Vietnamese people nationwide have been busy in recent days buying votive paper offerings ahead of the upcoming Kitchen Gods day, which falls on the 23th day of the 12th lunar month.

To mark the special day, a farewell ceremony is held for the Kitchen Gods, the three guardians of the family’s kitchen, before they return to Heaven to report on the family’s activities throughout the year, according to legend.

People typically cook or buy local delicacies to offer to the gods. In addition, they clean and decorate their family’s altar with flowers and fruits whilst burning paper-made clothes and carps to be used by the gods on their journey to Heaven.

According to a local shop owner, his family has produced a large quantity of votive paper offerings for the upcoming Kitchen Gods day, with the items in high demand ahead of the day.

Each of the sets range from VND15,000 to VND150,000, depending on the number of items customers wish to purchase and their size.

A set of paper clothing for the Kitchen Gods includes hats, robes, and boots.

In addition to traditional items, locals tend to be keen on buying paper replicas of luxury products, including smartphones and iPads.

Carps also prove to be a popular item to be consumed these days. (Photo: Thanh Nien)

According to legend, the Kitchen Gods would ride on carps to Heaven on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month. (Photo: Internet)

The average price of carps on sale in markets throughout Ho Chi Minh City is VND15,000 each.

Decorative items can be bought for between VND20,000 and VND35,000, while the price of a set of red envelopes for lucky money ranges between VND10,000 and VND30,000.

A branch of artificial flowers can cost between VND35,000 and VND60,000.

Photos:Tien Phong