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| The lowering of the Neu pole marking the end of Tet holiday and welcome a new working year |
The ceremony at the Imperial Palace, a tradition from the Nguyen Dynasty, was reenacted to signify the conclusion of Tet holiday and the transition into a new year of working.
Following the ancient rites, Hue Monuments Conservation Center conducted the Neu pole lowering ceremony in a solemn manner. The ritual included offerings, ceremonial music (Dai Nhac, Tieu Nhac, bell and drum performances), and the lowering of the Neu pole, which had been erected on the December 23rd of the lunar calendar. The Neu pole in front of The Mieu was taken down first, followed by the one at Trieu Mieu.
When the Neu pole was lowered, a restored replica of the Kim An (Golden Seal) was retrieved from its top. The seal bore the four characters “Phu - Tho - Khang - Ninh”, symbolizing wealth, longevity, good health, and peace. In the past, these words were believed to bring prosperity and stability to the nation and happiness and abundance to the people.
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| Visitors waiting for calligraphy blessings for the New Year |
After the lowering of the Neu pole, the seal opening ceremony was performed to inaugurate the new administrative year, a tradition of the central government during the Nguyen Dynasty. This ritual was held in the hope that the year would bring smooth operations, success, and national prosperity.
Alongside the seal opening ceremony, calligraphy masters gifted visitors and locals with auspicious calligraphy works, carrying messages of happiness, peace, and good fortune for the new year.
This year, due to unfavourable weather conditions with rain in Hue, the number of attendees was lower than in previous years. However, Mr. Tran Ha, a visitor from Quy Nhon, expressed his excitement: “I am very happy to have been able to attend the Neu pole lowering and seal opening ceremony at the Imperial Palace – Hue Imperial Citadel. It has given me a deeper understanding of Nguyen Dynasty traditions, and I felt especially lucky to have received a calligraphy blessing at the start of the year.”