According to folk beliefs, carps serve as a transportation mean for the Kitchen Gods to ascend to heaven and report the family’s affairs, both large and small, to the Jade Emperor over the past year. Consequently, the carp is not merely an aquatic product but a “sacred mascot,” acting as a bridge carrying aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

In this province, the profession of raising red carps was established about 20 years ago, primarily concentrated in what was formerly Thanh Chăn commune (now Thanh Nưa commune). From small, scattered ponds, this trade has gradually evolved into a primary livelihood for many families. According to Lê Văn Tiến from Hồng Thanh 7 village, Thanh Nưa commune, the breeding fish are mostly sourced from local hatcheries. To ensure the fish have an attractive shape and a vibrant red color, farmers must consistently keep the water clean, provide the correct dietary portions, and proactively prevent diseases.

Lê Văn Tiến explained that the fish are usually released in July of the solar calendar. However, since this year is a leap year, they were released a month later. He noted that this profession allows for no sloppiness because these fish are for ceremonial offerings, and every buyer wants the most beautiful specimen. By harvest time, red carps must reach a moderate size of about 30 fish per kilogram, with strong bodies, bright red or golden hues, sharp fins, and shimmering scales, stringent criteria that the market demands.

During these days, the harvest is urgent. From early morning, many households use pumps to drain the ponds and pull nets to gather the fish, quickly sorting and packaging them for traders. At the home of Nguyễn Văn Hằng in Hồng Thanh 7 village, the harvest began on the 21st day of the lunar month. Once caught, the fish are placed in small water tanks equipped with oxygen pumps to help them acclimate to the new environment. Nguyễn Văn Hằng mentioned that one day before harvesting, the fish must be “pressed” by stopping their feed to empty their digestive tracts, which reduces the risk of infection and increases their survival rate during long-distance transport.

Currently, the wholesale price at the pond ranges from VND 100,000 to VND 130,000/kg, with a size of 30 to 35 fish per kilogram. This price is considered stable, facilitating smooth distribution by traders to meet the needs of residents. In the areas of Hồng Thanh 7 and Việt Thanh villages within Thanh Nưa commune, there are currently more than 10 households dedicated to this trade. While seasonal, it has become a major source of year-end income. Nguyễn Quốc Hùng from Việt Thanh village shared that his family harvested about 200kg this year, most of which was pre-ordered. With wholesale prices around VND 120,000/kg and retail prices between VND 15,000 and VND 25,000 for three fish, his family earned a profit of over VND 20 million, providing a significant financial boost for the holiday season.

Although it only happens once a year, raising red carps has become a profession that provides stable income for many. More importantly, in the midst of modern life where many old values are fading, this trade helps preserve a beautiful and traditional cultural feature of the nation.