Carp are abundant, and fruit prices increase slightly during the Tet Ong Tao (Kitchen God) festival.

Carp is an indispensable item in the ceremony of bidding farewell to the Kitchen God and the Stove God as they ascend to heaven. Photo: Thanh Phuc

According to Vietnamese tradition, on that dayDecember 23rdEvery year, people prepare items such as live carp, hats, fresh flowers, and a feast to bid farewell to the Kitchen God as he ascends to heaven. On the morning of the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, the local markets are much busier than usual.

In the fresh fish section, stalls selling fruits and votive offerings were quite lively. According to observations, the prices of these items were average and did not fluctuate much. Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh, a small trader selling fresh fish at Hung Dung Market (Vinh City), said: “Starting from the 20th day of the 12th lunar month, we imported a quantity of golden and red carp to sell to people buying them for offerings to the Kitchen God and the Stove God. However, it wasn't until this morning (the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month) that many people inquired about buying them. The amount of fish sold is far less than last year.”

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

According to the survey,price of golden carpLarge carp are priced at 30,000-35,000 VND/fish, while smaller golden carp cost 15,000-20,000 VND/kg, an increase of about 5-10,000 VND/fish. According to vendors, in previous years, people bought 5-7 carp for release, with some even buying several kilograms, but this year, most only buy 3 fish. Many have switched to buying carp made of paper or jelly for offerings… partly due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, as people do not want to gather in large crowds at release sites, and partly due to changes in people's shopping habits.

Besides golden carp and red carp, common carp, tilapia, snakehead fish, etc., are also popular choices for people to release into the wild.

Paper offerings for religious ceremonies have stable prices and a wide variety of designs. Photo: Thanh Phuc

According to observations, this year, the prices of votive offerings have not fluctuated much compared to previous years or on 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, and gladioli cost 120,000 VND/dozen.

Fruit prices have increased by 10-20%, specifically, Cat Chu mangoes are priced at 60,000-70,000 VND/kg, Dai Hoang royal bananas at 49,000 VND/bunch, Canh oranges at 40,000-50,000 VND/kg, red-fleshed dragon fruit at 30,000-50,000 VND/kg, and Buddha's hand pomelos from 35,000 VND to over 100,000 VND per fruit depending on the variety… Betel nuts and leaves have nearly doubled in price compared to normal days (20,000-25,000 VND/plate).

Fruit prices have increased slightly, but there hasn't been a sudden surge in demand. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Besides votive offerings and carp, the offering tray for the Kitchen God and Stove God is also considered important by many families. Prices and food items tend to increase slightly as Tet approaches. The price of live chicken at local markets is currently 130,000 – 140,000 VND/kg, while the price of laying hens is lower at around 110,000 VND/kg, an increase of about 10,000 VND/kg compared to previous days; pork prices are 120,000–130,000 VND/kg depending on the type; beef prices are 220,000 – 270,000 VND/kg depending on the type; banh chung (sticky rice cake) costs from 45,000 VND - 55,000 VND/piece; banh troi (rice balls) cost 30,000-50,000 VND/set (15 balls)…

Prices of food items for offerings to the Kitchen God and the Stove God have increased slightly. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Because the Tet Ong Cong Ong Tao (Kitchen God) festival coincides with a workday, and coupled with the complicated situation of the pandemic, many people choose to order ready-made offerings or combo meals for the Kitchen God delivered to their homes. As a result, local markets are not as bustling as in previous years, and the atmosphere of buying and selling is somewhat quieter.