The village of Bich La is renowned not only for its illustrious historical figures but also for its unique cultural tradition: a rustic market that takes place only once a year on the third day of the Lunar New Year. The Bich La Temple Fair is more than just an event; it is a distinct cultural symbol imbued with values that are hard to come by elsewhere.
Legend has it that a golden turtle lived in the pond in front of the Bich La Temple. Every year, on the morning of the third day of the Lunar New Year, villagers gathered at the temple to offer incense and flowers, praying for the turtle to surface. They believed that its appearance foretold a year of favorable weather, prosperous harvests, and thriving lives.
However, one year, the pond turned murky, and the turtle did not emerge. The villagers’ worries came true as natural disasters struck, and crops failed. To prevent such calamities, they decided to hold a grand ceremony every third morning of the New Year, complete with the beating of gongs and drums to “wake up” the golden turtle. Magically, the turtle appeared, and that year, everything went smoothly, with bountiful harvests. Thus, the ceremony became an indispensable tradition.
From this event, the villagers started a unique market on the very same morning of the third day. The Bich La Temple Fair served not only as a place for trade but also as an occasion for the villagers to connect, socialize, and seek good luck for the new year.
The Bich La Temple Fair is a rare event, occurring only once a year. On the evening of the second day, villagers gather excitedly around the temple, preparing for the market. The festive atmosphere continues until the morning of the third day when the fair officially commences.
At the first crow of the rooster, the village elders perform the ritual of offering incense to express gratitude to their ancestors. Subsequently, the villagers sell their homemade products and handicrafts from their homeland. What sets this market apart is the absence of haggling between buyers and sellers. Transactions take place in an atmosphere of friendliness and sincerity, with everyone seeking good luck and blessings.
People come to the market not just to shop but also to socialize and revel in the festive atmosphere. It is also an opportunity for them to reconnect with their roots, preserve traditional cultural values, and wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
One of the most important highlights of the Bich La Temple Fair is the ritual of invoking the Golden Turtle God. According to folklore, the golden turtle living in the pond in front of the village temple symbolizes spirituality and good fortune. On the night of the second day, as it transitions to the third, villagers gather to beat gongs and drums to summon the turtle to the surface. If it appears, it signifies a promising and fortunate new year.
This ritual holds not only spiritual significance but also serves as a way for the villagers to express their reverence for tradition and their optimism for a brighter future. For the people of Bich La, this moment is the most crucial, marking the beginning of a new year.
Today, the Bich La Temple Fair is not only a tradition upheld by the villagers but also a tourist attraction. The festival is not merely a place for locals to celebrate the spring but also a means to pass down age-old cultural values to future generations. The folk games, unique products, and legendary tales have collectively contributed to the allure of the Bich La Temple Fair. As living standards improve and the village flourishes, the essence of the festival remains intact—a time for reunion, joy-sharing, and well-wishing.
The village of Bich La, with its distinctive temple fair, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Beyond being a cultural event, the fair embodies the profound significance of community, solidarity, and faith in life.
Every Lunar New Year, the villagers of Bich La eagerly prepare for the fair, cherishing and passing down their hometown’s invaluable traditions. To them, the fair is not merely a ritual but a source of pride and a symbol of the vibrant vitality of the “geographically blessed and talented” land.
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