Erecting bamboo pole in the Citadel to welcome Tet

Hue Monuments Conservation Center holding the bamboo pole erection ceremony in the Royal Palace

The bamboo pole erection is a traditional rite of the nation and is also an important ceremony at the beginning of the new year of the Nguyen Dynasty. Before Tet, the tree is erected to signal the arrival of Tet. The original purpose was to celebrate New Year's Day, worship the gods to bless peace on family members, pray for ancestors to bless their children and grandchildren... The royal court also erected the bamboo pole to pray for favorable weather conditions and prosperity for the citizens in the new year.

According to tradition, when seeing the bamboo pole peeking out from the walls of the old palace, the people also began to erect their own bamboo poles. They worshipped the gods and their ancestors, and draw lime lines to ward off evil spirits. The date for the people to erect their bamboo poles occurred after the royal court’s ceremony.

Based on royal materials, Hue Monuments Conservation Center conducted the bamboo pole erection ceremony in the royal palace to create a joyful atmosphere on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

The bamboo pole procession ceremony was solemnly held, and the soldiers carrying the pole were in formal attire, marching in the sound of Tieu Nhac. At Trieu To Mieu and Hien Lam Cac - The Mieu, incense-table and offerings were displayed. The bamboo pole erection ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere with the following rituals: Nghinh than (inviting the gods), Tien tuu (offering wine), Tien tra (offering tea), and Khanh ha (great rejoicing). After the rituals, the bamboo pole was erected. 

Below are some images of the ceremony captured on the morning of January 25 (23rd December, Lunar calendar):

The bamboo pole procession is solemnly held

The bamboo pole used for the ceremony is carefully selected, stiff, straight and strong 

Rituals of Nghinh than (inviting the gods), Tien tuu (offering wine), Tien tra (offering tea), and Khanh ha (great rejoicing)

Hanging seal and offerings on the bamboo pole

Bamboo pole erection ritual

The bamboo tree is considered a sacred symbol of the Lunar New Year

By Minh Hien