A 100-member family keeps its Tet photo tradition going for 22 years

Nguyen Thi Thang, 22, a third-generation member of the family in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, describes her family’s Tet photo collection as a "heritage of memories."

The latest, taken in 2025, shows four generations in one frame, including a 96-year-old man and his youngest great-grandchild, aged all of two months. The tradition began in 2003, when the family gathered to welcome a new bride, Thang’s mother.

One family member had brought a camera to capture the get-together, resulting in the first family photo, which had around 40 people. "That spontaneous moment later became a tradition, with my entire family taking a photo on the morning of Lunar New Year," Thang says.

Nguyen Thi Thang’s family photo taken on the Lunar New Year’s Day in 2003. Photo courtesy of Thang

Over the last 20 years the photos have documented the family’s growth.

Children in older images are now adults, married and holding the next generation in their arms. The number of members has increased from 40 to nearly 100. The role of photographer has also been passed on, from an uncle to a cousin who uses professional equipment to ensure every face is clearly visible.

The family members agree to gather at 9 a.m. on the first day of Tet after offering incense to their ancestors, with everyone assembling at the grandfather’s house.

Getting 100 people to look into the camera is no small challenge, Thang says. In the early years the scene was often chaotic with children playing and adults struggling to find a spot, but now it has become routine.

Within 15 minutes everything is set: elders seated in the center, younger adults standing behind and children seated in front. In recent years the women have begun wearing matching ao dai to give the photo a more formal appearance.

Most of Thang’s family members live in Quy Nhon, and so the annual gathering is convenient. But those working elsewhere treat the photo session as an unmissable appointment and make every effort to return.

Nguyen Hieu, 32, a daughter-in-law of the family, says: "During my eight years as a daughter-in-law, I have never missed a family photo. After taking the photo and receiving lucky money from grandfather, everyone goes from house to exchange New Year greetings until late afternoon."

Thang’s family pose for the Lunar New Year photo in 2025. Photo courtesy of Thang

For Thang and other family members, the photos are keepsakes and a way of honoring their grandfather’s lesson in family bonds.

She says: "Our grandparents and parents will eventually grow old. These photos are a way to preserve memories, to see how we grow up surrounded by enduring love."

The photos have been carefully preserved by Thang’s grandfather for over 22 years. When the collection was shared on social media, tens of thousands of people expressed admiration for the family tradition.