Neu pole erected at Hue Imperial Citadel - Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – A ceremony to plant Neu pole (a tall bambootree with red garment strips used to ward off evil spirits during Tet) wasorganised at Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue onFebruary 8.
The 15-metre bamboo pole was carried by a group of mendressed as soldiers under the Nguyen Dynasty in a procession from the Hien NhonGate through the Thai Hoa Palace to arrive at the Ancestral Temple, where itwas erected.
The erection of the Neu pole on the 23rd day of the 12thlunar month marks the beginning of Tet. It coincides with the day when theKitchen Gods are believed to ride carp fish to the Heaven to report on eventsfrom the past year.
During 143 years of reign (1802 – 1945), the Nguyen Dynastyheld an annual ceremony to plant the Neu pole at the Imperial Citadel. The polecarries ritual items on its top, like a royal seal, a paper scroll and pen,which imply that the royal court stopped working during Tet.
The Neu pole is also believed to ward off ghosts and demonsfrom entering the community during Tet. It would also direct ancestors seekingthe path home for the Lunar New Year holiday. The custom is also practised in someAsian countries besides Vietnam.
It will be taken down on the seventh day of the first lunarmonth to mark the end of the Tet celebration.
Also on the day, the Hue Relics Preservation Centre held aTet programme, which offers visitors a chance to listen to nha nhac (Hue royalcourt music), folk games, and watch a competition to make Chung cake (a cakemade from glutinous rice traditionally dedicated to Tet).-VNA
