Innumerable marketers are selling ‘happiness for tomorrow’ but ‘love market’ offers memories of the past...
If one defines the term ‘market’ in its simplest form, it would be called an arrangement where goods or services can be exchanged by people. But the intent of the content in this article isn’t to describe the terms in economics’ glossary or the forces affecting them, but to talk about the business of love. In fact, what would be better than to begin with the ‘Love Market’ of Vietnam that is held on every lunar March 27 that falls sometime in May? Called the Khau Vai Love Market, the market is about 100 years old among different ethnic tribes such as the Dao, H’mong and Tai in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. However, the popular ‘form of love’ sought in this market isn’t the ‘new love’ but the ‘old flames’ doused by circumstances or recklessly quashed by kinfolk. Legends tell the tale of a boy and a girl from two different tribes who fell in love with each other but were not able to marry due to the differences between the tribes. To avoid bloodshed and maintain peace, the two decided to part ways but meet every year on that day, March 27th of the lunar calendar. The place where they used to meet was Khau Vai, which today has become the love market festival centre for former lovers and it features food and drinks, musical performances and even folk games. In fact, the tradition has gladly turned out in a way that both husband and wife together leave to look for their respective former lovers. In case only one spouse wants to visit the market, she can do so without feeling guilty while the other one stays at home without feeling jealous!
While the online dating business, which is worth a billion dollars per annum (competing with pornography), gives the opportunity to seek new love every day, the world is divided into two factions when it comes to concluding if ex-lovers should be good friends.
If one defines the term ‘market’ in its simplest form, it would be called an arrangement where goods or services can be exchanged by people. But the intent of the content in this article isn’t to describe the terms in economics’ glossary or the forces affecting them, but to talk about the business of love. In fact, what would be better than to begin with the ‘Love Market’ of Vietnam that is held on every lunar March 27 that falls sometime in May? Called the Khau Vai Love Market, the market is about 100 years old among different ethnic tribes such as the Dao, H’mong and Tai in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. However, the popular ‘form of love’ sought in this market isn’t the ‘new love’ but the ‘old flames’ doused by circumstances or recklessly quashed by kinfolk. Legends tell the tale of a boy and a girl from two different tribes who fell in love with each other but were not able to marry due to the differences between the tribes. To avoid bloodshed and maintain peace, the two decided to part ways but meet every year on that day, March 27th of the lunar calendar. The place where they used to meet was Khau Vai, which today has become the love market festival centre for former lovers and it features food and drinks, musical performances and even folk games. In fact, the tradition has gladly turned out in a way that both husband and wife together leave to look for their respective former lovers. In case only one spouse wants to visit the market, she can do so without feeling guilty while the other one stays at home without feeling jealous!
While the online dating business, which is worth a billion dollars per annum (competing with pornography), gives the opportunity to seek new love every day, the world is divided into two factions when it comes to concluding if ex-lovers should be good friends.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
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IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
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IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine
IIPM Best B School India
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
