A Night at Bich La Communal House Market: A Mysterious and Sacred New Year Fortune Festival

With a rich history of nearly 500 years, the five-hamlet village of Bich La (comprising Nam, Dong, Trung, Thuong, and Hau hamlets) has always taken pride in its vibrant cultural heritage. The Bich La Communal House Market Festival originated hundreds of years ago, closely associated with the legend of the Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) - a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

According to legend, in front of Bich La communal house was a clear blue lake, home to a golden turtle. Every year, on the morning of the 3rd day of Tet, if the golden turtle surfaced, it signaled a year of favorable weather and abundant harvests. However, one year, the golden turtle did not appear, leading to natural disasters and crop failures for the villagers. Ever since, the locals have held a ceremony to pray to the Golden Turtle God, beating drums, striking gongs, and sounding wooden clappers to "awaken" the golden turtle, giving rise to the unique market known as Bich La Communal House Market.

The Bich La Communal House Market Festival is not merely a spiritual event but also a symbol of community spirit, where locals and visitors gather, trade, and wish for a peaceful new year. This market holds deep cultural significance, reflecting gratitude to ancestors and aspirations for a prosperous life. Notably, the festival was recognized by the People's Committee of Quang Tri Province as a Provincial-level Intangible Cultural Relic in 1996 and is currently proposed for recognition as a National-level Cultural Relic.

Unlike ordinary markets, Bich La communal house market only opens from the afternoon of the 2nd day to the noon of the 3rd day of Tet. The main highlight occurs around the fourth watch (about 3 AM), when:

• Torches and lights illuminate brightly around the communal house lake.
• The echoing sound of drums and gongs summons the Golden Turtle God.
• Thousands of local residents and tourists from near and far flock to seek good fortune.

Unique features of trading "fortune":

• Sellers do not overcharge, as the purpose is to share blessings rather than to profit.
• Buyers do not bargain, demonstrating sincere intentions to seek good luck at the start of the year.
• Goods are mainly homegrown produce and regional specialties: rice crackers, peanut candy, vegetables, fruits, honey, Quang Tri delicacies… handcrafted by the villagers themselves.

The atmosphere is both sacred and warm with neighborly affection. Many people buy "fortune branches" to bring home for worship or to give to loved ones as a year-long blessing.

The Bich La Communal House Market Festival is divided into three main parts: Rituals, Festivities, and Market, creating a diverse and captivating cultural space.

Rituals

This is the most solemn part, taking place in the early morning of the 3rd day of Tet, when village elders perform incense offering ceremonies, prayers, and thanksgiving to their ancestors at the communal house. The centerpiece is the ritual praying to the Golden Turtle God, reenacting the image of the golden turtle surfacing on the lake, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Visitors will witness a sacred atmosphere with drums, gongs, wooden clappers, and torchlight, creating a mystical and reverent ambiance.

Festivities

The festivities bring a vibrant atmosphere with cultural activities and folk games:

• Traditional Bai Choi art: Performances rich in Central Vietnamese culture.
• Folk games: Sack jumping, tug of war, Chinese chess, chess, fish catching, and wrapping Banh Chung.
• Calligraphy competition: Visitors can request calligraphic words to bring home as New Year blessings.
• Ngu Giap artistic performances: Song and dance acts performed by the people of Bich La, demonstrating unity and local pride.

If you are planning to attend the Bich La Communal House Market Festival during Lunar New Year, here are a few tips for a complete experience:

• Time: The festival starts on the evening of the 2nd day of Tet (around 6 PM - 7 PM) and lasts until the early morning of the 3rd day of Tet. Arrive early to enjoy the lively atmosphere and join in the activities.
• Location: Bich La Dong Village Communal House, Trieu Thanh Commune, Trieu Phong District, Quang Tri Province. From Dong Ha City, you can travel by motorbike or car, about 10-15 km away.
• Attire: Early spring weather in Quang Tri is often chilly, especially at night. Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes for easy walking.
• Preparation: The festival draws large crowds, so be patient when participating in busy activities like buying fortune items or requesting calligraphy.
• Respect local culture: When attending the ritual section, maintain a respectful attitude, especially during the prayer ceremony for the Golden Turtle God.

The Bich La Communal House Market Festival is not just a cultural event but also a journey back to one's roots, where visitors can feel the breath of tradition and the deep devotion of the people of Quang Tri. With solemn rituals, lively activities, and a unique market night, the festival is an ideal destination for those wishing to explore Vietnamese culture during Lunar New Year.