Van La village (Hong Van, Thuong Tin, Hanoi) has a special market called Ong Gia New Market.
This is the land that reminds us of the legend of Chu Dong Tu, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese spirituality. According to legend, this market is where Chu Cu Van - Chu Dong Tu's father, used to sell fish.
Ong Gia New Market today is no longer as bustling as before, but has become a cultural address with an important mark in the hearts of the people of Hong Van commune.
Mr. Nguyen Van De (a resident of Van La village) recited the old folk song "On the first day of the New Year, Ong Gia market, on the second day, Me market, on the third day, Bang market".
“This folk song is meant to honor the markets in Thuong Tin district. Cho Moi Ong Gia is the busiest market, so much so that on the first day of the month, we have to go there right away to be able to buy things,” Mr. De said with emotion.
According to the ancients, Ong Gia New Market is also classified as a bustling market of Son Nam town, only Bang market and Voi market. The market is open all year round, trading agricultural products, livestock, poultry, farming tools, etc.
“This market has an important meaning. Every time I come here, I remember the memories with my mother and my unforgettable childhood,” Mr. De recalled his childhood memories.
For many business people, they also consider Ong Gia New Market as the ancestral market - the origin of all goods exchange and trade activities in Vietnam.
“Nowadays, there are many beautiful and eye-catching items on the market. However, the vendors here still prioritize traditional items to continue preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture,” said Nguyen Thi Bau, a vendor in the market.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Mai Van Ngan - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hong Van Commune (Thuong Tin, Hanoi) said that in November 2020, Ong Gia New Market was recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization as "An old market associated with the legend of Chu Dong Tu and his son from the time of Hung Vuong Vietnam".
According to Mr. Ngan, Ong Gia New Market deserves to become a cultural address rich in humanity that needs to be preserved and developed.
Although this place is recognized as an old market, nowadays, business activities at the market face many difficulties, the number of visitors to the market is not like before.
“In the coming time, Hong Van commune will renovate the market in the direction of historical tradition combined with tourism. This is also the direction of local economic development,” said Mr. Mai Van Ngan - Vice Chairman of Hong Van Commune People's Committee.
