As in previous years, when the seventh lunar month arrives, Hang Ma Street in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district buzzes with shoppers and vendors, especially during the days leading up to the full moon, when ceremonies are held.
However, according to our reporters, the number of shops selling paper offerings on Hang Ma Street has decreased, and the remaining shops are experiencing a decline in customers, despite the upcoming full moon festival.
Instead of the bustling scene of people coming and going in the shops as in previous years, the merchants are now “twiddling their thumbs.” “I didn’t dare to import a lot of goods because, in recent years, purchases have decreased significantly,” shared a merchant. “Partly because people burn less, and partly because many temples no longer allow paper offerings, so no one buys them.”
A few customers are seen shopping despite the upcoming full moon festival.
“Now, the shop mainly sells decorations and Mid-Autumn Festival items, with small accessories, and only sells paper offerings as a secondary business because the demand is very low, and it’s not worth the effort of transportation and importing goods,” shared a merchant.
Although the number of shops has decreased, and merchants import fewer goods, the products are all new and diverse, ranging from commonly purchased items such as clothes, horses, hats, and gold coins to luxury items such as houses, laptops, phones, and cars.
A shop offering a diverse range of clothing for all ages.
Fashion items, jewelry, bags, houses, and televisions are displayed in abundance on the street.
School bags, smartphones, and watches are displayed to attract passersby.
The paper dresses and clothes are meticulously crafted to resemble real garments.
A set of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories for the deceased typically costs between 50,000 and 200,000 VND.
During this time, many families prepare additional paper offerings for their deceased loved ones to express their sincerity. This is also the busiest time of the year for the paper offering market. In recent years, burning paper offerings has been discouraged, which has led to a decline in the trade of these goods.
