Procession of Bà Chợ Được Palanquin

According to legend, Bà’s father was named Trí and once held a high-ranking position in the Lê dynasty court. Her mother’s family name was Trịnh, and her given name was Tình. Bà was born in a noble and prestigious household. When her mother went into labor, a swirling wind arose outside, accompanied by clouds of dust, and white clouds floated across the sky, enveloping the entire area.

When Bà was born, she had a strong, healthy body, snow-white skin, a fragrant scent like flowers, walked in an unusual manner, spoke with a clear and melodious voice, and her body was boneless. She practiced as a healer, curing the sick, taught the villagers how to trade, and often used her magical powers to punish corrupt officials.

At the age of 18, Bà passed away in her hometown. On the day of her passing, her spirit drifted along the Trường Giang River to Phước Ấm village (Bình Triều commune), miraculously inspiring the establishment of the bustling and prosperous Chợ Được market.

In remembrance of Bà, the people of Phiếm Ái village built a tomb to inter her remains. The villagers held deep reverence for her, taking turns to watch over and care for the grave. One day, however, the tomb was struck and knocked down by an ox. Immediately after, the ox rolled over and died for no apparent reason. Fearing Bà’s wrath, the villagers prepared offerings and invited a shaman to apologize. After the ritual, while chatting, the shaman inadvertently spoke words of disrespect toward Bà. Yet, as soon as he finished speaking, he felt a sudden, intense pain in his head as if struck by a hammer, and a few days later, he mysteriously passed away.

In the 6th year of Emperor Thành Thái’s reign, the people of Phước Ám village and the merchants of Chợ Được submitted a petition to the local authorities, the provincial office, and the Ministry of Rites, requesting that Bà Chợ Được be granted the royal title “Tề Thục Dực Bảo Trung Hưng Trung Đẳng Thần”. In the 40th year of Emperor Khải Định’s reign, she was bestowed the title “Trang Huy Dực Bảo Trung Hưng Thượng Đẳng Thần”. Over time, she was further honored with titles such as “Tề Thục Dực Bảo Trang Huy Thượng Đẳng Thần” and “Thần Nữ Linh Ứng Nguyễn Thị Tôn Thần”, among others.

Legend has it that Bà Chợ Được is considered the founding ancestor of commerce and the tutelary deity of the people of Phước Ám village. She established a small roadside stall near the riverbank, which gradually attracted increasing numbers of passersby. Over time, the once quiet hamlet transformed into a bustling market, drawing people from surrounding areas to set up stalls and build houses, turning the village into a thriving hub of activity.

The Bà Chợ Được Palanquin Procession is held to pray for “national peace and people’s well-being,” expressing the villagers’ deep gratitude to Bà Chợ Được, who brought a peaceful and prosperous life to the community.

The Bà Palanquin Procession reenacts figures from national history and historic events, such as the Trung Sisters riding elephants to fight invaders, Saint Gióng repelling the Ân invaders, and the swift marches of the folk hero Nguyễn Huệ of the Tây Sơn dynasty. All these performances aim to instill a love of homeland and country in future generations, ensuring that Bà’s merits are remembered for generations to come.