Modeled on ancient rituals, the Neu pole lowering included the Neu offering rite, ceremonial music (Great music, Small music, Bell and Drum playing), and lowering the Neu poles in the front yard of The Mieu Temple, Trieu Mieu Temple and then Long An palace respectively.
After the Neu pole lowering ceremony, the Seal opening ceremony was conducted to greet the new year. Seal opening ceremony is the opening rite for a working year of the ancient central administrative government with the hope that the whole year will be smooth and successful and the country will be peaceful and prosperous.
Kim an (the restored golden seal) was taken down from the top of the Neu pole with four words “Phu - Tho - Khang - Ninh”, which symbolized Prosperity, Longevity, Good health, and Peace. Ancient people perceived that these words were wishes for the peace, auspicious start and longevity for the country, and luck and prosperity for the people.
Kim an were stamped on the sheets on which the calligraphic words were carved, such as Phuc (Happiness), Loc (Prosperity), Tho (Longevity), Tam (Good Heart), Tai (Talent) and Dat (Success). These calligraphic letters were given to visitors as wishes for good things and luck in the new year.
Land God ritual ceremony was solemnly conducted before lowering the Neu pole
The Neu pole was lowered before the three-entrance gate of The Mieu Temple
Tourists queued up to ask for the Spring calligraphic letters
A joy for “obtaining letters”
This activity attracted numerous tourists to enjoy and take pictures.
Story, photos: Dong Van