Bustling Nghe An countryside market welcomes the 15th day of the 7th lunar month

Nghe An has hundreds of rural markets with many famous and long-standing ancient markets, such as Son market, Dinh market, Quan market (Nghi Loc); Phu market, Xuan Nho market, Sy Nam market (Dien Chau); Mo market, Leu market, Noi market, Hom market (Quynh Luu); Luong market, Bai market, Thuong market (Do Luong); Con market, Dung market, Ro market, Chua market, Giang market, Phuong market (Thanh Chuong); Cau market, Ro market, Rong market (Nam Dan); My market, Lieu market (Hung Nguyen); Dinh market, Si market, Roc market, Bong market, Gam market (Yen Thanh)… Currently, most of the rural markets in the province have been upgraded, renovated, and many stalls have been built. On normal days, the rural markets are already "full of goods and customers", but near the 15th of July, the goods are even more abundant, with many sellers and buyers. Photo: Huy Thu

After a period of Covid-19 pandemic, the rural market in Nghe An welcoming the Full Moon Festival in July this year seems to be more joyful and crowded. From the 12th day of the 7th lunar month, the atmosphere of the rural market has begun to bustle. Goods are sold right at the market gate, even on the roads leading to the market. Photo: Huy Thu

The highlight of the countryside market on the occasion of the Full Moon is the abundance of fruit, especially bananas. Every countryside market is full of bananas, all kinds of ripe bananas, green bananas are brought to the market by people to sell. Photo: Huy Thu

Normally, bananas in the countryside market are quite cheap, but on the full moon day, the price of bananas skyrockets 5-7 times. A bunch of royal bananas, "pleasing to the eye" bananas, the lowest price is also30,000 - 40,000copper. In the photo: Banana trading scene at Con market, Thanh Duong commune (Thanh Chuong). Photo: Huy Thu

At the village market on the full moon day, all kinds of beautiful areca nuts and fresh betel leaves are brought from all over the countryside. At the full moon market, betel and areca nuts are in high demand, because they are indispensable items in the full moon worship ceremony. This year, areca nuts are quite expensive, each fruit costs from 3,000 to 5,000 VND depending on its beauty. Photo: Huy Thu

Rural markets in the mountainous and midland regions of Nghe An often have tea stalls. Near the full moon festival, people bring more tea to the market to sell. From early morning, many people go to the market to buy fresh tea bundles to stew for the full moon festival. Photo: Huy Thu

Rural areas are changing, rural life is becoming more and more prosperous, people's way of worshipping and eating Full Moon has changed to better suit their lives. The most noticeable thing is that delicious, clean, and unique food is prioritized. Fruit offerings seem to be more focused on with the spirit of "a beautiful ceremony with a sincere heart". Photo: Huy Thu

People who go to the Full Moon Market often buy votive paper – an important and indispensable offering on the family altar. Nowadays, votive paper products are designed in a rich and diverse range of designs, styles, and colors with the spirit of "what is in the human world is like in the underworld". Photo: Huy Thu

In recent years, the rural markets welcoming the Full Moon Festival in July also have some vendors selling bamboo for families to buy to wrap cakes for the Full Moon Festival. In the context of the Covid-19 epidemic that is at risk of re-emerging, many people going to the market to welcome the Full Moon Festival without wearing masks, potentially spreading the disease in the community. Photo: Huy Thu

The Full Moon Festival in July has entered the consciousness of Nghe people as one of the important holidays of the year. Along with the changes in socio-economy, the atmosphere of welcoming the Full Moon seems to be spreading more and more throughout the countryside, most clearly expressed in the countryside market. Going to the countryside market to welcome the Full Moon Festival is not only to shop and experience, but also to exchange, chat, and enjoy the atmosphere of preparing to welcome the Full Moon Festival in July eagerly and warmly of the homeland. Photo: Huy Thu