This is not just a New Year's custom, but also a symbol of faith and hope, helping people find peace and optimism in every new beginning.
The Binh Ngo year 2026 falls under Period 9 (Lower Yuan), governed by the Jiu Zi star. This is the second year in the three-year "fire element period" cycle (At Ty, Binh Ngo, Dinh Mui), all associated with the South.
Despite being in the Fire period, the five elements for 2026 are represented by Thien Ha Thuy (water from the Heavenly River). This combination creates a "water-fire interaction" relationship: using the coolness of water to moderate fire's intensity, while also using heat to warm the water. In ancient philosophy, this signifies "the virtue of fostering life", bringing balance to all things.
According to Huyen Khong and Than Sat feng shui, the auspicious directions for venturing out in 2026 are Southeast, North, and East, respectively.
Ages with good fortune, meaning those belonging to the earthly branches influenced by auspicious stars throughout the year, include: Mao, Thin, Mui, Dau, Tuat, Hoi.
Among the aforementioned ages, the selection also depends on the "three-harmony groups" to choose an age suitable for the homeowner.
The three-harmony groups include: Than – Ty – Thin; Dan – Ngo – Tuat; Ty – Dau – Suu; and Hoi – Mao – Mui (also known as the five-element harmony). For example, a homeowner born in the year of the Rat (Ty) could choose someone born in the year of the Dragon (Thin) (from the same three-harmony group) to perform the first foot ritual.
One can also invite individuals from the two-harmony (six-harmony) age groups for the first foot ritual. The two-harmony groups include: Dan – Hoi; Ty – Suu; Mao – Tuat; Thin – Dau; Ty – Than; and Ngo – Mui.
These pairs are also known as yin-yang earthly branches. Accordingly, a homeowner born in the year of the Tiger (Dan) could choose to invite someone born in the year of the Pig (Hoi) for the first foot ritual, and vice versa.
The reason for selecting someone with good fortune who is compatible with the homeowner's age for the first foot ritual stems from the universal principle of "like energy attracts like". Harmonious yin and yang and five elements are auspicious; incompatibility can create negative energy and disadvantages.
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Deciphering folk taboos
Many often wonder about women or those in mourning performing the first foot ritual. From an expert's perspective, this needs to be understood correctly:
Should women perform the first foot ritual?
The notion that women should not perform the first foot ritual is an outdated prejudice. In reality, women can absolutely take on this role if they have good fortune and their age is compatible with the homeowner.
Previously, this taboo was mainly related to hygiene during menstruation due to limited medical conditions. Today, as long as the first footer is cheerful and healthy, gender is not a barrier.
What about those experiencing sadness or mourning?
Families who have recently experienced sadness or mourning often consciously choose not to perform the first foot ritual. This is not a theological issue of "bad luck", but primarily a matter of psychology and sensitivity.
Tet is a joyous occasion, and those with sorrow in their hearts often find it difficult to offer cheerful greetings. Therefore, they usually choose to stay home to maintain sensitivity towards their neighbors.
Cultural and Feng Shui Researcher Pham Dinh Hai
