THE TET POLE IN NEW YEAR DAY

Source: http://www.hueworldheritage.org.vn/

Author: Hải Trung/translated by Ý Nhi

Photo: Ý Nhi

           The Tet pole erecting at Hue Imperial city is rehabilitated at Hue Monuments Conservation Centre in the early morning of Lunar December 23th. Basing on the historical background, the Centre has compiled a scenario to create a highlighted royal activity bringing about the animated atmosphere in the Lunar New Year.

           To begin the poem “My mother’s Tet”, poet Nguyễn Bính wrote :

“My mother is strenuous at Tet

A great many thing she must catch

The brick yard, the lime wall… all of that

The holy circle, the Tet pole she herself sets”

            The verse reminds me of the atmosphere of the Tet preparation in the Vietnamese spiritual life. Especially, it mentions the Tet pole erecting, a rite that is significant with the Vietnamese ancients taken root, inherited and promoted in different ways. This is a popular rite in the folk, Buddhism and royal life of Nguyễn dynasty.

The Tet pole erecting in the ancient folk

            For that reason, the Buddha taught that in front of each house, it was needed to erect the high bamboo pole above which the flag and chime were hung. Besides, on the ground, people must create a circle of lime and the arch together with the arrow around the pole as the limitation. The higher the bamboo tree might be, the further the devils would be from that. The hanging of chime or gong was to create the sounds for threatening the devils. In the folk, people also prepared the altar to welcome the genie with the bamboo basket keeping the areca-nut and betel, gold and silver, red vertical flag, chime, the pandanus amaryllifolius or the banyan leaves. Next, people created the lime circle as the territory that was several tens meters from the Tet pole, the arch and arrows focusing on the direction where the devil stayed. Some families also hung the amulet or the caryota mitis to prevent the devils.As legend goes, the Tet pole erecting belongs to the Buddhism. In the old time, the devil often occupied the land of human, and the Buddha helped the people against that. With the abundant mysteries, the Buddha drove away the devils, but at the same time took off their capacity of finding food. Hence, they entreated the Buddha to let them know where would be his land so that they were able ignore. The Buddha, hence, told them that wherever there were the chime or gong sounds and flag, there would be his land.

The Tet pole erecting (the wooden picture printed in the Technique du peuple Annamite of Henri Oger compiled in 1908

    The Northern people of Vietnam erected the pole in Lunar December 23^rd since in the early morning of this day, the Kitchen Genie were left for the meeting in the heaven. Without these genie, the devils may devastate the folk. Thus, the Tet pole was erected until Lunar January 7^th for driving the devils.

The Tet pole erecting in the ancient imperial city

            In the life of Hue former imperial family, before Tet the Tet pole erecting ceremony was taken place to inform the coming of the new year. The word Tiêu (標) (Tet pole) in the Tet pole erecting (上標) means the “top of the tree” at the highest point for the convenience of observation. Before Tet, the Tet pole erecting was held to mark the coming of the new year. Its original purpose was to welcome the Tet, then to worship the genie and ancestors for the goodness of their family. The dynasty also wished for the great peace and the natural harmony and public prosperity.

           In the royal poem of Minh Mạng emperor, there mentioned the verse with the image of the Tet pole as follows: I wonder why the spring time has yet to be warm/It’s cold as the days have gone/The winter turns colder with rain squalls/The Tet pole is wrapped with the chilly wind.

       In this poem, the emperor explained in details the Tet pole erecting ceremony. As regulated, as soon as the Lunar December 25^th, no document would be received. This day was for the ceremonies of closing the seal and Tet pole erecting. As for the second ceremony, people used a bamboo tree on which there hung a bamboo chime, a bamboo basket keeping the paper currency, areca and betel nut, the amulet (on which there wrote the genie’s names) to worship the genie. Apart from keeping the genie’s name, on the amulet, the spring couplets were written like what had been done under the Song dynasty of China.

          Besides, Minh Mạng emperor thought that the emperor must not be restful. Moreover, if the seal was closed or hidden, how could the urgent political affairs be solved? According to the order of Minh Mạng emperor, in each of the Tet pole erecting, the dynasty only chose some seals of minor importance to be symbolically hung on the bamboo basket. Until Lunar January 7^th, the royal seals were opened, and the Tet pole was detached, and then the “Genie Seeing-Off” was carried out to begin a new year.

     Under the reign of Tự Đức emperor, however, the dynasty regulated that until the Lunar December 30^th was the Tet pole erected. That meant the Tet holiday was shorter. When the Tet pole was erected, it was the time for the vacation of Tet.

          As regulated, after people saw the royal Tet pole, the mass would soon start erecting the pole for their families. The Tet pole erecting of the mass must be after that of the dynasty. Tú Xương’s poem reflected this regulation as follows:

“The spring has just informed from the dynasty

The spring belongs to all, not only to one properly.”

