[Photo] Reenactment of the flag-lowering and seal-opening ceremony in Hue royal court

On February 4, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center held a flagpole lowering ceremony in the courtyards of Trieu Mieu and The Mieu inside the Hue Imperial City, marking the end of the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake.

The Lowering of the Neu Ceremony is an important custom of the Nguyen Dynasty, marking the end of the spring reunion days and officially entering the new year's working and studying period. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

According to old custom, on the 23rd of December, the pole is erected in front of palaces and temples as a sign of welcoming the new year. On the 7th of January, when the pole is lowered, the royal court and people begin to return to their daily lives. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

The annual ceremony of lowering the flagpole at the Imperial City is solemnly held with important parts such as offering the flagpole, performing ceremonial music (including grand music, small music, bells and drums) and lowering the flagpole. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

Artists of Hue Royal Theatre reenact ancient rituals. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

According to ancient rituals, the lowering of the pole signals the end of the Tet holiday and the royal court resumes work. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

The pole is lowered and the seal is taken out of the box. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

A restored gold seal engraved with the four words "Phu - Tho - Khang - Ninh" (Wealth - Longevity - Health - Peace) was lowered from the treetop, expressing the wish for a prosperous and favorable year. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

Opening the seal at the beginning of the year not only reminds us of the glorious past of the Hue Imperial Palace but also fosters national pride, helping today's generation connect with their roots. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

Calligraphy with the words Phuc, Loc, Tho, Cat Tuong, Thinh Vuong… are stamped with gold seals and given to visitors as a lucky gift at the beginning of spring. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

Lucky visitors receive wishes in calligraphy. (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center)