Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – A Cay Neu (Neu pole) was planted atthe Hue Imperial Citadel, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on January 20,featuring a traditional activity in the run up to the Lunar New Year (Tet)festival. 

The 15-metre bamboo pole was carried by costumedsoldiers in a procession from the Hien Nhon Gate through the Thai Hoa (SupremeHarmony) Palace to arrive at the Ancestral Temple, where it was put up to thebackdrop of ceremonial music and smoke from burning incense.

The erection of the Neupole on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month marks the beginning of Tet. Itcoincides with the day when the Kitchen Gods are believed to ride carp fish tothe Heavens to report on events from the past year. 

During 143 years of reign (1802 – 1945), theNguyen Dynasty held an annual ceremony to plant the Neu pole at the ImperialCitadel. The pole carries ritual items on its top, like a royal seal, a paperscroll and pen, which imply that the royal court stopped working during Tet. 

The Neu pole is also believed to ward off ghostsand demons from entering the community during Tet. It would also directancestors seeking the path home for the Lunar New Year holiday. The custom is also practised in some Asiancountries besides Vietnam.

It will be taken down on the seventh day of thefirst lunar month to mark the end of the Tet celebration.-VNA