New Year poles in Hue’s villages

New Year poles in Hue’s villages

VietNamNet Bridge – In many villages in the central city of Hue, locals still erect the Tet (New-year) pole as age-old tradition. These poles are the symbol of spring.

As the spotted dove chirps three times announcing Tet
Let us erect the Tet pole and eat bean cakes

Whether a farmer in the countryside or worker in the city, everybody in Vietnam is stirred by this folk song. The image of a Tet pole raised in front of a village house (where it is thought to bring good luck and protection from evil spirits to the family within) inspires sweet memories of family gatherings and past celebrations. 

While it varies from region to region, the pole is usually made from a bamboo trunk that has been stripped of its lower branches, leaving only a few young leaves at the top. Attached is a bamboo basket containing betel and areca nuts and votive paper money.

Tet poles are also raised in pagodas where they join baked clay musical instruments, votive paper and festive banners. Lime powder is sprinkled around the entrance of the pagoda to chase away ghosts.

Let’s see Tet poles in Hue’s villages:

Dan Tri