Shop for Fortune at a Vietnamese Spring Festival

Going to the market on the first day of Spring is a cherished tradition among the Vietnamese people, as they pray for a year of good fortune, luck, and peace.

During the Tet holiday, certain regions have the custom of hosting spring markets, a unique event that only occurs once a year.

What sets these markets apart is that the sellers are not concerned about the quantity or price of their products; instead, they sell in the hopes of gaining good luck and success for their business throughout the year. Buyers, on the other hand, come to the market seeking luck, prosperity, and peace for themselves and their loved ones.

The spring markets have become a cultural gathering for locals and tourists alike, a tradition that is part of the Tet holiday and the arrival of spring.

Dinh Ca Market, Hai Duong

Photo: VietnamNet

Every year, on the morning of the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year, a special spring market takes place in front of the Dinh Ca area in Ninh Giang district, Hai Duong province. This event attracts thousands of people and tourists from all over. The market has been a part of the local culture for hundreds of years.

In addition to selling everyday items, the market also offers salt and betel nuts, which are believed to bring opportunities and fortune to young people in the New Year. It has become a place where couples come to seek love and happiness at the beginning of the year.

Photo: Bao Hai Duong

After visiting the market, it is common for people to go to Dinh Ca and offer incense to honor the heroes who fought against foreign invaders and brought prosperity to the community.

Am Duong Market, Bac Ninh

Am Duong market, also known as the Chicken market of O village (now Xuan O village, Vo Cuong ward, Bac Ninh city), opens at night from the 4th to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year. The market specializes in selling sacrifices and black chickens.

Legend has it that the black chicken breed can enter the underworld to meet the Thanh Hoang God, who will bestow good health and prosperity on the villagers. Those who sell black chickens at the market for sacrifice to Thanh Hoang are believed to have a fortunate and happy year.

Photo: Vtcnews

The market typically opens at dusk, as it is believed that this is when the living and the spirits come together. Therefore, visitors are advised to avoid talking or laughing loudly and to refrain from turning on bright lights, as these actions may startle the chickens and disturb the spirits of the departed.

Vieng Market, Nam Dinh

Vieng Market in Nam Dinh is a famous destination where tourists often visit to seek luck. It is held every year in Kim Thai commune, Vu Ban district, starting from the night of the 7th to the end of the 8th day of the first lunar month.

Photo: Bao Lao Dong

Vieng Market offers a variety of goods, including ornamental plants, seedlings, buffalo meat, beef, farming tools, and more. Buyers and sellers from all over the country gather at this market to trade and welcome the new year with good fortune.

Chuong Market, Thanh Hoa

Photo: Bao Lao Dong

For generations, the Chuong market in Dong Hoang commune, Dong Son district, Thanh Hoa has attracted many visitors and sellers seeking luck and prosperity at the beginning of the year.

One unique aspect of the Chuong market is the tradition of throwing tomatoes at each other. The person who receives the most tomatoes is believed to have the most luck in the new year. As a result, vendors sell an abundance of red ripe tomatoes at this market, as they are considered a “lucky weapon” to throw.

Gia Lac Market, Hue

Photo: Tour Du Lich

Gia Lac Market, with its long-standing history, opens each New Year to offer items that bring luck and happiness for the entire year.

The market attracts a large number of people, offering a wide range of products including fruits, betel nuts, food, specialty items from Hue, and children’s toys.