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In the cool weather characteristic of the year-end in Hue, the Imperial Citadel takes on a solemn and sacred atmosphere. From early morning, the Imperial Citadel's grounds have been meticulously prepared for the ceremony. Tall, straight bamboo poles are carefully selected, and ceremonial items are arranged meticulously according to court protocol. Under the early morning sun, the moss-covered roof tiles of the imperial palace seem to stand still, transporting people back to the traditional Tet customs of the ancient capital.
The Thượng Nêu ceremony is one of the important rituals of the Nguyen Dynasty, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere in the imperial palace, while also preparing to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. Photo: Dinh Hoang
Court rituals carry profound spiritual significance.
According to traditional beliefs, the "Thuong Neu" ceremony is held on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month – the time when the Kitchen God ascends to heaven – to ward off evil spirits, bid farewell to the misfortunes of the old year, and pray for a peaceful new year, favorable weather, and national prosperity. During the Nguyen dynasty, this ceremony held special significance, marking the official start of the Tet holiday.
The Thượng Nêu ceremony at the Đại Triều Nghi courtyard (Hue Imperial Citadel) on the morning of the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month officially marked the beginning of the series of activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.
The ceremonial pole, made of tall, straight bamboo, symbolizes purity and enduring vitality. At the top of the pole hang items believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the home, such as amulets, bronze bells, lime bags, and colorful silk ribbons. Each detail embodies folk beliefs and a philosophy of living in harmony with nature, expressing the aspiration for the protection of heaven and earth for the royal palace and its people.
This year's ceremonial pole-raising ceremony was meticulously recreated, based on historical documents and research on the court rituals of the Nguyen dynasty. The ceremonial team, dressed in traditional costumes, performed the ritual steps slowly and precisely, creating a sacred space rich in cultural depth.
Hue Imperial Citadel – where Tet begins with solemnity.
In the early morning mist still lingering over the Grand Courtyard, the solemn sounds of ceremonial music resonated, blending with the rhythmic drumming of the ritual, creating an atmosphere that was both dignified and profound. The raising of the ceremonial pole not only marked the beginning of Tet (Lunar New Year) in the imperial palace, but also served as a signal that spring had arrived in the ancient capital.
For the people of Hue, the moment of erecting the New Year's pole in the Imperial Citadel holds special significance. From this point on, the pace of daily life gradually slows down, giving way to preparations for Tet (Lunar New Year). The streets become more bustling, and the villages along the Perfume River, in the Kim Long and Bao Vinh areas, are busy cleaning, preparing feasts, and getting ready to welcome the new year.
Many locals and tourists arrived early to witness the ceremony. Without noise or commotion, the pole-raising ceremony took place in silence and reverence. This is also a unique characteristic of Hue's Tet (Lunar New Year) – not ostentatious, but profound, solemn, and full of contemplation.
Preserving traditional rituals in contemporary life.
Organizing the flag-raising ceremony at the Hue Imperial Citadel is a significant activity in the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty. Through the reconstruction of traditional rituals, the heritage is not only preserved in the form of architecture and artifacts, but is also recreated as a vibrant part of contemporary cultural life.
The rituals help the younger generation better understand traditional Tet customs, the relationship between humans and heaven and earth, and their ancestors. In modern life, when many traditional values are gradually forgotten, rituals like the raising of the New Year pole contribute to reminding us of our roots and the continuity of national culture through generations.
The ceremonial team, dressed in traditional Nguyen Dynasty attire, accurately recreated the court rituals that have a history spanning hundreds of years.
For tourists, especially international visitors, the pole-raising ceremony offers a unique cultural experience, helping them better understand the spiritual life of ancient Vietnamese people and the distinctive characteristics of Hue culture – where each ritual is performed with sophistication and precision.
Opening the series of activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026
The pole-raising ceremony on the morning of the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake (2015) also marks the beginning of a series of cultural programs and festivals celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Horse (2026) in Hue. Following the ceremony, the Imperial Citadel will continue to be decorated in a royal New Year style, displaying flowers, ornamental plants, spring-themed miniature landscapes, and recreating traditional New Year activities such as erecting the New Year pole, arranging the five-fruit tray, and showcasing calligraphy, creating a highlight for locals and tourists to visit.
Once erected, the ceremonial pole will remain in place until the pole-lowering ceremony on the 7th day of the first lunar month, concluding the traditional Tet ritual cycle of the Nguyen dynasty and fully representing the cyclical nature of time according to East Asian beliefs.
The Thượng Ceremony is mentioned in the historical flow and memories of the Hue Tet festival.
In the history of the Nguyen Dynasty, the "Thuong Nuoc" ceremony was not merely a symbolic ritual, but was also closely linked to the political and spiritual life of the entire court. After the ceremony, many court activities temporarily ceased, and the king and officials entered the Tet holiday, dedicating time to remembering their ancestors and attending to their spiritual needs.
For the people of Hue, attending the New Year's pole-raising ceremony is a tradition to "celebrate Tet to the fullest," an opportunity for generations to reflect on their roots before the arrival of the Year of the Horse.
According to historical records, the erection of the ceremonial pole in the imperial palace was carried out with strict adherence to protocol, from the selection of bamboo and preparation of items to the timing of the ceremony. Through the vicissitudes of history, this ritual has been preserved in Hue's cultural memory as a symbol of the solemn, standardized, and profound Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration in the imperial court.
Today, the restoration of the New Year's pole-raising ceremony not only aims to recreate an ancient ritual, but also contributes to connecting the past with the present, giving locals and tourists the opportunity to fully experience the Tet holiday atmosphere of the Hue imperial palace in the past.
When ritual becomes a bridge between heritage and community
A unique aspect of the pole-raising ceremony at the Hue Imperial Citadel is that the ritual is not separate from community life, but becomes an integral part of the shared cultural activities of the people of the ancient capital. In the moment the pole is erected, the boundary between the ancient royal court and modern life seems to be blurred.
Many people in Hue consider attending the pole-raising ceremony at the Imperial Citadel as a New Year's tradition, a way to "celebrate Tet to the fullest." For Hue tourism, the pole-raising ceremony also contributes to creating a unique cultural tourism product during Tet, helping visitors understand that Hue is not only beautiful because of its scenery, but also because of the layers of cultural heritage that have been preserved for so long.
Preserving culture in every movement.
Preserving the spirit of Hue Tet amidst modern life.
In the context of an increasingly modern society, where many traditional customs are gradually fading away, maintaining the flag-raising ceremony at the Hue Imperial Citadel holds special significance. It is not only about preserving an ancient ritual, but also a way to safeguard the "soul of Hue Tet"—serene, profound, and rich in humanistic values.
The ceremonial pole, rising high in the Imperial Citadel on the last day of the year, serves as a gentle reminder of the continuity of time, of the endless cycle of nature and humanity. Amidst today's hustle and bustle, the pole-raising ceremony offers a much-needed moment of tranquility, allowing each person to slow down, reflect on their roots, and prepare to welcome a new spring with faith and peace.
