LAWRENCE — Trang Nguyen, who immigrated from Vietnam five years ago, said it's important to teach her son Brian about his roots.

To keep the culture alive in him, Nguyen cooks Vietnamese food at home and shows Brian, 4, photographs of family members still living in Vietnam and has him talk to them on the telephone as often as possible.

"I want my son to know he's Vietnamese and don't forget about his culture," she said yesterday at the start of the Vietnamese New Year or Tet.

The Asian Center of Merrimack Valley yesterday celebrated the start of the new year — the Year of the Rat, for Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese.

Though the traditions vary from country to country, the concept is the same, said Megan Tan, 34, of Methuen.

"We all wish peace, happiness and most importantly good health," Tan said.

Yeon Zu Park, who came to the United States three years ago, does not want her children to grow up not knowing about the culture and traditions of South Korea.

This is specially meaningful during the New Year, when Park, 37, plays traditional games and the children help prepare Korean food at their North Andover home.

Yesterday's celebration also included food from the different Asian cultures.

There was also an Hispanic flair to the festivities because many Hispanic immigrants take English classes at the Asian Center.

Standing beside the display of her native China, Xian Ju Yi, 64, showed a traditional dress in burgundy with black silk with gold; Chinese checkers and black Chinese letters on red paper with wishes including "Good Luck," "Good Health" and "Happiness."

The Vietnamese display featured pennies as an offering, as well as bowls full of mango, coconut, papaya, kiwi and other fruits.

Students from the Dominican Republic also had an exhibit featuring drums, a framed photograph of Pedro Martinez, their country's flag and posters of landmarks.

Saida Mercedes, who attended with her children Luis Hernandez and Rochelle Santana and niece Jazmin Pimentel, said it is important for them to learn about other countries as well as their own.

Facts about New Years:

Chinese New year, is a 15-day celebration full of traditions and superstitions. These include abstaining from eating meat on the first day to ensure long and happy lives; welcoming the God of Wealth on the fifth day, and avoiding visitors, which is considered bad luck. This is the year of the Rat.

Koreans place straws, rakes on their doors or walls to keep evil spirits away in the new year. Families get together at the home of the eldest male member, where youngsters bow to elders. Rice cake soup is consumed since Koreans believe it will add an extra year to their lives

Vietnamese New Year began is celebrated over four days. An offering is made daily in honor of the family's ancestors. Among symbolic foods include rice pudding made with beans and pork. Watermelon is another important food because its red color is considered lucky.

Cambodian New Year lasts for three days in April. Believers place a statue of Buddha on the altar decorated with flowers, candles, incense, a bowl of scented water, food, drink and bananas. As a sign of respect, children give money to their parents and other relatives. On the last day, Buddha statues at home and in the monasteries are washed, wishing for a rainy season in the coming years. Children also wash their parents' feet as a sign of respect.