The practice of releasing carp on the 23rd of the twelfth month has been a long-standing tradition for the Vietnamese people. Recently, there have been differing opinions on changing this tradition to releasing Koi fish instead. Let’s explore the different perspectives and understand this custom a little better.
For further reference:
1 The Tradition of Releasing Carp in the Twelfth Month
Releasing carp on the 23rd of the twelfth month is an age-old custom of the Vietnamese people. This practice is not a superstitious folk belief but a cultural folk belief rooted in the three deities of Thổ Công, Thổ Địa, and Thổ Kỳ from Taoism in China, which has been Vietnamized into the folk tale of “Two Gentlemen and One Lady”—the Gods of the Land, the House, and the Kitchen.
These three deities preside over the kitchen in every household, bestowing upon the family a humanitarian meaning and guiding them towards a harmonious, cheerful, and proactive life filled with good deeds.
The tradition of releasing fish to freedom by the Vietnamese
As a result, it has become a beautiful symbol deeply ingrained in our culture. As this day approaches, people flock to purchase carp, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 55,000 VND per fish, regardless of their size.
However, in recent years, Koi fish have been used as a substitute for the traditional carp. Upon investigation, we discovered that these Koi fish are originally from Japan but are now being farmed in Vụ Bản, Nam Định, Vietnam. This variety of fish is significantly more expensive, ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per fish.
Using Koi fish as an alternative
Koi fish are closely related to carp, boasting a deeper and more vibrant red color. Despite the high price of carp in the market, reaching up to several million dong per fish, the Koi fish sold in Vietnam are hybrids, hence their more affordable price range mentioned earlier. Consequently, many people have opted to release Koi fish instead of carp during the ceremony of paying homage to the Kitchen Gods.
2 Releasing Koi Fish: Is It Appropriate?
The substitution of carp with Koi fish has sparked two opposing viewpoints:
One side argues that the ceremony of paying homage to the Kitchen Gods should adhere to the traditional customs passed down through generations of Vietnamese people.
In contrast, the other side contends that using carp or burning gold-printed paper are merely spiritual symbols, and therefore, there is no issue with using either Vietnamese carp or Japanese Koi fish. It ultimately depends on an individual’s circumstances.
Releasing carp in accordance with traditional customs
However, folk culture researcher Nguyễn Hùng Vĩ offers this explanation: “The reason for offering carp, according to folk beliefs, is that carp can transform into dragons and ascend to heaven. Thus, people present carp to the Kitchen Gods as a means of transportation to heaven. Koi fish do not conform to the traditions and spiritual beliefs associated with the 23rd of the twelfth-month ceremony, and they cannot replace carp.”
Similarly, PGS.TS. Trần Lâm Biền, a cultural researcher, shares his perspective: “When people have money and wisdom, they will create rituals to match their wealth. However, having money without wisdom or with limited wisdom can lead to wasteful and ostentatious displays. Offering carp to the Kitchen Gods is a long-standing tradition that has been practiced for generations.
Koi fish should not be used as a substitute for carp
Now, offering Japanese Koi fish goes against our traditional culture. While it may satisfy one’s preferences or demonstrate one’s social status, it holds no spiritual significance.”
After considering the arguments presented, we can better understand the issue at hand. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but many still wish to preserve this beautiful tradition that has existed for centuries. What are your thoughts on this matter? Would you be willing to share your perspective with us?
Source: hatgiongtamhon.vn
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