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Peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and kumquats bring spring to the city.
In the final days of the year, as the weather begins to turn chilly and the monsoon winds blow, the streets seem to take on a new appearance. The roads and corners become more vibrant with the red and yellow colors of lanterns, banners, and potted plants being sold everywhere.
In that bustling atmosphere, people flocked to the streets to enjoy their own unique Tet celebrations. Some wore traditional ao dai dresses to take photos, capturing beautiful moments before the New Year; others strolled through the streets, admiring the scene of life seemingly moving a few steps faster; and, of course, there were the graceful young women in their traditional ao dai dresses.
In bustling locations like Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, or Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon, crowds flock together, posing for photos beside rows of brightly decorated peach and kumquat trees. Vendors busily rearrange the potted plants, while passersby stroll leisurely, admiring and considering their choices. Some come to select plants to decorate their homes and add a touch of spring, while others simply want to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of Tet that permeates the streets.
Choose a spring-themed corner to bring home.
People in Northern Vietnam have long cherished the delicate pink blossoms of peach trees during Tet (Lunar New Year). The gentle pink hue of the peach blossoms brings a pure, fresh beauty, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity, like a wish for peace in the early days of spring. However, this year, Nhat Tan peach blossom village – considered the "capital" of peach blossoms in Northern Vietnam – is facing unprecedented difficulties.
The impact of the historic Typhoon Yagi has significantly reduced peach production in the area. Even the most prized orchards, meticulously cared for over many years, have suffered losses. This has driven up the price of peaches compared to previous years, making each branch a highly sought-after commodity during the Lunar New Year season.
Traders and consumers, concerned about supply shortages, began searching for peach blossoms in the early days of winter. However, thanks to the efforts of peach growers to "save the trees," gardeners confidently assert that there will be no shortage of peach blossoms to beautify the Tet holiday. Nevertheless, prices are slightly higher than in previous years, as a trade-off to preserve the springtime beauty on each branch.
People in Northern Vietnam have long cherished the delicate pink or red peach blossoms during the Lunar New Year.
In Southern Vietnam, the yellow apricot blossom tree is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Carefully tended apricot trees, with their lush green branches and budding flowers, promise to bloom beautifully on New Year's Eve. This is a popular choice for many families, as a wish for a new year filled with happiness and success.
The kumquat tree, with its bright yellow, juicy fruits and lush green foliage, has long been an indispensable image during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Small, charming bonsai kumquat trees are also increasingly popular, fitting well into modern living spaces. Each kumquat on the tree is like a blessing, symbolizing fulfillment and abundance.
People are busy shopping.
In addition, many people seek out unique ornamental pomelo trees, elaborately shaped and adorned with glistening golden pomelos hanging from the branches. Pomelos are not only beautiful but also symbolize togetherness and prosperity. That's why, despite their high price, many people don't hesitate to invest in them to bring the spirit of spring into their homes.
The warmth of the lively atmosphere
In the final days of the year, the streets suddenly become much more lively and bustling. From early morning, buyers and sellers crowd the streets, where spring flower markets are set up with all kinds of vibrant ornamental plants. Each pot of peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and kumquats seems to be dressed in its most beautiful attire, waiting to be taken home by those who love them to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year).
These days, everyone is trying to set up a stall to sell their goods.
The buying and selling scenes, therefore, have become more interesting than ever. In one corner, one sees meticulous customers, going from stall to stall, carefully selecting each peach blossom branch. They scrutinize each flower, each bud, searching for a branch that is just the right size, not too big, not too small, and then smiling with satisfaction when they find the perfect branch. In another corner, farmers from famous flower villages like Nhật Tân and Sa Đéc stand beside their potted plants with pride.
When potted peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and kumquats are brought home, the Tet atmosphere seems to truly permeate every family. Mothers skillfully place the trees in the corner of the living room, decorating them with sparkling tinsel or hanging red couplets to make the space even more vibrant. Children excitedly run around the kumquat tree, playfully touching the ripe golden fruits or admiring the pure white blossoms, their joy evident. And fathers, despite their busy schedules, don't forget to take time to care for the peach blossoms, meticulously watering them and cherishing each bud as if cherishing an entire new spring awaiting them.
The days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) are the most beautiful time of the year. It's when people finish their last tasks, preparing for a prosperous new year, and it's a time for them to slow down, appreciate the profound meaning of family and tradition. Amidst the bustling crowds on the streets, some stroll leisurely past stalls, admiring the beauty of spring plants and quietly feeling the Tet atmosphere permeating every breath.
Pink peach blossoms, yellow apricot blossoms, green kumquats – each type of tree possesses its own beauty and meaning, but all share a common purpose: to adorn spring with vibrant colors and bring hope for a peaceful new year. Peach blossoms symbolize good fortune and well-being; yellow apricot blossoms convey wishes for prosperity and wealth; and the kumquats laden with golden fruit on lush green foliage represent abundance and fulfillment.
When every street corner is ablaze with color, when the flowing áo dài dresses flutter in the wind, spring truly seems to have arrived. It's not simply a change of time; spring is also present in the sparkling eyes of mothers, in the joyful laughter of children, and in the excitement of each family as they prepare to welcome the new year. And so, each peach blossom, apricot blossom, or kumquat tree brought home for decoration carries the very breath of spring, of hope and renewed faith in a brighter future.