      The Tet pole was erected as an introduction of Tet. Nguyễn Khuyến in his retirement, due to the poor condition of eyes, did stumble over the Tet pole erected at night of December 30^th.

“The sound of fire cracker I hear at the last day of the year informs me it’s Tet,

The Tet pole I stumble over at the first day of the year tells me that’s spring.”

The restoration of the Tet pole erecting at present Imperial City

             From Hiển Nhơn gate, the Tet pole escorting is taken place out solemnly. 10 guardians carrying the Tet pole in shoulders are well dressed. The ensemble starts with the sounds of Small Music, go further to the Imperial City and arrive at the main entrance of Thế Miếu Temple, the incense table together with the offerings are well prepared. The Tet pole erecting ceremony is solemnly organized. Such rites as Genie welcoming and Genie Seeing-off  are taken place with the sounds of the Great Music. After the that, the 10 guardian erect the Tet pole.The Tet pole erecting at Hue Imperial city is rehabilitated at Hue Monuments Conservation Centre in the early morning of Lunar December 23^th. Basing on the historical background, the Centre has compiled a scenario to create a highlighted royal activity bringing about the animated atmosphere in the Lunar New Year.

The Tet pole erecting at Thế Miếu Temple            

           After the ceremony at Thế Miếu Temple, the Tet pole erecting will be done at many other places within the complex of Hue Monuments with simpler scale from Lunar December 28^th to 30^th. Tourists and local people coming to hue relics these days may see a cultural beauty of Vietnamese people that has been maintaining in present time.

          The Tet pole image has long been considered the most solemn symbol of Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It connects to a profoundly humane legend. The Tet pole erecting in the springtime is for the good hope of the coming year. The Tet pole under the sunshine expresses the awakening spring power in the hearts the Vietnamese. Those are nice significances transformed by Vietnamese ancients to the young generations. For this reason, at many Vietnamese villages in the days before Tet, many families set up the Tet pole in front of the village temple in the witness of the villagers. Many Hue culture address have enhanced this traditional cultural beauty by carrying out the Tet pole erecting formally.

            The Tet pole erecting is a long-standing tradition of Vietnamese people. In the first days of the year, this ceremony brings about the animated atmosphere. It is not popular not only in hue but nationwide until now.

Some photo about Tet pole erecting in Hue Imperial City.

Photo by Ý Nhi

SYMBOLS AND ITEMS OF TET

Cay Neu

          A bamboo pole (New Year’s Tree) stripped of its leaves except for a tuft on top. Red paper decorates the tree which is planted outside the house during the Tet holidays. It is supposed to ward off the evil spirits during absence of the Spirit of the Hearth who leaves the family at this time to visit the palace of the Jade Emperor.

Vietnamese Peach Blossoms

           According to Vietnamese legend, once upon a time, in the East of the Soc Son Mountain, North Vietnam, existed a gigantic peach tree. The tree was so huge that its shadow extended through out a large area of land. Up on the tree, lived two powerful deities, Tra and Uat Luy. They protected the people of the land in the surrounding areas from the devils. The devils were so afraid of these two deities that even the sight of the peach tree haunted them.

          However, at the end of every Lunar year, these two deities had to fly back to heaven for an annual meeting with the Jade Emperor. During this time, the devils took advantage of this opportunity to harass the peaceful inhabitants. To fight the battle against these devils, people came up with the ideas of display a branch of the Peachtree in the house to scare away the devils. Since then it becomes a custom of the North Vietnamese to have a branch of a Peachtree during Tet season to protect themselves against the Satan soldiers. Who doesn’t have Peachtree can draw the figures of the two deities, Tra and Uat Luy, on red paper, and display them in front of the house.

Hoa Mai (Apricot blossom)

       Hoa Mai are popular in the south region of Vietnam because of the warm weather. Cay Mai (tree) is a small, yellow flowering plant that is used for decoration during Tet with the meanings of prosperity and well-being for the family.

The Fruits

          Coconuts, papayas, mangoes, watermelons, pineapples, bananas, oranges, Asian apples, grapefruits are the favorites fruits during this special holiday season. They are usually placed on altars first for the gods and ancestors. After these gods and ancestors spiritually consuming the fruits, humans are then allowed to eat them. These fruits symbolize good fortune, and the colors of red and orange represents joyfulness.

Fire Crackers

          Besides the cheerful sound to welcome and celebrate Tet Season, many people believe that fire crackers are also used to scare the unholy spirits away.

Snacks

       Prunes, dried watermelon seeds, teas, mut (dried fruits) are the favorite snack during Tet. Note: Tea are served along with these snacks.

Kumquat Tree

    Use as decoration because the tree assures a fruitful and prosperous year.

