The bustling season of red carp

Although it's only the beginning of the twelfth lunar month, the village of Thuy Tram – a traditional red carp farming village in Tuy Loc commune, formerly Cam Khe district (now Tien Luong commune) – is already bustling with activity as the season approaches. Throughout the ponds, people are busy tending to their fish and welcoming traders from all over to place orders for red carp to serve during the Tet Ong Cong, Ong Tao (Kitchen God) festival.

Mr. Ha Cong Vu in Dong Minh area has two ponds dedicated to raising red carp.

According to ancient folklore, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month each year, the Kitchen Gods (Ông Công and Ông Táo) ride carp to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor about all the major and minor events that have occurred in the family throughout the year. Therefore, the carp is not just an aquatic creature, but has become a "sacred animal," a bridge between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm, carrying the hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year. This belief is what gives red carp its special value at the end of the year.

Few people know that the red carp farming industry in Thuy Tram has been around since the 1960s. Initially, the villagers only raised common carp. Later, when the red carp with its vibrant color appeared, they tried selling them on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month and were well-received by the market.

From small, scattered fish ponds, the red carp farming industry gradually developed, becoming the main livelihood for many households. In 2011, Thuy Tram red carp farming village was recognized by the Provincial People's Committee, marking an important turning point in the journey of preserving and developing the traditional craft village.

Leading us to visit his fish ponds, Mr. Ha Cong Vu from Dong Minh area couldn't hide his pride. Mr. Vu shared: "My family has two ponds specializing in raising red carp. This year, we expect to supply more than 400 kg of fish to the market. All of the fish have already been pre-ordered by traders, with an estimated income of over 60 million VND. Raising red carp is hard work, but every season at this time, I feel excited because my efforts are rewarded..."

Mr. Vu regularly inspects and monitors the fish before selling them.

Fish fry are released into the ponds around the sixth lunar month. By harvest time, the fish reach a suitable size, have healthy bodies, bright red or yellow color, sharp fins, shiny scales, and especially whiskers on both sides – strict criteria favored by the market. Instead of chasing quantity, fish farmers here prioritize quality. The fish are carefully cared for and fed homemade feed made from corn, beans, and ground rice.

According to Mr. Bui Van Chu, head of the Thuy Tram red carp farming village: Each fish farming household in the village has 2 to 3 ponds. Red carp not only need enough food but also clean food, clear water, and a stable environment for the fish to have beautiful color and be healthy. This profession cannot be done carelessly, because buyers use the fish for religious ceremonies, and everyone wants to choose the most beautiful fish...

This year, the weather has been erratic, with mid-year floods causing damage to many fish ponds. Ms. Nguyen Thi To, from Cong Hoa area, one of the households that has been raising red carp for many years, said: "Many fish died due to the floods, so there are fewer fish this year. The price of fish has therefore increased, fluctuating from 120,000 to 150,000 VND/kg at the shore..."

The fish pond of Mrs. Nguyen Thi To's family in Cong Hoa area has a lower yield than in previous years.

At this point, traders begin to inspect the fish and place orders, and fish farmers take better care of their fish, from feeding them and monitoring weather fluctuations to preparing all necessary equipment and tools for fishing. They also put the fish in small tanks and pump oxygen to help them acclimate to the new environment before transporting them over long distances.

This is based on decades of fish farming experience from the local people, which is why Thuy Tram red carp is renowned far and wide for its beauty and strong survival ability, making it a favorite among traders.

As trucks loaded with fish leave the village, carrying the vibrant red color of the Lunar New Year season, few realize the sweat, effort, and unwavering faith of the villagers behind it all. Raising red carp not only provides a stable income and improves the lives of the people, but also contributes to preserving a beautiful traditional cultural aspect of Vietnamese life.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, where many old values ​​are gradually fading away, in Thuy Tram, the ponds of red carp quietly nurture not just one harvest season, but also cultural memories, spiritual beliefs, and aspirations for a prosperous and sustainable future for the village.

Linh Nguyen

Source: https://baophutho.vn/ron-rang-mua-ca-chep-do-246070.htm