Erecting bamboo pole in the Imperial Citadel to welcome the Lunar New Year

The bamboo pole erection ceremony this year is held on a Hue sunny day

In ancient royal life, the bamboo pole erection ceremony (so-called Thuong Tieu ceremony) was a way to signal the arrival of Tet. The word “Tieu” in “Thuong tieu” means “the top of the tree”, - the highest place which is easy to see from afar. Before Tet, the royal court held Thuong tieu ceremony, i.e., the “bamboo pole erection” ceremony to mark the arrival of Tet. The initial purpose was to celebrate Tet, and later it was held as a ritual to worship the gods to bless families with safe and sound, and pray to ancestors to bless for descendants. Additionally, it also was held to ward off evil spirits. The royal court also erected the bamboo pole to pray for favorable conditions and prosperity for the citizens.

Today, Hue Monuments Conservation Center reenacted annually this ritual ceremony on every traditional Lunar New Year

In addition to the spiritual beliefs of the people, the ceremony of erecting the bamboo pole in the Nguyen Dynasty also signified the arrival of Tet and the arrival of Spring

The bamboo pole erection ceremony began with rituals at the Trieu To Mieu, followed by the bamboo pole procession. The procession with the participation of soldiers, musicians, and flag bearers, picked up a bamboo pole over 15 meters tall from Hien Nhon Gate to Ngo Mon Gate, passing Thai Hoa Palace, and finally stopping at Thai To Mieu, where the bamboo pole erection ceremony was performed with corresponding rituals.

The ceremony taking place in a solemn atmosphere, accompanied by court music, attracted many a visitors to Hue Imperial Citadel. The bamboo pole would remain standing until the 7th day of the lunar new year, when the royal court performs the ceremony of lowering down the pole, marking the beginning of a new working year.

This tradition is not only popular in Hue Ancient Capital, but is also still maintained all over the country. It truly is a beautiful aspect of the Vietnamese people’s spiritual tradition.