What makes this market unique is that visitors don’t just come to buy and sell goods or indulge in delicious food; they also participate in a tomato-throwing activity.
According to ancient beliefs, the more tomatoes one gets hit with during the Chuong market, the more luck they will have.
At the Chuong market, locals and tourists alike join in the excitement of chasing each other and throwing tomatoes for good fortune. Once inside the market, young men and women, regardless of their backgrounds, buy tomatoes and form groups to throw them at each other without any particular reason. The more beautiful and colorful the outfit of a young woman, the more tomatoes she is likely to attract. The distinctive feature of this market is that everyone participates regardless of age or gender, creating a lively and boisterous atmosphere.
They paint the entire market red with ripe tomatoes.
According to elders in Dong Hoang commune, Dong Son district, the Chuong market originated during the Le dynasty and is associated with a meaningful historical story. Legend has it that on the 6th day of the first lunar month, a Le dynasty general, while being pursued by enemies, passed through the area along the Thieu river in Dong Hoang commune. To escape detection, the general ordered his soldiers and villagers to set up a fake market. When the enemies arrived, they saw a bustling market scene with buyers and sellers and assumed it was just an ordinary rural market, so they lowered their guard and didn’t search the area thoroughly. Thanks to this clever strategy, the general and his troops escaped safely.
Following this event, to honor the general’s wisdom and bravery, the locals started holding the Chuong market annually on the 6th day of the lunar new year. Over time, the market not only served as a reminder of this historical event but also became a unique tradition to bring good luck and peace for the entire new year.
Despite getting covered in tomato stains, participants take it in stride and are even delighted, as they believe it signifies a year filled with good luck.
The act of throwing tomatoes at the market is also believed to stem from the participants’ carefree attitude and cheerful spirit. Tomatoes, symbolizing freshness and vibrant red color, represent good luck, and people use them to throw at each other to ward off bad luck and welcome the new year with renewed hope.
Throwing tomatoes is not just a fun activity but also represents leaving behind the old and unlucky and embracing a brighter future.
In addition to the main tomato-throwing activity, the market also features various folk games to promote community bonding and celebrate the joy of spring.
Moreover, during the market, locals enthusiastically buy red rice crackers, believing that consuming them brings good luck and symbolizes a prosperous year ahead.
Today, the tomato-throwing festival at Chuong market is not just an occasion for locals to gather and interact but also attracts numerous tourists, helping to promote the image of Thanh Hoa province, a land of picturesque landscapes and delectable specialties. With its vibrant atmosphere, the festival has become a distinctive feature in the spiritual life of the locals.
