 We're thankful for our dear listeners' love for VOV |
A: A big thank-you to Gerry Neumann of the UK for sending us a beautiful postcard with gracious wishes for Christmas and New Year 2025.
B: We’re very happy to hear from you and hope to see you again in Vietnam one day. Gerry is one of our longtime listeners and has visited Vietnam several times and held English classes in Hue city. We miss him sometimes due to the absence of his feedback to our program. We wish you a very Happy New Year, Gerry!
A: We’d like to thank Alan Roe of the UK for his postcard featuring the Lights on the Thames, on which he wrote: “Thank you for continuing to provide your entertaining and informative program on shortwave. With every best wish for the New Year.”
B: Fumito Hokamura of Japan sends us several letters reporting reception of VOV on the frequency of 12020 and 9840 kHz with SINPO rated between 3 and 5.
A: Hey, in the digital world, I’m still nostalgic for the feeling of opening the envelopes and reading listeners’ letters inside. Do you feel the same?
B: Me too, just like many VOV listeners who still keep listening on shortwave amid the boom of digital media. Again, we adopt and adapt to the new technologies for the further convenience of our listeners but still maintain our traditional channels to reach out further to non-digital listeners. Thank you all for supporting us in all media.
 Hang Ma street has long been a "decoration heaven" every Lunar New Year in Hanoi. |
A: In an email to VOV this week, Antonio López of southeastern Spain wrote: "From Yecla, I wish you much success and good fortune in 2025. Thank you for being an integral part of our lives during this time."
B: Antonio, thank you for your kind words and New Year wishes! It’s an honor to be a part of your life, and we’re committed to making 2025 even better with engaging and meaningful programs.
A: Juan Carlos Pérez Montero, also of Spain, wrote: "As we begin the new year, I want to thank you for the exceptional programs you've provided over the past year. Listening to VOV is a true pleasure. I'll continue to tune in throughout 2025, as your programs inspire and accompany me. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to another year of wonderful content."
A: Another Spanish listener, José Luis Corcuera, shared his hopes for the year ahead: "As the new year begins, I wish the program team favorable conditions in their work. My goal for 2025 is to continue enjoying Voice of Vietnam, as I have for many years."
B: We’re grateful for your enduring support over the years. Your commitment to tuning in motivates us to work even harder. May 2025 bring you happiness and fulfillment as we share this journey together.
 These decor baskets include Tet staples like banh chung, five-fruit tray, and peach blossom, all of which look animated. |
A: Mexican listener Anselmo Delgado wrote: "I am delighted to listen to VOV and to remain a loyal listener. I hope shortwave radio will return to Latin America. Wishing you a happy and successful New Year. 2024 was a challenging year for me, but listening to VOV has always been a source of comfort and joy."
B: Anselmo, your words are a testament to the strong bond we share with listeners around the world. We deeply appreciate your dedication and hope to explore ways to enhance our outreach, including your wish for shortwave radio’s return to Latin America. Wishing you a fantastic 2025!
A: Muhammad Aqeel Bashir from Pakistan expressed his joy at receiving a QSL card: "Receiving my first QSL card from VOV is a moment of immense pride. This recognition is a bridge connecting me to Vietnam’s rich culture and warm humanity. Your programs bring great joy and deepen my admiration for your efforts to connect with listeners worldwide."
B: We’re so glad to hear how much receiving your first QSL card meant to you. It’s a small token of our appreciation for your support. We’ll continue to bring you content that celebrates Vietnam’s culture and humanity.
A: To Sanil Deep of India, thank you for your kind words and continued support for our Sunday Show! We're delighted to hear that you're enjoying the program and finding segments like “Letter Box”, "Discovery Vietnam," "Economy," "Village Life," and "Culture" informative and enriching. It's always a pleasure to know that our efforts resonate with listeners around the world. This week, Sanil Deep asked about the names of domestic airlines in Vietnam.
B: Vietnam has several domestic airlines serving various routes across the country. These include Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier, offering both domestic and international flights, VietJet Air, a popular low-cost airline known for its affordable ticket prices, and Bamboo Airways, a newer carrier focused on premium services and quality experiences. There are also Pacific Airlines, a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines, and VASCO Vietnam Air Services Company, another subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines operating mainly in remote and smaller regions.
A: Thank you again for your question, and we look forward to sharing more updates and insights on our programs!
A: From Shaanxi, China, Liu Fang sent an email filled with New Year wishes and heartfelt reflections. “In 2024, VOV worked tirelessly to serve the public, including overseas Vietnamese and international listeners, enhancing its position as one of the leading radio stations in the region and the world. Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff, editors, announcers, technicians, and artists of Voice of Vietnam. Wishing you a prosperous and happy New Year!"
B: To all our listeners, thank you for making our programs a part of your lives. Your support is the foundation of everything we do. May 2025 bring you joy, success, and unforgettable moments. Keep those letters and messages coming—we love hearing from you!
A: In his email to VOV this week, Duongchay of Laos shared his interests in learning about Vietnamese culture and traditions during the Lunar New Year festival, particularly the worshipping of the Kitchen God tradition.
 The Kitchen Gods record people’s good and bad behavior throughout the year. Then, on the 23rd day of the last lunar month, they ride on three golden carp back to Heaven to deliver their report to the Jade Emperor. |
B: Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration, is the most important event of the year in Vietnam. Many ancient customs are preserved as cultural features of Tet, including Kitchen God worship.
A: No one knows when the Kitchen God worship custom began. It has been practiced by countless generations in Vietnam.
B: According to Vietnamese legend, the God of Heaven sent three deities down to earth to watch over each household, observing each family from their kitchen. The Kitchen Gods record people’s good and bad behavior throughout the year. Then, on the 23rd day of the last lunar month, they ride on three golden carp back to Heaven to deliver their report to the Jade Emperor so he can mete out merits and punishments.
A: Vietnamese people believe the Kitchen Gods’ report will determine their good or bad luck and happiness or unhappiness in the coming year.
B: In the hope of a good report, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, people clean their house and kitchen and prepare a feast to send off the Kitchen Gods. Golden carp are the only form of transportation that can take the Kitchen Gods to Heaven, because, when released into a lake or river, they transform into dragons.
A: According to Vietnamese people’s belief, the ritual must be finished before noon on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, because Heaven’s gate closes at noon. The offerings can include meat or vegan dishes, depending on the family’s financial condition, but should also have cakes, fruits, votive clothing for the Kitchen Gods, and three real or votive carp. It doesn't matter whether the offering is sumptuous or plain. Sincerity is the most important thing.
B: The custom of worshipping the Kitchen Gods varies by region, but one thing is invariable: sincere belief in the deities, whose report decides the happiness and prosperity of the family.
A: During the upcoming Lunar New Year festival, which will last from January 28 to February 2, VOVWORLD will have special programs featuring Vietnam’s achievements over the past year, traditions and customs and the Spring atmosphere around the country. So, stay tuned!
B: We truly appreciate the sentiments of our listeners around the world. Your questions bring us closer together, and we look forward to hearing from you again. Happy New Year to each and every one of you!