The large, clean courtyard of the communal house, paved with red bricks, was already crowded in the early morning. Toy stalls were displayed on mats, stacked neatly and colorfully. There were teddy bears, balloons, plastic cars, tò he (traditional Vietnamese toy figurine made of glutinous rice powder), clay, and tiny figurines made from flour. The stalls were simple but paradise for children.
Children from the village, dressed in new clothes that still smelled of the Lunar New Year, chattered as they followed their parents or formed groups with their friends. Some stared in awe at the colorful toys, while others proudly showed off their new purchases. Their happiness came not only from buying toys but also from the freedom and excitement of choosing their own gifts for the new year.
This market dates back to the 1960s, when life in the northern delta’s rural areas was challenging. Back then, adults in the village were busy farming and ensuring basic necessities like food and clothing, leaving little time to think about buying toys for their children. During the Lunar New Year, despite having some free time, their limited financial means didn’t allow for extra spending on children’s toys.
In this context, after a year of hard work in the fields, the adults came up with the idea of creating a space for children to find their own joy. On the morning of the second day of the Lunar New Year, children in the village would use their lucky money to buy simple toys sold in the communal house’s yard. These toys, though modest – like tò he, clay figurines, or flour-made animals – brought indescribable happiness to the children. Gradually, this place formed a unique market that has continued to this day.
Today, the economy has developed, and the communal house of Phong Loi Tay has been renovated, becoming the cultural center of the village. Traditional toys have been replaced by modern industrial products such as dolls, plastic cars, teddy bears, and toy guns. However, the spirit of the market remains unchanged. It is still a place exclusively for children, a space where joy and excitement permeate every corner of the communal house’s yard.
The stall owners at the market usually sell at very reasonable prices, suitable for children’s allowances. Many sellers share that they don’t focus on profits but see this as an opportunity to bring luck and happiness to the children. The clear eyes and bright smiles of the children are the most significant reward this market offers.
Although it is only held on the second day of the Lunar New Year, this toy market at the communal house of Phong Loi Tay carries a deeper meaning than its appearance suggests. It is not just a place for children to play and shop but also a space that fosters community bonding, where villagers gather, chat, and share new year joys.
For children, the market is a magical world. It is where they learn independence by choosing and buying their favorite toys, and where they feel the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year more intensely through the excitement and bustle. For adults, the market evokes childhood memories and provides an opportunity to pass on joy to the next generation.
The local authorities and people of Dong Hop commune always strive to maintain this market as an integral part of the village’s cultural life. Despite societal changes, the toy market on the second day of the Lunar New Year is held annually, becoming a beautiful custom and a “non-tangible cultural heritage” in the hearts of the villagers.
In a world that is increasingly modern and busy, this market is a reminder of the value of simplicity, kindness, and community spirit. It is not just a source of joy for children but also a symbol of the resilience of Vietnamese rural culture.
For those who grew up in Dong Hop village, the toy market on the second day of the Lunar New Year is an indispensable part of their childhood memories. It is the lively laughter-filled mornings, the precious little toys, and, most of all, the warm and intimate feeling of community. This market is not just a place of buying and selling but a keeper of traditional values, where the community spirit is forged over the years. Whenever it is mentioned, everyone’s heart flutters with the innocent laughter of a distant childhood.
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