On the early morning of January 12 (the 21st day of the last month of the lunar year), the atmosphere at Yen So Fish Market is filled with the red colour of carp.
Red carp is considered one of the most important and indispensable offerings at Kitchen Gods ceremony. The Vietnamese believe there are three Kitchen Gods in their houses, and carp serve as their means of transport to heaven so they can report to the Jade Emperor. Before the 23rd day of the last month of the lunar year, Yen So Fish Market (Hoang Mai, Hanoi) - one of the largest fish markets in northern Vietnam is crowded as small traders and people come to buy red carp.