Where is the ‘buy luck, sell misfortune’ Vieeng Market located?
The first Vieeng Market is located in My Trung, My Loc District, but nowadays, this market is only known as a place name. Just a few kilometers from the city, when people refer to “going to Vieeng” or “Vieeng Market”, they are usually talking about the market in My Trung.
When mentioning “going to Vieeng Market” or “visiting Vieeng Market”, people often think of three other markets, where the name “Vieeng” only holds significance on one day of the year: Vieeng Market at Cho Chua (Nam Giang Town, Nam Truc District), Vieeng Phu Day Market (Trung Thanh, Kim Thai, Vu Ban District), and Vieeng Hai Lang Market (Nghia Hung District), which have now faded into obscurity.
Currently, the most vibrant Vieeng Markets in Nam Dinh are Vieeng Phu Market (Vu Ban District) and Vieeng Chua Market (Nam Truc District). Both locations have their own legends asserting their claim as the origin of Vieeng Market.
What’s so special about the Vieeng Market that only opens once a year?
In Nam Dinh, the tradition of visiting Vieeng Market at the beginning of the year has been passed down through generations, with the hope of bringing good luck and a prosperous year with harmonious weather and successful endeavors. Starting from the afternoon of the seventh day of the first lunar month, the atmosphere at these two market areas becomes lively and bustling with visitors from all over. Not only locals but also people from other northern provinces and even central regions like Nghe An and Thanh Hoa flock to experience this unique market.
Although called a “market”, Vieeng Market does not sell luxurious or flashy products like those found at large trade fairs. The goods here mainly consist of crops and livestock: from timber trees, ornamental plants, and fruit trees to citrus plants, chili peppers, and lemons. Additionally, there are small farming tools and equipment. One can find everything from plows and hoes to essential items like baskets, carrying poles, rice, meat, clothing, and footwear. Visitors can also discover bronze ritual vessels, incense burners, and various other trinkets.
The goods at Vieeng Market are displayed in temporary stalls or set up in any available space, true to the style of the traditional northern village market. A spread-out tarp, topped with handcrafted agricultural tools, a few baskets, and carrying poles create the unique charm of Vieeng Market in the spring.
What to buy at Vieeng Market?
Visitors can leisurely stroll through the market from afternoon to evening, but if they wish to shop, many believe that they should wait until the night of the seventh day, transitioning into the early morning of the eighth day. They consider this the true “buy luck” moment, the right time to seek good fortune for the new year. Farmers often look for tools like scythes and hoe blades, hoping for a year of favorable weather and abundant harvests. Meanwhile, children delight in traditional toys like to he dragons and phoenixes – an indispensable part of their childhood.
At Vieeng Market, the main items for sale are farming tools and agricultural products such as baskets, carrying poles, scythes, and hoes. Many believe that purchasing these items at this once-a-year market will bring bountiful harvests and abundance throughout the year.
Additionally, buyers often choose ornamental plants at Vieeng Market to symbolize receiving blessings for the new year, ranging from decorative plants to fruit trees. Moreover, beef is considered an offering to Mother Lieu Hanh, so buying beef at this market is also seen as a way of seeking blessings from the Mother Goddess.
What sets Vieeng Market apart is that both buyers and sellers don’t focus heavily on profits. They share the “buy luck, sell misfortune” mentality, wishing for a peaceful and prosperous new year. In this joyful atmosphere, each transaction goes beyond mere commerce, becoming an exchange of well-wishes and hopes for each other’s happiness and good fortune in the spring, with the underlying desire to bring luck to their families.
With the “buy luck, sell misfortune” sentiment during the new year, visitors to Vieeng Market often don’t haggle over prices. Locals believe that the seller not demanding a higher price and the buyer not bargaining will bring luck and benefits to both parties, reinforcing their faith in the goodness of the new year.
As the market only occurs once a year, it attracts a large number of visitors from far and wide. Despite security measures, incidents like pickpocketing and crowding may occur. Therefore, market-goers should be vigilant and protect their personal belongings during their transactions.
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