At the Hue royal palace on Jan 23, the Hue Relic Preservation Center re-created the procession and erection of “neu” (a long bamboo pole), a long-standing Tet rite to worship deities and pray for good luck in the Lunar New Year.

The rite, which took place at the The To Temple and Long An Palace, boast bands performing UNESCO-recognized court music and guards in old-time costumes who carried the bamboo poles and erected them in front of the Hien Lam Cac and Long An palaces.

The areas are where kings of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), the country’s last monarchy reign, have been worshipped. In the past, entry to the sacred place was restricted to royal males and even the queens weren’t allowed to enter.

“Neu” is typically made from an old bamboo, which measures some 10m in length. The “neu” still has its roots and leaves on the top. Baskets containing offerings to the gods are hung onto the pole.

The rite is traditionally believed to worship gods, pay tribute to ancestors, expel evils and misfortunes and pray for good luck in the new year.

Kings in feudal times also held the rite to pray for favorable weather, bumper crops and peace. According to experts, the rite is thus the blend of the royal and folk culture.