Unique flag raising ceremony in Hue Imperial Citadel

(CLO) Traditionally, before the Lunar New Year, the Hue Imperial Citadel Relics Conservation Center organizes the "Thuong Tieu" ceremony (raising the ceremonial pole) at Trieu To Mieu and The To Mieu within the Imperial Citadel. This is one of the unique rituals that recreates the atmosphere of the traditional Tet holiday of the nation.

The pole-raising ceremony, also known as erecting the pole or Thướng tiêu, is an important traditional custom during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

The Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center organized the "Thuong Tieu" ceremony (raising the ceremonial pole) at Trieu To Mieu and The To Mieu within the Imperial Citadel - Photo: Minh Giang

During the Nguyen dynasty, this ceremony was held solemnly in the imperial palace, signaling the arrival of the New Year and conveying wishes for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and a prosperous life.

According to documents from the Hue Imperial City Relics Conservation Center, the custom of erecting the New Year's pole is held on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, coinciding with the day of bidding farewell to the Kitchen God. This marks the cessation of all year's work in preparation for Tet (Lunar New Year).

During the Nguyen dynasty, the New Year's pole was made from large, whole bamboo stalks and was often decorated with items such as amulets and five-colored flags, in order to ward off evil spirits and bring peace.

Currently, this ceremony is reenacted annually at the Hue Imperial Citadel as part of the Spring Festival activities for the Lunar New Year. This year's flag-raising ceremony was held solemnly with the participation of Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Imperial Citadel Relics Conservation Center, along with officials and members of the royal family.

Mr. Hoang Viet Trung (wearing a black ao dai), Director of the Hue Imperial Citadel Relics Conservation Center, presides over the ceremonial offering on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month. Photo: Minh Giang

The ceremony began at Trieu To Temple with traditional rituals, including offering incense, performing rituals before the altar, and burning votive paper. The highlight of the event was the erection of a large ceremonial pole in the courtyard of The To Temple, where the Nguyen dynasty kings are worshipped. The tall, majestic pole symbolized the end of the old year and the welcoming of a new year full of hope and peace.

Besides informing the public that the New Year has arrived, the flag-raising ceremony at the Hue Imperial Citadel also conveys wishes for national peace and prosperity, well-being for all families, and favorable weather.

Recreating the traditional New Year's pole-raising ceremony at the Imperial Citadel not only aims to preserve and spread traditional values ​​but also provides an opportunity to promote the unique cultural features of the ancient capital. This is a highlight that attracts many tourists to visit and experience the atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in the sacred historical space of Hue Imperial Citadel.

The ceremony began solemnly at Trieu To Temple within the Hue Imperial Citadel. Photo: Minh Giang

Officials and members of the royal family respectfully perform rituals before the altar. Photo: Minh Giang

The ritual of burning votive paper money takes place after the ceremony is complete. Photo: Minh Giang

The ceremonial pole was made from a single large bamboo pole, left intact at the top, and carried by 10 soldiers. Photo: Minh Giang

The New Year's pole was erected to mark the end of all activities of the old year and to prepare for Tet (Lunar New Year) in the imperial palace. Photo: Minh Giang

A large ceremonial pole is erected in front of the The To Mieu temple, where the Nguyen dynasty kings are worshipped. Photo: Minh Giang

Erecting the ceremonial pole within the imperial citadel served not only to inform the people of the end of the old year and to prepare for the new year, but also as a ritual to pray for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity, and well-being for all families. (Photo: Minh Giang)

Minh Giang

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/doc-dao-nghi-le-thuong-neu-trong-hoang-thanh-hue-post331783.html