The Lunar New Year is the most significant celebration for the Vietnamese community. Every household, regardless of wealth, adorns their homes with at least one branch of peach or apricot blossom. In the months leading up to Tet, farmers cultivate a variety of flowers that hold auspicious meanings. As the first day of the lunar year approaches, vibrant flowers flood the markets, drawing crowds of people who come to purchase plants and blooms to adorn their homes. The flower markets also attract visitors who wish to capture photos or simply take in the festive atmosphere. Here are the top 5 Tet flowers.
Top 5 Tet flowers
1. Peach Blossoms: A Symbol of Good Luck and Prosperity
Peach blossoms are one of the most popular Tet flowers. They are considered to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and they are often used to decorate the family altar. Peach blossoms are also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring happiness and good fortune to the home.
Peach blossoms are often used to symbolize beauty, love, and romance. They are also considered to be a symbol of new beginnings, as they bloom in the spring. Peach blossoms are often used in traditional Vietnamese paintings and poetry.
Peach blossoms can be used in a variety of ways to decorate for Tet. They can be arranged in vases, or leave the tree intact in the pot. Peach blossoms can also be used to create beautiful centerpieces for the Tet table.
2. Yellow Apricot Blossoms: A Symbol of Happiness and Joy
The yellow apricot blossom, a tree that thrives in the southern region of Vietnam, is a symbol of longevity and prosperity. Its simple yet elegant appearance makes it a beloved flower during the Tet festival. After shedding its leaves for half a month, the yellow apricot bursts into full bloom, bringing joy to those who are fortunate enough to have it in their gardens.
For those who do not have their own apricot trees, they can either purchase branches of the flower or rent large trees to adorn their homes during Tet. It is believed that if the yellow apricot blooms on New Year’s Eve, it will bring good luck for the entire year ahead.
The most sought-after variety of yellow apricot has five delicate petals, each representing a different aspect of happiness: longevity, wealth, luck, and beauty. This treasured flower truly embodies the spirit of Tet and is a cherished part of Vietnamese culture.
3. Kumquat Trees: A Symbol of Wealth and Abundance
Kumquat trees are another popular flower for Tet. They are considered to be a symbol of wealth and abundance, and they are often used to decorate the front door or porch. Kumquat trees are also believed to bring good luck and fortune to the family.
Kumquat trees are often used to symbolize wealth, abundance, and prosperity. They are also considered to be a symbol of good luck and fortune. Kumquat trees are often used in traditional Vietnamese paintings and poetry.
Kumquat trees can be used in a variety of ways to decorate for Tet. They can be potted and placed in the front door or porch, or they can be used to create beautiful centerpieces for the Tet table. Kumquat trees can also be used to make kumquat jam, which is a popular Vietnamese delicacy.
4. Daisy and Marigold: Happiness and longevity
During the Tet festival, it is common to see houses adorned with vibrant and diverse daisies of all shapes and sizes. These beloved flowers are not only used for decoration, but also hold significant meaning as they represent life, happiness, and prosperity. Placing a pot of daisies in front of one’s home not only adds a burst of color, but also creates a tranquil and joyful atmosphere within the household. This type of flower is believed to bring about feelings of joy and blessings.
In Vietnam, particularly in the southern region, marigolds are a popular choice for Tet celebrations due to their delicate beauty, symbolic representation of longevity, affordable price, ease of transportation, and long-lasting nature. With its bright yellow and orange hues, marigold is a symbol of good health, fortune, and longevity.
5. Orchids: A Symbol of Grace and Elegance
During the Vietnamese holiday of Tet, orchids are a highly sought-after flower due to their association with grace and elegance. These delicate blooms are often used as decorative elements in the living room or dining room, adding a touch of beauty and sophistication to the home during this festive time.
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, orchids also hold symbolic significance in Vietnamese culture. They are believed to bring good luck and fortune to the family, making them a popular choice for Tet decorations. This belief stems from the fact that orchids are resilient plants that can thrive in various environments, representing the strength and resilience of the family unit.
Moreover, orchids have a long history in Vietnamese culture, dating back to ancient times when they were considered a symbol of nobility and refinement. This association has carried on through generations, making orchids a timeless and beloved flower for special occasions like Tet.
