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Local residents are visibly delighted as they select the perfect sugarcane stalks for their Jade Emperor offerings. Through this simple yet sacred ritual at the beginning of the Lunar New Year, they send forth heartfelt prayers for a smooth business year and an abundance of fortune.
HCMC – At the Le Quang Sung sugarcane market in Binh Tay Ward, HCMC, local residents gathered to buy “golden” sugarcane to prepare for the annual Jade Emperor’s Birthday, celebrated on the ninth day of the first lunar month, or February 25.
According to Vietnamese folk tradition, the ninth day of the first lunar month is dedicated to honoring the Jade Emperor, also known as the “Birthday of Heaven.” Traditional offerings typically include incense, votive paper, marigold flowers, fresh coconuts, tea, and molded sugar. Crucially, a pair of golden sugarcane stalks is considered an indispensable part of the ritual.
Vendors have gathered tons of “fortune” sugarcane to meet the demand of residents ahead of the Jade Emperor’s birthday. These sugarcane stalks were transported by traders from the Mekong Delta to the city overnight.Prices this year remain stable compared to previous years, ranging from VND50,000 to VND100,000 per pair, depending on size and appearance. Most buyers prioritize ‘golden’ stalks that are perfectly straight with long, even segments.According to folklore, while sugarcane comes in various types and colors, “golden” sugarcane is specifically chosen for the Jade Emperor’s rituals. The vibrant gold hue symbolizes prosperity, luck, and solemnity, making it the ideal offering for the auspicious beginning of the year.A local vendor said that she has brought in approximately 4,000 stalks of golden sugarcane from Dong Thap Province (formerly Tien Giang) this year, retailing at VND100,000 per pair. These stalks are planted in the fifth lunar month, ensuring they reach their peak for harvest just in time for the Lunar New Year festivities.“I transported the sugarcane here on the evening of the seventh day, and by the following morning, over 1,000 stalks had already been sold. Customers are mainly looking for “golden” stalks that are aesthetically pleasing and uniform in height for their offerings. The demand this year is quite strong, and I hope to sell out by this evening,” said the vendor.The sugarcane is pre-bundled by vendors into groups of six, with a discounted price for those purchasing the entire set. However, most buyers still prefer to meticulously handpick individual stalks, ensuring they can pair them into a balanced and aesthetically pleasing set that meets their personal standards.
