Ash Tran
Lộc Xuân —
Têt Gift Shop
Lộc Xuân is a Lunar New Year Gift Shop that uplifts and connects the Vietnamese diaspora through celebrating identity, culture, and experiences.
Artist/Thesis Statement
My project Lộc Xuân helped me delve into my identity and research the celebration of Vietnamese new year’s—Tết. During my research, it was difficult to find information that didn’t include the Vietnam war dialogue. I wanted to remind people like me; a first-generation Viet American that there is more to my cultural identity than warfare. I thought of my family lunar new year parties; where delicious foods were being cooked by the women in my family, children lined up for their lucky money envelopes, getting crazy excited to play Bau-Cua-tom-ca with my cousins. I want to be able to share those moments and memories beyond my family. About 2 million Americans make up the Vietnamese diaspora that live in the U.S. and may struggle with cultural assimilation. This project is a reminder that our customs and traditions are special anywhere we go. I created a Tết cookbook, Li Xi envelopes, an animal themed calendar, a mobile e-commerce app, as well as board games and dice.
