Top 14 Poems Celebrating Countryside Markets During Tet

Poetry: Hoang Minh Tuan

The borderland spreads beautifully under endless sunshine, Vibrant green colors everywhere. Emerald buds eagerly await the sunlight, Fragrant flowers blossom in anticipation of spring.

Along the road, a bustling crowd is seen, In the market, various items catch the eye. Tet shopping remains the same throughout the ages, Whether in the farthest regions or the nearby areas.

Hanoi, December 28, 2019

Poetry: Tran Hai Loc

Baskets and trays are neatly displayed, The village market on Tet brims with joyous scenes. Bustling with lifting, carrying, and transporting, Mingling in the flowing stream of stalls, welcoming the spring.

Various vegetables: Chrysanthemum, Mustard greens, Fresh fish and meat, hands balance with smiles. Expensive are the freshly picked dong leaves, Green beans and sticky rice, oh dear, Mom is waiting.

Immersed in reliving childhood memories, The Tet market, accompanied by Mom in the past. Eyes round, gazing with longing, Dong Ho paintings adorn the folk walls...

Bustling with the overflowing colors of spring, Chrysanthemums and apricots drape the village market in yellow. Heavily laden, Mom returns home with Tet, Abundant flavors of traditional countryside.

Hai Loc, January 2020

Poetry: Pham Tan Dan

In the suburban areas near the city, Bustling tents and markets, standing and sitting, buying and selling. Baskets of eggplants and bunches of vegetables, Betel nuts with red lips, cherished smiles.

Glistening eyes shining bright, Satiated with warm rice grains at the heart. Green Tet with a bunch of dong leaves, Cherry blossom branches and apricot blossoms, lovely and delicate.

Dad carefully sends his heartfelt words, Mom returns, my sister welcomes at the lane. Oh, how joyful it is, Cherry blossom branches and apricot blossoms, fluttering in abundance.

As a little child, small and tiny, Hugging and kissing Mom, sharing a piece of cake. A piggy bank for the upcoming year, A pair of couplets, strokes embellishing the wall.

Poetry: Pham Thi Hong Thu

Tet arrives at Cai Rang floating market, Boats and sampans crowd, advertising banners span the sky. Drifting on the Hau River, under the bright sun, The wind tilts hats, smilingly welcoming.

Specialty fruits abound, Excited durians, dreamy oranges. Cat mangoes, plump and silky threads, Rare purple lychees, unexpectedly named.

Breast-shaped milk apples, tender bamboo shoots, Beloved pomelos, precious coconuts... forming a lush garden.

A platter of five fresh fruits, vibrant and lively, Three spheres, mother's labor, remembered every month.

You return to live in the Mekong Delta.

* 'Bẹo': A bamboo pole used for hanging advertising goods.

Poetry: Đào Mạnh Thạnh

The village market retains its age-old grace, Through countless years, it never fades, just as in yore. Family bonds, whether near or far, Market days reunite us with our core.

Simple stalls under the village banyan tree, Echo the tranquil imprints from times past. Here, vegetables and greens in vibrant glee, There, garlic, chili, tomatoes, a colorful contrast.

All are the harvest of diligent hands, In market days, trading loyalty stands. Chickens, fish, crabs, and more, Pigs, cats – buyers adore the folklore.

Some stalls with fewer forest leaves, With bundled banh chung for Tet eve. Flowers and fruits, festive and bright, The market thrives, echoing traditions with delight.

Endearing moments and sweet talks shared, Inquiring about life, love is declared. The village market, laden with meaning profound, Captures the essence, roots deeply bound.

Tet arrives with joyous embraces, Golden verses, betel nut, and peach blossom graces. Carrying sweetness on our lips so dear, Welcoming the new year, where meaning is clear.

How beautiful is our homeland's charm, So authentic, with village love warm. Back to the village, enchanted by the market's spell, The spirit of the village, the new spring foretell...

Hải Phòng: January 21, 2020

Poetry: Tự Hàn

My home lies by the Vu River's side,
Blue clouds over Front Mountain, mist at Back Mountain.
Hà Nha Market by the deep canal,
Green and lovely on the other side,
Themed in the color of poetic affection.
In the twelfth month, red sesame flowers blossom,
The sound of wooden pestles,
The sound of hammers,
Waiting for the boat at the right time.

