VietNamNet Bridge – Despite a new ban passed by the Government, the votive paper market is hot again as the traditional customs surrounding rituals that involve sending Kitchen Gods to heaven approaches.

The ban seeks to prevent people from burning votive paper in public.

Traditionally, Tet Ong Cong, Ong Tao (New Year for Kitchen Gods), which falls on the 23rd day of the 12th month in the Lunar Year (Wednesday this year) is a tradition that bids farewell and thanks those Gods for blessing one's family during the last year. Families prepare a tray of fruits, votive papers and paper carps that are given as offering for the Gods' journey. These days, people tend to burn fancier items, including paper cars.

Phuc Am and Duyen Truong villages in suburban Ha Noi are known as the "votive paper villages" because they make and ship these products throughout the country.

Votive paper and products are more expensive and more diverse this year, according to Nguyen Van Hoai, who works at a votive product manufacturing site in Phuc Am Village.

"There is nothing that we can't make here, including paper Iphones, popular SH-branded motorbikes and convertible sports cars. As long as there is an order and people are willing to pay, we will make them," said Hoai.

Hoai's companies have already received dozens of orders for paper SH motorbikes and convertible cars as the holiday approaches. Each SH motorbike cost VND4-5 million (US$200-250), while each sports car cost more than VND10 million ($500).

Dang Thanh Cong, owners of the second biggest votive product site in Duyen Truong Village with 38 workers said, "As Tet approaches, my company gets so busy that all of my family members, including my parents and children, are involved in the family's business."

Cong sells his products to wholesale dealers and to major temples in Ha Noi, including Tran Quoc and Quan Su.

On July 12, a Government Decree was passed, which banned burning votive paper products in temples, at festivals or in other public places. A person can be fined between VND500,000 - 1 million ($25-50) if found breaking the law.

However, the votive paper product market has shown no sign of slowing down, said Phung Van Bang, chair of Duyen Thai Commune People's Committee where the above two villages are located. "Our employees are still trying to educate people who are involved in this business," he said.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News