The reenactment of the "Farewell to the old, welcome the new" ceremony at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site (photo: Ngoc Anh)

Since early morning, traditional markets in the capital Hanoi were more crowded with people buying worship items, including real or paper carps.

“As usual, I prepare some dishes, fruit, votive clothes, flowers, and golden carps for the Kitchen God to ride to heaven.”

“My family prepares a small tray of offering including steamed sticky rice, pork paste, and fruit. As a young family, I perform some basic procedures.”

Cultural expert Nguyen Anh Hong explained that the worship of the Kitchen God is a significant tradition in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the Tet holiday. The ceremony is typically held before noon on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, as people believe that after this time, the gods ascend to heaven and will no longer receive offerings. 

“Carp is indispensable in the Kitchen God worship, because people believe that the carp will jump over the Heaven Gate to become a dragon. Carp is a symbol of abundance, wealth, and the desire for sublimation,” Mrs. Hong said.

Also on Wednesday, the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center organized a reenactment of the "Farewell to the old, welcome the new" ceremony at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site.