Buzz
In Xuân Ổ village, Võ Cường ward, Bac Ninh city, there exists a market that convenes only once a year on the night of the 4th Lunar New Year, known as the unparalleled Am Duong market in Vietnam.
Unearth the uniqueness of the Am Duong market in Bac Ninh, where one buys fortune and sells fate.
Meeting solely once a year, the Am Duong market exudes a mysterious aura, serving as a cultural and folkloric activity of profound significance to the local populace.
According to historical records, in the year of Nhâm Dần (43 AD), during the Han dynasty, General Mã Viện was ordered to lead troops to battle against the Trưng Sisters. The enemy advanced to Vũ Ninh precinct, Tiên Du district, where they encountered the forces of the Trưng Sisters, resulting in significant casualties.
Post-battle, the families of fallen soldiers sought their loved ones during the Lunar New Year festivities. Over time, a belief emerged that the gates of the underworld open only once a year on the night of the 4th, dawn of the 5th Lunar New Year, allowing the living to reunite with the departed. Thus, the Am Duong market was born.
Henceforth, in the folklore, it is believed that amidst the crowd at this market, there will also be those loved ones who have passed away, returning to visit family and friends. Going to the market is also a way to encourage each other to overcome the sadness of losing loved ones.
The market entirely avoids using bright high-pressure lights, instead, there are only flickering candles illuminating the stalls, making the market space more surreal than ever. People who go to the market absolutely do not speak loudly or laugh for fear of frightening spirits, so they only trade silently, adding to the charm of the market.
Most people who come to the Shadow and Spirit Market come mainly to seek luck, not paying too much attention to buying and selling. Therefore, there are often no negotiations from buyers or challenges from sellers. According to folklore, a basin of water is placed at the entrance of the market to test whether the money is from the shadow or the light.
If money floats, it is considered shadow money, while sinking money belongs to the living. Many rumors circulate that many vendors, upon inspecting their money the next morning, find only shells and leaves in their wallets.
The Shadow and Spirit Market mainly sells ritual items, including incense used for the deceased, as well as offerings such as wine, betel nuts, salt, and fruits for worship on altars, such as papayas and apples.
A very special item sold at the market is black chicken, a symbol of the mystical and spiritual. Only those who are lucky can elbow their way through and choose a black chicken for themselves. Therefore, the stall selling black chickens is always crowded, bustling with people constantly coming and going.
At the crossroads of the market, a bowl of ceremonial porridge is set up, with prayers for the departed to be well-fed. After the market disperses, many invite each other to drink water, chew betel nuts, and sing folk songs. Those who return from the market are all joyful because they believe it is an opportunity to do good deeds and show respect to the deceased.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourDecember 19, 2022
