The Tong Cuu Nghenh Tan (Farewell the Old and Welcome the New) ceremony was held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi on February 2 to kick off the Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations.

As a tradition, Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha attended the ceremony, burned incense to pay tribute to the Land Genie and Kitchen Gods, and then released carp into a part of the ancient river at the Imperial Citadel.

The program aims to promote the cultural values of Thang Long Imperial Citadel and introduce people and tourists to the atmosphere of preparation for Tet and Tet customs.

Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee, offers incense at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

According to the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, in ancient times, the Lunar New Year began on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar calendar month and ended on the seventh day of the first lunar calendar month of the new year. The kitchen gods' prayer ceremony on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month opened the celebration.

For many years, to recreate royal rituals, the center has held an incense offering ceremony dedicated to the Kitchen Gods. After the ceremony, people gather in front of the Doan Mon (South Gate) of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel to erect the cay neu of the Tet tree (a tall bamboo pole with offerings and objects to pray for good fortune and to ward off evil). In ancient times, the king himself or a high-ranking mandarin would preside over this ceremony.

The Tet tree is made of strong bamboo with all the branches cut off, leaving only the leaves at the top. A long banner is hung from the top of the tree. Earthen figurines are also hung from the top of the tree so that when the wind blows they collide with each other and jingle in the wind, signifying the exorcism of demons and wishing for a happy spring, a peaceful year, auspicious weather, and good harvests. After the rituals of worshipping heaven and earth, the tree was erected in an atmosphere of excitement.

This year, the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center is opening an exhibition of pictures, documents, and films depicting the Tet celebrations during the Le Trung Hung dynasty (1533-1789).

The highlight of the exhibition is the Chinh Dan ceremony (the main ritual of the Lunar New Year), held in the early morning of the first day of the New Year in the courtyard of Kinh Thien Palace. Mandarins gathered to wish the King a long life, the people prosperity and happiness, and the country strength and prosperity. The royal family also gave banquets and spring bonuses to commoners and mandarins.

Photos of the Tong Cuu Nghenh Tan ceremony:

Traditional musical instruments are played during the parade. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

People preparing to release carp into the ancient river at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Legend has it that the Kitchen Gods ride up to heaven on carps to report to the Celestial King what has happened over the past year. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Hanoi's Vice Mayor Vu Thu Ha releases carps. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

A long banner hangs from the top of the tree. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

When the wind blows, they collide and rattle in the wind, exorcising demons. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

In recent years, this ritual has been revived to preserve the nation's fine traditional values. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

The Tet tree is made from strong bamboo, with all the branches cut off, leaving only the leaves at the top. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times