Originally, the purpose of erecting the Nêu pole, according to folklore, was to prevent demons from the East Sea from entering the land and harming the inhabitants. However, over time and across different regions, ethnic groups, and community customs, the significance of erecting the Nêu pole on Tet has expanded, with variations in different places. In Hue's royal court, the pole was raised to pray for favorable weather, national prosperity, and the peace of the people. It also symbolized the Nguyen dynasty's sovereignty and marked the time for rest and celebration as Tet approached. One could often see ritual items such as seals and peach branches (symbolizing the gods and Tet couplets) and baskets containing gold and silver money hanging from the top of the Nêu pole.
