Tet pole erecting: A traditional beauty among Hieu Liem Hamlet residents

As Tet approaches, images of Tet poles rising high against the clear blue sky appear along the roads of Hieu Liem Hamlet (Tri An Commune, Dong Nai Province). Erecting Tet poles is a long-preserved tradition among residents in the locality, symbolizing their hopes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

The Tet poles rising into the spring sky create a joyful and vibrant festive atmosphere throughout Hieu Liem Hamlet. Photo: Quang Huy

Erecting Tet poles has become a distinctive Vietnamese custom. Every year, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, residents of Hieu Liem Hamlet begin preparing for this tradition. Men select suitable bamboo, while women assist in hanging flags and attaching lights. After a year of hard work, this activity offers families a chance to pause from daily concerns, gather together, and strengthen neighborhood bonds through shared conversations and collaboration.

Bamboo poles measuring 7–10 meters in height are carefully selected, with lights arranged along their length. Red lanterns are attached at the top, and electrical systems are carefully installed before the poles are erected in front of homes. Once completed, the poles are positioned leaning slightly toward the roadway, forming a gentle arc stretching along the main street. As evening falls, the illuminated poles shine together, blending with the red of the national flags to create a warm and vibrant spring landscape in the countryside.

Lanterns placed at the top of the poles symbolize residents’ wishes for peace and good fortune. Photo: Quang Huy

For more than ten years, Nguyen Huu Hieu’s family has regularly joined fellow residents in erecting Tet poles. Hieu carefully participates in every stage, from selecting bamboo and erecting the pole to hanging lanterns and installing lighting systems. For him, this is not only a familiar annual activity but also a source of joy and a responsibility to preserve traditional cultural values.

Despite being young, Nguyen Huu Hieu deeply appreciates the ancestral tradition of erecting Tet poles.Photo: Quang Huy

Vu Dinh Luu, a long-time resident of Hieu Liem Hamlet, is also present at every pole-erecting event. He shared, “Seeing the Tet poles standing tall, with lanterns glowing warmly across the peaceful village, I can truly feel Tet approaching. For the people of Hieu Liem, this represents reunion and hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year.”

Beyond community initiatives, the hamlet leadership has also promoted maintaining the Tet pole tradition to preserve the spirit of the homeland. Dang Thanh Binh, Head of Hieu Liem Hamlet, shared that residents from various regions have come together to build Hieu Liem into a shared home. When erecting the poles, villagers hold a small ritual to pray to heaven, earth, and local deities for a joyful and peaceful Tet. Afterward, people sit together to talk, share stories, and exchange Tet wishes.

The Tet poles shimmer as night falls. Photo: Quang Huy

Over the years, Tet poles have continued to be erected each spring in Hieu Liem Hamlet, carrying wishes for favorable weather, prosperity, and happiness. Tet therefore becomes not only a moment marking the transition into a new year but also an occasion for people to strengthen community bonds and preserve the cultural values of their homeland.

By Minh Hanh, Quang Huy - Translated by Minh Hong, Minho