Banh Chung

         A type of rice cake with beans and pork, covered with banana leaves; a favorite for this holiday. Banh Chung represents the Earth, since we used to believe that the Earth has a squared shape, and the meat and beans in the middle of Banh Chung represent the different kinds of people on Earth. Banh Chung at Tet symbolizes the love and respects for parents. Please read “The origins of Banh Chung” for more details.

Xin Xăm

           After Giao Thua, the last day of the lunar calendar year, many Buddhists go to their favorite pagoda to pray for a good year and to get a fortune reading for the whole year. Each person will get a chance to shake the tube that contains reading sticks, until one stick falls out of the tube. In the case that many sticks drop out of the tube, that person will have to repeat the process. Afterward, usually the monks will translate the meanings of the reading.

Releasing of a Carp

         A mythology that the Kitchen god goes to heaven by riding on the back of a carp. Some people still respect this belief by releasing a carp in a pond or river.

TET NGUYEN DAN – VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR

TET IS COMING….

Only 2 weeks Tet celebration will come. The asmosphere of New year filled everywhere. Everything prepared for this important event from now. Let’s lean how to prepare for Tet Celebration.

The Vietnamese New Year

         Tet Nguyen Dan is the most important celebration of Vietnamese culture.  Translated to mean “the first morning of the first day”, Tet (in short) is the Vietnamese version of the Lunar New Year and can be considered an all in one festival.  It features aspects of the western Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, Halloween and Birthday.  Many East Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year which originated from China. However, like Vietnam, each of these countries have incorporated characteristic rituals and celebrations that are indigenous to their regions, and are harmonious with their cultural history and geographical climate.

Apricot blossom

      In a land where agriculture is still of great importance to the livelihoods of many, Tet is a perfect way to celebrate the union of nature, human, culture, the living and the dead.  Through the beliefs in the symbolic representation of plants to future happiness and fortune; through the gifts and respect plants represent to ancestors and gods; and through the foods meticulously prepared that brings families together in gastronomic enjoyment – the rituals and celebrations of Tet is holistic, and always mindful of the connection between humans and their natural and spiritual world.

         This year Tet begins on February 19 and according to Vietnamese Zodiac, 2015 represents the year of the Goat.  The actual day of Tet is determined by the Lunar Calendar which counts approximately 355 days in a year, hence Tet usually falls between the western calendar months of January or February.

Preparations for Tet

A week before Tet……

        According to legend, seven days before Tet every year, the Kitchen God returns to Heaven to report to the Jade Emperor on the activities of each household and these report will determine the fate of each household for the coming year.  In preparation for the Kitchen God’s departure, families sometimes place cookies by the fireplace or altar to sweeten the god’s journey in hope of a favorable report that would endow them with fortune and happiness for the coming year.

Offerings for Kitchen Gods

Release the carps

        Upon the departure of the Kitchen God, follows the week long period called “Tat Nien” – (which literally means to extinguish the year).  During this time, people celebrate the end of schooling or work activities and many take the opportunity to visit and clean the graves of relatives.  Weeds are cleared, incense is burnt and flowers and a fruit tray or Mam Ngu Qua are offered in remembrance and respect for the dead.

Five-fruit tray

     By now, the city streets are lined with vendors selling an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, and colorful decorative paraphernalia.  Exuberant shoppers bustle and jostle amidst calls for sales and the familiar tunes of traditional Tet music.  In nearly every household, crucial purchases for Tet include the peach  “hoa dao” and kumquat plants. Each of these plants are carefully chosen by discerning shoppers so that the flowers and fruits are prominently displayed, vibrant in color, and remain healthy throughout the celebrations.

         At home the cooking, decorating and cleaning for Tet heightens. Since it is traditional that all cooking and housework are avoided during the first three days of Tet, many spend Tat Nien preparing Tet delicacies, preening and decorating the houses with symbolic plants such as cay neu, hoa dao andkumquat, and decorative red banners called cau doi  in preparation of the arrival of the esteemed guests and relatives during the coming days of celebrations.

The eve of Tet ……

         The eve of Tet is filled with excitement and anticipation of the  New Year.  As the clock strikes twelve, the Giao Thua ceremony commences, marking the end of the previous year and the beginning of a new one.  At the Buddhist temples, bells ring and prayers are chanted; while at home, families gather to usher in and congratulate each other on the New Year and for turning a year older as Tet also represents a universal birthday to all.  Incense sticks are burnt and prayers are said to welcome family ancestors to join in the feasting and celebration of Tet.  In the streets, the air is filled with shouts of cheers andpreviously the explosive sounds of firecrackers (now banned).

Tet and subsequent days…….

