VI
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"April's delicate trumpet flowers"
Familiar street corners and roads
(Hanoi, Twelve Seasons of Flowers - Giang Son)
As April arrives, Hanoi seems to don a new, pristine, and gentle cloak, with the pure white blossoms of lilies filling every street and alley. On old bicycles, street vendors carry baskets overflowing with these pure white flowers, like fluffy clouds drifting through the bustling city streets. For Hanoians, the appearance of lilies is not just a simple moment of transition between seasons, but also a sacred sign, silently "calling summer" back, awakening memories of a vibrant and memorable summer.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in April, all senses seem more acute than ever. As the car slowly glides along familiar streets like the tree-lined Thuy Khue, the ancient Phan Dinh Phung, the bustling Lang Ha, or the breezy Thanh Nien road by West Lake, it's hard for anyone to remain indifferent to the breathtakingly pristine beauty and the gentle, pure fragrance of the lilies. This scent isn't overpowering or seductive, but rather subtle and caressing, like a whisper of the approaching summer.
Lilies are known as the "flower of April" because they bloom only once a year, in April.
"What are you waiting for in the warm April sunshine?"
It seems like the lilies are in bloom now.
Let's wait for him to come home and then go down to the street.
"Admiring the lilies swaying in the gentle breeze."
Although not as vibrant or fragrant as many other flowers, the simple white color of the lily creates a unique and pure beauty.
Lilies, affectionately known as "flowers of April," bloom only once a year, during the cool, transitional days of spring that still retain a touch of its warmth. While lacking the vibrant colors or intoxicating fragrance of other flowers, their simple, pure white hue creates an elegant beauty, a unique and unmistakable characteristic.
With their pristine white blossoms and vibrant green leaves and stems, bunches of lilies on flower vendors' carts add a touch of elegance to the streets of Hanoi.
On the simple flower stalls, bunches of lilies appear like a tranquil yet vibrant painting. The pristine white of the delicate petals contrasts harmoniously with the deep green of the leaves and stems, creating a gentle, elegant touch on the already bustling streets of Hanoi. This simplicity is far from bland; instead, it possesses a strange allure, subtly stirring the hearts of passersby, becoming an indelible symbol of unique, quintessential Hanoi emotions as the seasons change.
Lilies are a symbol of purity and innocence.
The lily season is fleeting, like a dream, lasting just over a month from the first buds to their fading. Yet, these pristine white flowers seem to possess a magical power, always evoking a wealth of emotions in the hearts of Hanoians, an indescribable excitement whenever April arrives. It's not just joy at the beauty of nature, but also the awakening of memories and nostalgia for a gentle and elegant Hanoi.
In the minds of many, the lily is also a symbol of absolute purity and innocence. The beauty of this flower captivates viewers not only with its purity but also with the elegance, grace, and sophistication hidden within each delicate petal. It's unclear when it began, but every April, the streets of Hanoi are covered in a pristine white, blending with a gentle, refined fragrance, evoking feelings of wistful longing and nostalgia.
I don't know when it started, but every April, the streets of Hanoi are filled with pristine white.
These flowers are like young Hanoi maidens in their twenties, shy and reserved behind lush green foliage. The buds, still tightly closed, bend down towards the street, as if timidly and bewilderedly observing the hurried crowds. Suddenly, amidst the bustling streets, the sight of vendors with their baskets laden with white lilies evokes an indescribable feeling of excitement and longing. It seems as if these flower sellers have brought with them the freshest and purest essence, spreading it across the beloved streets of Hanoi.
The bustling, suffocating everyday life of Hanoi suddenly becomes poetic and romantic.
In terms of characteristics, the lily is a herbaceous plant, growing to an average height of 60 to 100 cm. Its long, slender, green leaves emerge from a bulb hidden underground. A distinctive feature is that the flowers typically grow at an angle of approximately 45 to 60 degrees to the ground. Each stem usually forms a cluster of two to three flowers, each with petals about 15 to 18 cm long, spreading symmetrically to embrace the bright yellow stamens and delicate, beautiful pistil inside.
For the people of Hanoi, this flower is gentle and pure, like a Hanoi maiden—simple yet elegant.
In the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, mentioning lilies often immediately brings to mind reunion, happiness, and good fortune. In particular, giving bouquets of lilies also signifies a wish for the recipient's career success and prosperous business.
Perhaps that is why, for a long time, the trumpet flower has been featured in poetry, music, and art, becoming a symbol of the early summer days in the capital city.
And as the golden, honey-like rays of sunlight begin to spread across every street corner, the lilies bloom even more delicately, their fragrance wafting gently in the fleeting glimpses of graceful Hanoi girls in their flowing ao dai dresses strolling through the streets. Just a fleeting glimpse of that image is enough to make those who love Hanoi even more fond of this simple yet elegant flower. The lingering memories of those gentle moments of lilies blooming in the streets, of their pristine white color and subtle fragrance, seem to remain in people's hearts, becoming an indispensable part of Hanoi every April.