I remember my market in the old days,
Pork skewers with signatures,
Coconut jam wrapped and tied,
Golden apricots on every branch,
Ginger spice,
Crackers,
Dried onions in the sun,
Sugar-dipped rice paper,
Sweetness in a few sips of sticky rice liquor,
Cherry blossoms, a delicate blush.
I remember my father's skilled hands,
Scissors,
Axe,
Knife,
And hoe,
In the market days,
Mother digs up sweet potatoes by the porch,
Fields of rice,
Digging,
Poking,
Little money at the end of the year.
I remember my fifteen-year-old sister,
Jovial like a carefree bird,
Moonlight brightens her lovely eyes.
Twenty years, fate takes her across the river.

*
Now,
Feet hesitatingly step back,
I return,
Standing silently nearby.
Oh market!

Who else
Comes back to play,
Between Front Mountain and Back Mountain,
Waiting with teary eyes?

Now,
Home becomes a stranger,
She becomes a market,
I am forever alone.

Now, flowers fall like raindrops,
The market in the evening is empty.
Who is sadder than I?

Tự Hàn 19/1/2020

Poetry: Trương Túy Anh

Saigon welcomes Tet like a dream,
Countryside markets overflow, poetic in the city.
Join me for a stroll around,
By the Lò Gốm canal, along the border, we'll go.

Tet arrives, Bình Đông floating market*
Boats navigating up and down the river day and night.
Piled high with mountains of fruits,
A mesmerizing array of colors, a sight to behold.

'Hai Lúa' couple enthusiastic and warm,
Greeting guests with a beautiful smile.
Mangoes, melons, oranges, and kumquats so fresh,
Bananas, papayas, fragrant guavas... a complete feast.

Tet offerings from the 30th to the full moon,
Offering to the Ancestors every Tet at home.
Visit the boat selling flowers,
Chrysanthemums, apricots, orchids... harmonizing with the spring sun.

Remember your hometown, standing nearby,
Then come to the bustling alley market to buy and sell.
Dried shrimp from Đất Mũi, a taste of all seasons,
Mạm linh Châu, the best rice paste, pots are sold out.

Remember dried fish with its distinctive aroma,
People from distant lands yearn and wish.
The village market, a scene of overflowing emotions,
A realm of memories rushing into the heart.

As the afternoon falls, the scene becomes silent,
Merchandise sold out, you seek a charming encounter.
The chant of 'Hai Lúa' rises,
The boat girl's graceful dance, sweet and melodious.

Celebrating the Year of the Metal Rat with excitement,
Spring arrives, he welcomes her, Má Ba.

18/1/2020.

Poetry: Trần Duy Hạnh

We've promised to meet in the early morn,

When the Spring sky is fresh and adorned.

Excitement fills the hearts of the young,

Today, we head to the village market, among.
.

Dressed neatly in garments so fine,

Laughter and chatter, a joyous sign.

Curiously looking, freely we roam,

Urging each other, briskly stepping toward.
.

Running, turning, why is it so far?

Today, the journey seems longer by far.

People compete, sharing market tales,

Tales of Tet market in the countryside prevail.
.

New Year's Day is drawing near,

The market stalls display all so clear.

Around the calligraphy stand they throng,

A row of toy vendors, lively and strong.
.

Many people standing, many more sitting,

Observing, selecting, minds contemplating.

Calculating prices for each chosen item,

Baskets and bags by their sides, ready to fill them.
.

A shout, a call by someone's name,

They pull their shirts and walk without shame.

Children gaze like they've found a treasure,

Watching ancient tales, a moment to pleasure.

...

All too soon, the noonday passes,

The crowd remains lively, a clamor that surpasses.

Soup stalls, porridge shops in uproar,

Gathered together, all the kids galore.
.

Heading back through the familiar way,

Chattering about the market day.

Inviting each other to the district market scene,

During the festive Spring, a joyful routine.

Poetry: Trịnh Thanh Hằng

Tet market remains just as of yore,

Separated by a year, yet in one session more.

Year-end is the time to spend,

Ladies and sisters flaunt a charming trend.

Fresh green dong leaves neatly arrayed,

Ready for the path, along stalls they're laid.

White lạt giang in a straight line,

Add a row of lentils, reaching out in line.

Slender bamboo shoots swaying high,

Dong noodles, raw and lovely, to buy.

A vendor with bundles, swinging left and right,

More stalls of bánh đỗ, arranged so tight.

A lively girl with a cheerful grin,

Dressed in rustic traditional skin.

With bamboo chopsticks, she skillfully folds,

Her bamboo shack, a story it holds.

An old woman grumbles and laments,

Complaining about the old betel nut, discontent.

An old man happily chuckles and guffaws,

Tiên Lao tobacco is better, he draws.

Mango leaves woven, neat and trim,

Two castrated roosters, money to skim.

