The Spiritual Origin and Significance of Vieong Market
Vieong Market, located in Lieu De Commune, Nghia Hung District, Nam Dinh Province, has a long history and is considered a unique cultural feature of the region. Traditionally, locals believe that visiting Vieong Market at the beginning of the year brings good luck, smoothes business dealings, fosters family harmony, and bestows abundant health. Thus, this market is not just a place for trade but also an occasion for people to express their reverence and gratitude to their ancestors while wishing for a prosperous new year.
A unique aspect of Vieong Market is the concept of “buying luck and selling misfortune.” Buyers do not haggle, and sellers do not focus on profits, as both parties aim to exchange the misfortunes of the previous year for the luck of the new one. This creates a special atmosphere not found in every market.
The Space and Signature Products
Vieong Market in Lieu De is usually held on a spacious piece of land, bustling with stalls selling a diverse range of products. The goods on offer are abundant, ranging from household items, potted plants, agricultural tools, antiques to items with strong religious connotations.
One of the most popular items at Vieong Market is potted plants, particularly money trees, loc vuong trees, kumquats, and peach trees. Locals believe that bringing home a green plant at the start of the year will attract good luck and abundant wealth. Additionally, traditional farming tools like hoes, shovels, and plowshares are also sold in large quantities, as folk belief holds that purchasing new work items at the beginning of the year will bring ease to work and a bountiful harvest.
Furthermore, religious items such as Buddha statues, ceramics, incense burners, and bronze incense holders are also popular choices, especially for those looking to express their reverence to their ancestors by updating their altar setups. Antique items with historical value also attract the interest of many visitors.
Distinctive Cultural Activities
Beyond being a shopping destination, Vieong Market in Lieu De is also a spiritual cultural hub with a variety of distinctive activities. One traditional practice is for visitors to combine their trip to the market with visits to temples and pagodas to pray for peace. Near the market are sacred temples and pagodas where visitors can offer incense, seek blessings, and pray for a prosperous new year.
The market also features folk activities such as Chau Van singing, Hau Dong (spirit mediumship), and traditional art performances, creating a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere characteristic of Northern Vietnam. Notably, the market operates from the night of the 5th to the morning of the 6th of the lunar new year, lasting until noon, making it a gathering place for people from far and wide to meet, connect, and celebrate.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Vieong Market in Lieu De
To make the most of your visit to Vieong Market in Lieu De, keep the following in mind:
– Arrive early to avoid crowds: As the market only operates for one day, it tends to get very busy. For a more enjoyable experience, arrive early to avoid jostling.
– Avoid haggling: In line with local beliefs, trading at Vieong Market is about attracting good luck, so refrain from bargaining over prices.
– Be vigilant with your belongings: With large crowds, there is a risk of pickpocketing, so keep a close eye on your possessions.
– Bring small change: Having smaller denominations of money will make transactions smoother, especially when purchasing small items.
Vieong Market in Lieu De is not just a unique market in Nam Dinh but also a traditional cultural feature of Vietnam. Every year, on the 6th day of the lunar new year, thousands of people flock to this market, not only for shopping but also to seek good luck, soak in the festive atmosphere, and engage in spiritual and cultural activities. If you’re traveling in northern Vietnam during this time, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this fascinating market!
