Vietnamese visit market ahead of Lunar New Year

Hanoi— Vietnamese flocked to a traditional market on Wednesday in the old quarter of the capital Hanoi, ahead of the popularly celebrated Lunar New Year, locally known as Tet.

The market, which is only opened during the festive period, attracts locals and tourists, who come to buy decorations for their homes, with a hope for a new year of luck, prosperity and happiness.

As 2020 will be the year of the Rat in the lunar calendar, ornaments featuring the animal are among the fast-selling items.

Branches of peach blossoms and kumquat trees are the traditional plants that Vietnamese often display in their homes. The bright colour of the blossoms and the fruitful trees are believed to bring good vibes to welcome in the new year.

The lunar new year falls on January 25 this year. It is celebrated for over a week in Vietnam.