(NLDO) - Setting up a pole during the traditional Tet holiday has the meaning of repelling evil spirits and bringing a peaceful new year.
For generations, Vietnamese people have had the custom of erecting a pole on the occasion of Lunar New Year. The pole has become a sacred symbol of Lunar New Year, both a spiritual support and a place to send wishes for a peaceful new year of the people.
The pole is erected by people on the 23rd of December every year.
Vietnamese people often erect the pole on the 23rd of December, after worshiping the Kitchen Gods to send them to heaven. Folklore holds that when the family's guardian gods are away, the pole is erected to ward off evil spirits and protect the family's peace.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, resident of Hung Dong ward, Vinh city, Nghe An province, shared: "Every year, my family and many other families in the neighborhood erect a tall pole in front of the gate. This is a custom that has been preserved by the family for hundreds of years with the wish for a new year of peace and luck."
The pole is usually made of tall, straight bamboo with even segments.
For Vietnamese people, the way to make a pole is quite simple. The pole is usually made from old, tall, large, straight bamboo, with even bamboo segments and a bunch of fresh leaves on the top. A few pandan leaves can be tied on the top to symbolize the clouds and sky.
The poles are often decorated with flashing lights and lanterns to make them eye-catching.
The tree trunk can be decorated with flags, lanterns, parallel sentences, wind chimes, etc. Sprinkle white lime powder at the base to form a circle or a bow or arrow pointing towards the gate to ward off evil spirits.
A residential area in Nghe An is lit up by decorative poles and lights.
Depending on the region and specific customs, the pole will have different hanging items such as small bags containing betel and areca nuts, large and small pieces of metal... On the 7th of January, the pole will be lowered, which is called Khai Ha day.
In addition to decorating the flagpoles, all the streets in Nghe An are hung with national flags on the occasion of the New Year.
In recent years, the Tet pole-playing movement in Nghe An has been restored and spread throughout the districts from the lowlands to the highlands. The unique pole-playing paths have made the Tet scene more beautiful and sparkling.
A street in Nghe An is lit up by brightly decorated poles. Photo: T. Thang
Source: https://nld.com.vn/doc-dao-con-duong-neu-ngay-tet-196250131085554461.htm
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