For about one week now, residents in various residential areas of Cam Thuy commune, including Quang Trung, Dai Quang, and Nghia Dung, have pooled money to buy fresh bamboo to erect 'cay neu' trees for Tet (Lunar New Year). These bamboo poles, typically 8-10 meters tall, are decorated with flashing light strings along their trunks and lanterns at the top, then connected to electricity before being set up in front of homes. The 'cay neu' trees are erected symmetrically or staggered at intervals of 15-20 meters, tilted at a 50-65 degree angle towards the road, forming an arch.
The base of each 'cay neu' tree is fixed, with the upper part reinforced by parachute cords or steel wires tied to rooftops, utility poles, other trees, or attached to overhead power lines. At night, when plugged into the power grid, streets adorned with these decorative 'cay neu' trees glow brightly, illuminating the area and attracting passersby with their striking appearance.
In Cam Thuy commune, some central roads feature densely erected 'cay neu' trees stretching for two to three kilometers. Many households in Dai Quang street also decorate 'cay neu' trees along both sides of national highway 217, leading towards Ba Thuoc commune.
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The central street of Cam Thuy commune glows brightly at night with rows of densely erected 'cay neu' trees. Photo: Le Hoang |
The tradition of erecting 'cay neu' in Cam Thuy began a few years ago on a smaller scale. However, this year it has become a widespread trend, attracting hundreds of households. This phenomenon is not limited to Cam Thuy; residents in many other rural areas of Thanh Hoa province, such as Ngoc Lac, Thieu Hoa, and Bim Son, are also erecting 'cay neu' trees prolifically on streets and national highways.
Residents believe that 'cay neu' trees help decorate the streets in preparation for Tet, welcoming the Lunar New Year. However, many drivers complain that the flashing, multi-colored lights from the arrays dazzle them, causing distraction while driving.
Furthermore, many 'cay neu' trees are erected temporarily and lack stability, posing potential accident risks if strong winds cause them to fall onto the road. Risks such as electrical fires and violations of traffic safety corridors are difficult to control.
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A 'cay neu' tree adorned with flashing lights in the shape of a red flag with a yellow star, erected along national highway 217 in Dai Quang residential area, Cam Thuy commune. Photo: Le Hoang |
Representatives from communal authorities stated there is no policy encouraging residents to erect 'cay neu' trees on streets during Tet. This activity is primarily carried out spontaneously by residential areas and inter-family groups.
Acknowledging the potential risks associated with erecting 'cay neu' trees, Nguyen Tien Luc, chairman of Cam Thuy communal People's Committee (UBND), said the commune has required residents to sign commitments ensuring absolute safety when decorating 'cay neu' trees on the streets. Authorities have also reminded some households about violations of traffic safety corridors, especially along national highway 217.
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At a large intersection with road 217, 'cay neu' trees adorned with lanterns and flashing lights extend into the road, making it difficult for drivers to observe traffic signals. Photo: Le Hoang |
According to folk beliefs, erecting a 'cay neu' tree aims to ward off evil spirits during the period when Ong Cong and Ong Tao (Kitchen Gods) return to heaven to report on the family's activities throughout the year. In many localities, the 'cay neu' tree is typically erected from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month and taken down on the seventh day of the first lunar month.
However, some accidents have occurred during the erection of 'cay neu' trees for Tet. On 1/2, a couple in Nhan Hoa commune, Nghe An province, sustained burns when they were struck by a 35kV power line while erecting a 'cay neu' tree. The wife is in critical condition and faces the risk of amputation.
Le Hoang
