From the afternoon of the 7^th day of the first lunar month (February 22^nd), people flock to the northern province of Nam Dinh for a unique market which is held only once a year to sell - guess what - bad luck as well as to buy good luck for the new year to come.

The Vieng market opened at midnight of the 7^th day and lasted only through the morning of the 8^th day. (Photo VNA)

The Vieng market opened at midnight of the 7^th day and lasted only through the morning of the 8^th day.

All kinds of goods are bought and sold without bargaining. People come to the market not only to buy things, but also to wish for a prosperous and lucky new year.

Legend has it that Vieng Market is linked to Nguyen Minh Khong, who introduced copper casting to the area, so people believe it is good luck to buy something made of copper at the market on the day of the festival.

The spring market features handicrafts, antiques (both genuine and fake), household utensils, agricultural tools and many kinds of ornamental plants. Special foods sold at the market include barbecued beef and banh giay (sticky rice cakes).

The least expensive items on sale at Vieng Market are flowers and plants, which are believed to bring both the buyer and seller happiness and luck. Deals are made by candlelight or flashlight.

Visitors then can go on to pray for a happy new year a several local temples.

There are four Vieng markets in Nam Dinh province, with one in Nam Giang township, Nam Truc district, and the other in Trung Thanh commune, Vu Ban district, being most popular.

The market in Nam Truc district is famous for the Dai Bi pagoda where Buddhist Monk and Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh is worshipped, while the other in Vu Ban district is home to the Phu Day relics complex dedicated to Goddess Lieu Hanh – one of four immortals in Vietnamese legends.

The Phu Day historical and cultural relics complex was recognised as the national cultural heritage in 1975. “Practices Related to the Viet Beliefs in the Mother Goddesses in Three Realms" was named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in April, 2017./.

VNF/VNA