Lights, candles, and New Year's Eve,

A couplet pair, nostalgia they weave.

The young ones bustling at the village fair,

Rice paper crackers flying through the air.

Spring comes, dust is blown away,

Back to the village, Tết in full display.

Author: Dương Quốc Nam

The Tet market in the countryside is joyous,

Buyers and sellers bustling, caring and courteous.

Villages above, hamlets below, near and far,

Come to shop for Tet, a gathering of neighbors.

The Tet market in the countryside, abundant and grand,

Dong leaves, banana leaves, lạt giang, nuts, and sesame in demand.

Rice, beans, meat, cakes from various regions,

Bring to the Tet market for buying and selling reasons.

The Tet market, vibrant with the colors of flowers,

Orchids, apricots, peach blossoms, and chrysanthemums in happy hours.

Sellers welcoming with enthusiasm and care,

Inviting and greeting from villages and hamlets everywhere.

Buyers freely praise and critique,

Choose products to their liking, bringing joy unique.

The Tet market in the countryside, a beauty of the people's spirit,

A place of trade contributing to the community's merit.

The Tet market in the countryside, in this place,

Village love and neighborhood bonds fully embrace.

The Tet market on Tet day rejoices,

Joyous market scenes spread across land and skies./.

Poetry: Trường Nguyễn

Hometown, traditional Tet market scene,
Village up and down awaiting the market's return.
Night full of restlessness, the whole family unable to sleep,
Tales about the Tet market echoing in the quiet night.

Youths in brown long robes, eager to display,
Waiting to revel in Tet festivities with friends in Bau village.
Children tagging along in playful disarray,
All sorts of toy figurines, many colors calling for purchase.

Parents, years of sun and rain on their faces,
Carrying their children to the joyful Tet market,
Dong leaves, smoked meat brought home,
Not forgetting the grip of the traditional village market.

The Tet market, one session, bridging the Tet,
Yearning all year round, buying joy across the region.
Chasing away bad luck and escorting the old year,
Buying blessings and prosperity brightening every home.

Moms return, carrying branches of flowers,
Anyone who doesn't go to the market receives gifts from Mom.
Tet comes, cherry blossoms bright and fresh,
Welcoming the new year overflowing with joy!

Hanoi, January 12, 2020

Poetry: Nguyễn Ruyến

Strolling alone in the flower market,
Touching the nostalgia of hometown deep in the heart.

Peach blossoms gently unfold their buds,
Like the gaze of someone sought for years.
Yellow apricot blossoms carry dreams,
Adding their radiant color to the anticipation.

Over there, the roses,
Weaving velvety memories in abundance.
Orchids exude longing,
Enchanting with their ethereal beauty.

In the distance, the chrysanthemums stand tall,
Golden and cool, poetic and charming.
The branches of kumquat fruits proudly display freshness,
Prosperity mixes with the smiling blooms.

Each flower species has its unique hue,
Creating a sacred fragrance to gift to life.
The flower market belongs to everyone,
Yet, why does it evoke my own feelings...

Ninh Binh, January 13, 2020

Poetry: Nguyễn Cường

Today, I visited the Tet market in my hometown,
Gazing at the displayed goods, memories of the past resurface.
Same vegetables, same onions and pickles...
But the paper flower section, my mom's favorite, is missing!

Peach blossoms, apricots... potted and arranged,
After buying, I'll ask for a delivery, healthy and robust.
The ladies selling fruit show off:
'Are these homegrown? Where's your uncle's loofah?'

Chinese products have been around for a while,
Our people are selective, cautious about the 'Chinese' origin.
Passing by the counterfeit goods section, it's evident,
Imitations, but quite convincing in appearance.

The market today has a lively atmosphere,
A girl with a microphone sings beautifully.
Someone stands selling balloons,
Children cheer: 'This one looks prettier!'

Tired, let's take a break and wander around,
The Tet market in the hometown seems much livelier than before!

January 20, 2020

Poetry: Phan Huy Hùng

My hometown market sails on hands
Fishermen gather, the coastal market stands
Goods rise from the depth of the sea
Shrimp, crab, jellyfish, fish, and even sea cucumbers...

This market connects East and West
Chinese, English spoken, as clear as day
Vietnamese greetings, as lively as the waves
Ha Long winks, cheeks rosy and gay.

The coastal market, no fixed date
Only gatherings as the tides navigate
Tides rise, moonlit waters unfold
All year round, expanding hearts untold.

He, from the mountainous region descends
Meets her, the sea, awaiting love transcends
The market weaves fate, a delicate thread
Waits for the tide to stir passion widespread!