Bamboo pole erection has become a traditional cultural activity in every Tet holiday
In the past, the bamboo pole erection ceremony was held to signal the arrival of Tet. The original purpose was to celebrate the Tet holiday, worship the gods, and pray 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.
According to tradition, when seeing the bamboo pole peeking out from the walls of the old palace, the people began to erect their own bamboo poles, worshiping the gods and their ancestors, as well as 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.
Nowadays, based on royal materials, Hue Monuments Conservation Center has conducted the bamboo pole erection ceremony in the royal palace so as to create a joyful atmosphere on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.
The bamboo pole erection on Tet holiday is a meaningful rite in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people since the old times, which has been formed, preserved, inherited and promoted in many different forms. This rite was popular in the folk life and court life under the Nguyen Dynasty.
Following are some images of the bamboo pole erection ceremony captured by Thua Thien Hue Online:
The bamboo pole erection ceremony is conducted according to the royal rites
The bamboo pole procession is solemnly held
The bamboo pole is carefully selected, stiff, straight and strong
Rituals before erecting the bamboo pole in the ceremony
The offerings according to ancient rites
Hanging the seal on the bamboo pole
The bamboo tree is raised high to signal the arrival of Tet
Visitors enjoy watching the bamboo pole erection ceremony
By MINH HIEN