Fighting fest opens in northern province
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Thousands Tuesday flocked to Chuong market in the northern Thanh Hoa province’s Dong Son District to throw potatoes and rotten eggs at one another -- a practice thought to bring good luck for the year ahead.
From early morning (5:00 am), locals and visitors wearing new clothes rushed to the festival, which is annually organized on the 6th day of first lunar month, to buy eggs, potatoes and apples to be used later as weapons to ‘fight’ one another.
Locals told Tuoi Tre it is impossible to go to the market unattacked by potatoes and eggs thrown by festival goers.
According to traditional beliefs, the redness of potatoes is a symbol of luck while fighting is said to bring abundant crops and a prosperous life.
However, some young people have taken advantage of this custom to settle real-life dispute. Actual fights and serious injuries, even death, do happen sometimes.
“Usually, police are mobilized to the scene to handle such problems. However, in some cases, the public security forces are also victims,” said Hung, a policeman in Dong Son District.
According to legend, an army general was once besieged by the enemy when he was passing through the market. He sharp-wittedly ordered his men to pretend to be market goers and hide all weapons inside baskets.
As the result, the enemy was misled and defeated.
“Our village saw abundant crops that year,” said 70-year-old Tuan.
To celebrate the event, locals gather at the market on the 6th lunar day to wish for a lucky and prosperous year.
They also stage a mock battle - with eggs and potatoes - to commemorate the legendary victory.
