Love Market Of Past/New Love In Vietnam
February 13, 2013
On March 27th of the Lunar calendar in Northern Vietnam, people from near and far gather in Khau Vai in the name of love. Some come to reminisce with their past lovers, while others are there to start new one.
This all started from a myth that once upon a time, a girl and boy from different villages fell in love with each other. The girl is said to be so beautiful that her village will not allow her to marry anyone outside her village. Violence erupted between the village over the couple's love. The couple decided to end their relationship to make peace between the villages. However they planned to meet once a year on March 27th of the lunar calendar at Khau Vai to take a walk down memory lane.
From then on, married men and women have gathered on that date to reminisce with their past loves. There are no trouble or jealousy from their partner since they too are there to reminisce. As time goes on, the festival has expand to younger generations coming to find new love.
Judging from the photo of the event, you're lucky to find the person let alone have time to reminisce.
Some stories from the attendants.
- 38-year-old Mr. Vang Mi Ly said he met this girl when he was 16 and cried out for days when she married someone else. This morning they eventually met, but the two did not say a word. They merely looked at each other from a distance. I heard she is not happy with her husband, Mr. Ly said. We only looked for a short time, afraid she would become more depressed
- Mr. Giang Mi Ho, 59, came hoping to see his lady of 43 years ago. I was too young at the time and had to follow my parents wishes [to marry another girl], he said. If I could turn back time, I would do anything to win her. His girl must be white-haired by now. But in his words, she is young and naïve.
- Ms. Giang Thi Sung, 60 odd years old, strolled around frantically, complained that the market this year is too crowded and I could not find him. What I am worried about most is if something has happened to him.