The ceremony is held on the seventh day of the first lunar month as a means of commemorating the conclusion of the Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet, and marking the resumption of daily life for the majority of citizens.

The Cay Neu is put up on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month in order to signal the beginning of Tet. The event occurs on the same day that the Kitchen Gods are believed to ride carps to the Heaven so they can report on events that occurred during the past year.

The Cay Neu ceremony is one of the nation’s most beautiful traditions and its revival aims to preserve the cultural occasion.

The significance of the pole is that it is said to ward off ghosts and demons from entering the community during the festive period.

A popular aspect of Tet is both residents and tourists asking for calligraphic works and praying for peace and luck ahead in the Lunar New Year.

VOV