Neu is a tall bamboo pole with red garment strips used to ward off evil spirits during the Lunar New Year, Tet.

Pursuant to the old rites, the Neu pole lowering ceremony was comprised of the Neu offering rite, ceremonial music, and the lowering of the Neu pole that was erected on the 23rd day of the last lunar month, marking the beginning of Tet. It coincides with the day when the Kitchen Gods are believed to ride a carp to Heaven to report on events from the past year.

The Neu pole lowering rite marked the end of the Tet celebration and the start of a new working year.

After the Neu pole was lowered, the seal opening ceremony was conducted to greet the new year.

“Kim an” (the golden seal) was taken down from the top of the Neu pole and was stamped on the sheets on which words were carved calligraphically – Phuc (Happiness), Loc (Prosperity), Tho (Longevity), Cat Tuong (Good fortune), and Binh An (Peace). These calligraphic letters were given to visitors as wishes for a good life and luck in the new year.

Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of the Hue Monument Conservation Center, said that this traditional activity was recreated with rituals similar to those performed during the Nguyen Dynasty.

“In addition to representing the folk spirit, the Neu pole in the royal court signals the beginning and the end of Tet. We hold a seal opening ceremony and give letters to visitors as New Year’s wishes,” said Trung.