Many people in Hanoi have been seeking out paper objects, such as Iphones and iPads, to burn on the day of Kitchen God (Ong Tao), which will fall on January 16 this year.
Paper iPad
Hang Ma Street, the centre for paper offerings in Hanoi, now has an exciting atmosphere. This year, the paper votive objects are much more varied, and priced 20-30% higher, than last year.
Traditional offerings to the Kitchen God, such as paper clothes, shoes and hats are sold between VND70,000-90,000 each (USD3.33-4.28), depending on size.
This year, in particular, paper replicas modern devices objects like iPhones and iPads are quite popular. They are designed to look real and have two main colours black and white. Each is priced at VND100,000-150,000 (USD4.76-7.14).
Mrs. Lan, the owner of one of the shops that sell these items said, “I am quite surprised to see so many customers seeking out these. My inventory is almost gone. Now if anybody wants one, they have to order in advance.”
Mrs. Minh, of Hoan Kiem District, said, “The Kitchen God reports to the Jade Emperor on the lives of people during the last year. An iPad offering might help with the god's opinion of you. Maybe it seems strange, but i believe that the Kitchen God can bring us luck and happiness.”
Mr. Hao in Ba Dinh District said that the Kitchen God has the same needs as people. Since iPhones and iPads are a new trend, the Kitchen God should also be able to use these things, he said.
Other paper offerings include luxury cars and motorbikes, such as Mercedes and Honda SH's, which go for between VND100,000-200,000
Traditional paper offerings
iPad apps
Iphone 4
