In these days, villagers in Suoi Cat commune, central Khanh Hoa province, are busy selling bananas as votive offerings for Tet.
For years, bananas have been among five major fruits that are placed on the altars of many families in Vietnam on the festival.
Impromptu banana markets have started to appear in Suoi Cat since the 20th of the lunar month of December. They become crowded from the early morning.
Suoi Cat in Cam Lam district is famous for a particular kind of banana that is both attractive and fragrant. People all over the country prefer these bananas for Tet worship.
Mr. Chinh, a merchant, said, “Prices of bananas this year are higher than those in previous years. At present a bunch of bananas is priced at between VND40,000 and VND50,000 (USD2-USD2.5). I think they will become more expensive as the holiday nears.”
Images from Suoi Cat:
Loading for transport
Crowded market
Bananas from Suoi Cat preferred for Tet purposes
Using banana leaves as packing material
These are headed for a long journey
