A range of traditional rituals held to mark the Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet, have been reenacted at the Thang Long imperial citadel relic site in Hanoi, offering audiences a glimpse of what Tet celebrations were like in bygone eras.

The portrayal of Tet rituals marks the start of cultural activities being held at the relic site, providing visitors with a chance to soak up a Tet atmosphere from olden times.

The rituals remind visitors of how the country’s royals celebrated Tet from the past.

The rituals initially begin with a farewell ceremony dedicated to Ong Cong – Ong Tao (the Land Genie and the Kitchen Gods) who are thought to go to Heaven in order to deliver an annual report on each household’s activities.

Immediately after the worship ceremony for the Land Genie and Kitchen Gods, carps are then set free into a lake inside the relic site.

Participants then head to Doan Mon yard in order to put up a Neu pole - a tall bamboo tree with red garment strips used to ward off evil spirits during Tet.

Visitors offering incense in Doan Mon yard

A man prepares flags to put on the Neu pole.

The pole is then placed in front of a house as a means of warding off any bad spirits and heralding the start of spring. Citizens have high hopes of happiness, luck, good weather, and bumper crops moving into the new year.

The Neu pole is arranged on the 23rd day of the final lunar month of the year, and it will be lowered on the seventh day of the first lunar month.

Clay items are hung out on the Neu pole for the purpose of warding off devils, whilst wishing for a good harvest, peace, and luck to all people in the future.

The organisers also hold an exhibition displaying old Tet traditions at the Thang Long relic site until March 1.

Along with water puppetry performances, folk games are also played at the site, expected to draw plenty of visitors during the Tet holiday.