Worshiping before lowering the Neu tree. (Photo: VOV)

The ceremony, which included worshiping the Neu tree, ceremonial music, and lowering the Neu tree, was followed by a seal opening ceremony to pray for peace, success, and prosperity. Calligraphic messages were given to people who attended the event.

"The Neu tree lowering ceremony has great spiritual significance for the Vietnamese people. It’s an important event to welcome the New Year, ” Mr. Ton That Truong Son, a resident of Thuan Hoa ward in Hue city, said. 

Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said that the ceremony delivered Vietnamese people’s wishes for the new year.

"This activity revives traditional customs of the nation and the Imperial Palace. The Neu tree erecting ceremony marks the arrival of Tet and the coming of spring, a time when everyone sets aside work to enjoy the festivities. The Neu tree lowering ceremony signals the resumption of daily work and the promise of a beautiful future. From a cultural perspective, it introduces domestic and international visitors to the traditions of Vietnamese culture and enhances their Tet experience," Mr. Hoang Viet Trung said. 

During the 2025 Tet holiday, 150,000 visitors came to Hue, 37% more than last year. This included 69,000 international visitors, an 81% increase from last year.