In addition to their cultural significance, orchids also come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them a versatile choice for decoration. From vibrant purple and pink hues to delicate white and yellow petals, there is an orchid to suit every taste and style.
Vietnamese Lunar New Year Flower Markets
In the weeks leading up to Tết, flower markets pop up all over Vietnam. These markets are a great place to find a wide variety of flowers, as well as other decorations for the holiday.
Hanoi Tet flower market
- Nhat Tan Tet Flower Market (Chợ hoa Nhật Tân): Located on Nhat Tan street, this flower market has hundreds of flower stalls selling varieties of peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, kumquat trees and more. The market is bustling with activity before and during Tet.
- Nghi Tam Tet Flower Market (Chợ hoa Nghi Tàm): Near West Lake Hanoi and nested alongside Hong River, this historical flower market sells many ornamental flowers and plants Tet. Flowers found here include orchids, gladiolus and chrysanthemums.
- Quat Canh Tu Lien Market (Chợ hoa Tứ Liên): When it comes to the traditional bonsai villages of Hanoi, there are two names that stand out: Tu Lien Quat Canh Village and Nhat Tan Peach Village in Tay Ho District. These villages are renowned for their cultivation of ornamental plants, with Tu Lien being known for its famous Bonsai kumquats. During the festive season of Tet, the craft village not only draws in buyers seeking these beautiful plants, but also serves as a popular tourist destination for those looking to check out the sights of Hanoi.
- Hoang Hoa Tham Tet Flower Market (Chợ hoa Hoàng Hoa Thám): Located in Tay Ho district, this market has hundreds of flower stalls specializing in peach blossoms and kumquat trees. Prices here are generally than other markets.
- Hang Luoc Tet Flower Market (Chợ hoa Hàng Lược): Situated near Hoan Kiem Lake, this historical flower market has been running for over 100 years. All kinds of flowers and plants for Tet are sold here.
Saigon Tet flower markets
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, also has several Tet flower markets. Some of the most popular markets include:
- Park flower market September 23 (Chợ hoa công viên 23/9): This park is transformed into a lively flower market in the lead up to Tet. All varieties of flowers are sold here, from peach blossoms to orchids and gladiolus.
- Binh Dong wharf flower market (Chợ hoa bến Bình Đông): Next to Saigon River, hundreds of boats dock here carrying flowers from the Mekong Delta. The market operates 24/7 and is popular for its low prices.
- Tet flower market in Gia Dinh park (Chợ hoa Tết công viên Gia Định): Located inside Gia Dinh park, this flower market has eye-catching displays of flowers and bonsai trees. Shoppers can find rare varieties of flowers here.
- Binh Loi apricot market (Chợ hoa mai Bình Lợi): Situated in Binh Loi village, hundreds of growers from nearby orchards gather to sell apricot blossoms. A wide selection is available.
- Binh Dien spring flower market (Chợ hoa xuân Bình Điền): Near the iconic Binh Dien flower village, this huge market offers flowers at wholesale prices. The selection includes apricots, orchids, wild flowers and more.
- Tet flower market in Le Thi Rieng park (Chợ hoa Tết công viên Lê Thị Riêng): Within District 10’s Le Thi Rieng park, hundreds of flower stalls and shops can be found. Peach blossoms, orchids and kumquats among the most popular purchases.
- Phu My Hung Spring Flower Market (Chợ hoa xuân Phú Mỹ Hưng): Located in Phu My Hung city center, this flower market offers a modern shopping experience. Flowers are artfully arranged, and prices are fixed.
Conclusion
Tet flowers are an extremely important part of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration. Each flower carries a unique meaning and symbolizes the hopes and wishes for the coming year. Visiting the bustling Tet flower markets is an unforgettable part of the Vietnamese holiday experience.
From the traditional peach blossom to the elegant orchid, these flowers bring beauty and joy to homes and communities during this special time of year. The flower markets in Hanoi and Saigon offer a wide variety of flowers, allowing people to find the perfect blooms to decorate their homes and welcome the new year.
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, let us remember the significance of these flowers and the role they play in bringing good luck, prosperity, and happiness into our lives. Happy Tet!