Abundant carp, fruit prices increase slightly on the occasion of Tao Quan Festival

Carp is an indispensable item in the ceremony to send the Kitchen Gods to heaven. Photo: Thanh Phuc

According to traditional Vietnamese customs, on this dayDecember 23Every year, people often prepare items, including live carp, funny hats, fresh flowers... along with a tray of food to send the Kitchen Gods to heaven. On the morning of December 23, at the traditional markets, the number of shoppers is more crowded than usual.

In the fresh fish selling area, the fruit and votive offerings stalls are quite busy. According to records, the prices of these items are at an average level, without much fluctuation. Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh, a fresh fish trader at Hung Dung market (Vinh city) said: "Starting from December 20, we imported a quantity of gold carp and red carp to sell to serve people to worship Ong Cong and Ong Tao. However, it was not until this morning (December 23) that many people asked to buy. The number of fish sold was much lower than last year."

Fish prices increased slightly but purchasing power decreased sharply compared to previous years. Photo: Thanh Phuc

According to the survey,price of goldfishLarge carp cost 30,000-35,000 VND/fish, small goldfish cost 15,000-20,000 VND/kg, an increase of about 5-10,000 VND/fish. According to traders, if in previous years, people bought 5-7 carp to release, many people bought several kilograms to release, but this year, most people only bought 3 fish, many people switched to buying fake carp; worshiping carp with jelly... partly due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, people do not want to gather in large numbers at the release place, partly because people have changed their shopping habits.

Besides goldfish and red carp, many people also buy common carp, perch, snakehead fish... to release.

The prices of votive papers are stable and the designs are rich and diverse. Photo: Thanh Phuc

According to records, this year, the prices of votive offerings have not fluctuated much compared to previous years or normal days. The prices of fresh flowers have increased slightly. Specifically, chrysanthemums cost 8,000 VND/flower, depending on the type; roses cost 6,000 VND/flower, gladiolus costs 120,000 VND/dozen.

Fruit prices increased by 10-20%, specifically, Cat Chu mangoes cost 60,000-70,000 VND/kg, Dai Hoang bananas cost 49,000 VND/bunch, Canh oranges cost 40,000-50,000 VND/kg, red-fleshed dragon fruit costs 30,000-50,000 VND/kg, Buddha's hand grapefruit costs from 35,000 VND to over 100,000 VND per fruit depending on the type... Betel and areca nuts alone cost nearly double compared to normal days (20,000 VND - 25,000 VND/plate).

Fruit prices increased slightly, but purchasing power did not fluctuate. Photo: Thanh Phuc

In addition to votive offerings and carp, the Tet offerings for Ong Cong and Ong Tao are also highly valued by many families. Prices and food prices have increased slightly near Tet. The price of live chickens at traditional markets is currently at 130,000 - 140,000 VND/kg, while the price of hens is lower at about 110,000 VND/kg, an increase of about 10,000 VND/kg compared to previous days; the price of pork is at 120,000 - 130,000 VND/kg depending on the type; the price of beef is at 220,000 - 270,000 VND/kg depending on the type; banh chung costs from 45,000 VND - 55,000 VND/piece; banh troi costs 30,000 - 50,000 VND/set (15 cakes)...

Prices of foods offered for the Kitchen Gods' worshiping ceremonies have increased slightly. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Because the Kitchen Gods' Festival coincides with working days, and the pandemic is complicated, many people choose to order pre-made offerings and have the Kitchen Gods' worship combo delivered to their homes, so this time, the traditional markets are not as bustling as in previous years, and the buying and selling atmosphere is somewhat quieter.