As scheduled, every year on the 6th day of Tet, people in Thieu Hoa, Trieu Son communes, Dong Son ward, Hac Thanh ward... flock to Chuong market (Dong Son ward, Thanh Hoa province) to attend the "fight" market with tomatoes, praying for good luck.
According to reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper, on the morning of February 22nd (ie, the 6th day of Tet), thousands of people flocked to this market. The market took place in beautiful weather, shady and without rain.
At the market, young people, men and women, and even young children are always in the position of holding tomatoes in their hands to throw at each other. Tomatoes are used as "luck", the more people are thrown, the more they believe that the new year will be more favorable.
The "fighting for good luck" market (in old Dong Hoang commune - now Dong Son ward) originated from an ancient story. Legend has it that a king in a battle with foreign invaders was defeated and had to retreat. When he arrived in Dong Hoang region, the king was helped by the people by pretending to open a market.
To deceive the enemy, the king and soldiers transformed into merchants, while weapons were hidden in piles of vegetables and fruits, and tents. When the enemy army arrived, seeing the bustling trading scene, they were not wary.
Taking advantage of the enemy's lack of vigilance, the king launched a counter-attack and won. From then on, to commemorate this event, every year people organize Chuong market - also known as the "fighting" market - as a unique cultural feature, sending wishes for peace and luck in the new year.
