Votive paper for the Kitchen God ceremony is discounted but still has few buyers

Every year, before the full moon of December, Mr. Nguyen Thai Dung, a merchant selling votive offerings in Thach That district, returns to the votive offering capital Phuc Am (Thuong Tin district, Hanoi ) to get votive offerings to serve market demand.

Mr. Dung chooses votive paper for the Kitchen Gods at Phuc Am village. Photo: HAI DANG — Mr. Dung chooses the Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao hats in Phuc Am village. Photo: Hai Dang

Mr. Dung said that this year's set of Tao Quan, Than Linh and Carp from Phuc Am village is uniquely designed and eye-catching, with prices ranging from 80,000-120,000 VND/set depending on different sizes.

However, Mr. Dung only chose medium and small models instead of large sets like last year. The reason is said to be the impact of the economic recession, so families will choose a set of votive paper that fits their budget but still ensures tradition.

A set of votive paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods ranges from 30,000 to 45,000 VND in Song Ho commune. Photo: HAI DANG — A set of votive paper for the Kitchen Gods ranges from 30,000 to 45,000 VND in Song Ho commune. Photo: HAI DANG

In contrast to Phuc Am village, the Ong Cong - Ong Tao paper money market in Song Ho commune (Thuan Thanh town, Bac Ninh province) is somewhat gloomy because the number of orders has decreased and the price is not high.

Ms. Pham Thi Thao, owner of Lam Thao votive paper facility, said that the number of customers this year is mostly small, the facility is only producing at a moderate level, down 50% compared to last year.

The current selling price ranges from 30,000 - 50,000 VND/set. On average, Ms. Thao's facility can produce about 100-200 sets per day, with the condition of having 10 workers working continuously.

The designs of the votive offerings for the Kitchen Gods in Song Ho commune this year are quite diverse and rich. Photo: HAI DANG

Ms. Thao packs goods for shipping to the provinces. Photo: HAI DANG

Also frustrated because this year's orders only reached about 30% compared to last year, Ms. Ha Thi Soi lowered the product price to the lowest level.

According to Ms. Soi, if the big and beautiful set was sold for 55,000 VND last year, it is now reduced to 40,000 - 45,000 VND but there are few customers ordering it, the small set of 30,000 - 35,000 VND is popular.

The day to send Tao Quan to heaven this year will be on February 2 (December 23).