       The first day of Tet is probably the most exciting time of the holiday for both adults and children.  It signifies a new beginning, cleansing of past misfortunes and hopes for a brighter future.  Since it is believed that the actions that one takes on Tet is consequential to how the rest of the year would unfold, adults and children alike make an effort to be in a jovial mood and avoid negative actions and behaviors towards fellow friends and relatives.  Dressed in new attires, family members unite to welcome the most important day of Vietnamese culture with the first of many days of feasting and merry making to come.  Children often eagerly await for Mung Tuoi, a gift giving ritual when parents, grandparents or relatives present gifts of Lixi or “lucky” money in traditional red packet and offer words of wisdom or advice for the coming year.

“Lì xì”

       Visiting relatives and friends is one of the key activities during Tet.   The order of visitations depends on your blood relation and your status in society.  The first morning of Tet is usually celebrated amongst immediate family members including the husband’s parents and with esteemed guests who are of respectable social status and whose presence are believed to bring luck to the household.  The second day of Tet is generally dedicated to visiting the wife’s parents and extended relatives.  By the third day of Tet, people would visit the homes of friends, bosses or colleagues.   This is also the day when the spirits of ancestors return to heaven and families would offer gifts of money and luxury goods such as cars and clothing to their deceased relatives by burning miniature paper versions.  Many Buddhists also visit the temples to pray for a safe and  happy new year as well as to have their fortunes predicted by the Xin Xam.

“Xin xăm “

         In past, the celebrations of Tet would last for one month, however with economic development and the practicalities of modern daily living, Tet celebrations now officially last for three days.

 Symbolic meanings of Tet plants

 Cay Neu (Bamboo)

       Cay Neu represents the New Year’s tree. It consists of a bamboo stem that is stripped of its leaves except for ones on the crown and is decorated with red paper or talismanic objects.  The crown apex is sometimes adorned with the Yin and Yang —  symbols of the two principal forces of the universe.  Sometimes a paper carp flag may be placed instead.  In Vietnamese legend, the carp was believed to be the Kitchen God’s vehicle that took him to Heaven.  Cay Neu is taken down ceremonially on the seventh day of Tet.

 Hoa Dao (Peach Blossoms)

           Peach blossom are an essential symbolic and decorative plant of all households during Tet.  It is used to ward off evil spirits during the Tet celebrations.  The symbol of its power originated because two legendary deities — Tra and Uat Luy once lived on a large peach tree in a village located East of the Soc Son Mountain, in North Vietnam.  They were powerful deities and evil spirits so feared them that even the sight of a peach plant would scare the evil spirits away.  At the end of the every lunar year however, the deities have to return to heaven for an annual meeting, leaving the villagers defenseless.   To fight against the evil spirits during the deities’ absence, villagers displayed peach plants in their homes and these were sufficient to scare the evil spirits away.

Peach blossom

Kumquat

        The Kumquat plant symbolically represents the many generations of a household.  The fruits aregrandparents, the flowers are parents, the buds are children, and the light green leaves are children.  It literally is a family tree!  Kumquat plants are often carefully selected for their symmetrical leaves, color and shape of fruit.

 Foods of Tet

         The traditional Tet cuisine normally includes pig’s trotters stewed with  bamboo shoots, steamed glutinous rice, bitter gourd, stir fried almond, papaya salad and mung bean pudding.  Candied fruits snacks called Mut are also served to guests.  However different regions of Vietnam may feature unique food specialties of Tet and some are famous for their Tet delicacies.  In the cooler North, the glutinous rice cakes served are called Banh Chung (see below) and these are squarish in shape.  The ancient imperial city of Hue, located in central Vietnam presumably boasts one of the best Tet cuisines as a result of the historical culinary delights created for the royalty.  Here, the glutinous rice cake is a rounded version called Banh Tet.  Mut are a specialty of this region and is made from various fruits such as pumpkins, apples, oranges, ginger root and even flower blossoms.  With the warmer climate movingSouth, the cuisine takes on a tropical flare with coconut milk and oil forming the basis of Tet delicacies such as Thit Heo Kho or pork stewed in coconut milk..  Tet dishes are usually eaten with pickled green sprouts with leeks, carrots and turnips, which aids in the digestion of rich food.

Bánh Tét

      Recently, the desire for healthier eating and living has also resulted in some families adopting a vegetarian version of Tet cuisine.  Innovative cooks have created vegetarian versions of the meaty dishes such as “beef” wrapped in La Lot (long pepper) leaves and boiled “pork” pie using the beans of soy and curd soybean (tofu).

Banh Chung

“Bánh Chưng”

         Banh Chung are glutinous rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves and bound with flexible bamboo fibers.  Between rice are mung bean paste, pork fat and meat, pressed between layers of glutinous rice.  The square shape symbolizes thankfulness of the Viet people to the great abundance of food on Earth throughout the seasons.