witness and experience the traditional lighting of the Fire Crackers with the Dragon Dance representing prayers for a bountiful harvest. People can observe the Tet Ancestral Ceremony and ritual of elders distributing "Li Xi" or lucky money to young relatives and friends after they give their "Best Longevity Wishes to Our Elders." Audiences will gain an appreciation of traditional attire by viewing the Children's Traditional Costume Parade and Contest. Also, there is the "Ao Dai" Show where young Vietnamese girls perform skits and walk a fashion runaway to showcase the beautiful traditional Vietnamese dress known as Ao Dai.
In addition, viewers of Knowledge Bowl can learn from watching Vietnamese-American high school participants compete by answering various trivia qustions about Tet. Throughout all of these events, vendors will provide traditional Vietnamese foods for all to taste and enjoy.
The festival stage will feature traditional dancing, singing, and martial arts demonstrations done by children and young adults. One of the highlighted main-stage attractions at the festival are the nationally recognized, contemporary Vietnamese musicians, singers, and songwriters.
In an effort to keep the Vietnamese written words alive, TET IN SEATTLE produces a literary magazine containing short stories, poems, and essays written by young Vietnamese-Americans. The magazine's bilinqual introduction spells out the cultural significance and history of the Tet celebrations.
The Tet-Lunar New Year festival will be coordinated, implemented, and presented by the younger Vietnamese generation. A festival board of young Vietnamese professionals and college students will make programming, fundraising, publicity/marketing, and production decisions. The festival aims to promote understanding of the cultural aspect of Vietnam as well as its history. It will help its young organizers and volunteers tackle their responsibilities as the new Vietnamese-American generation that must promote and preserve the Vietnamese heritage and culture.
