When Tet comes, Hoi An ancient town is not only brilliant with colorful lanterns and splendidly decorated streets, but also with yellow apricot flowers - the symbolic flower of spring in Central and Southern Vietnam.
In Hoi An, apricot blossoms not only have decorative meaning but also symbolize luck, prosperity and a new beginning for the new year. |
| Apricot flowers are grown as ornamental plants in Hoi An. Image: TDK. |
1. Apricot Blossom in Traditional Tet Culture
Apricot blossom (yellow apricot – Ochna integerrima) is a symbol of Lunar New Year in the Central and Southern regions, like peach blossom in the North.
With its bright yellow petals, apricot blossom is not only beautiful in appearance but also carries many layers of cultural meaning:
- Yellow symbolizes wealth and fortune.
- Apricot blossoms blooming on Tet holiday signal a favorable new year.
- Apricot blossom also symbolizes resilience, because it is the flower that blooms in the cold weather of late winter days.
2. Apricot Blossom – Highlight of Hoi An Tet
During Tet, Hoi An takes on a new, brilliant appearance. In addition to the red color of parallel sentences and lanterns, the yellow color of apricot blossoms also covers the streets, shops, courtyards, and the central area of the old town. Under the gentle sunlight of early spring, the yellow apricot blossoms are even more brilliant, creating a warm, vibrant space.
Some places in Hoi An often decorate with apricot blossoms during Tet:
Some places in Hoi An often decorate with apricot blossoms during Tet:
- Old Quarter area: ancient houses with lanterns and yellow apricot blossoms on their porches.
- Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoai River Square: elaborately decorated with apricot blossom miniatures.
- Hoi An market and major roads: full of mai pots for sale and Tet decorations.
3. Festivals, Decorations and Plum Blossom Landscapes
Hoi An often organizes the "Tet Flower Street", where visitors can admire traditional Tet miniatures elaborately designed with apricot blossoms, lanterns, banh chung – banh tet, and folk symbols.
Many visitors come to Hoi An on this occasion not only to see flowers and take photos, but also to feel the traditional Tet atmosphere in a heritage setting. In particular, apricot blossoms are always an indispensable highlight in every corner of the photo.
Many visitors come to Hoi An on this occasion not only to see flowers and take photos, but also to feel the traditional Tet atmosphere in a heritage setting. In particular, apricot blossoms are always an indispensable highlight in every corner of the photo.
4. Planting and Displaying Apricot Blossoms on Tet Holiday
In Hoi An, people often display apricot blossoms in front of their houses, on their ancestral altars or in their yards as a way to welcome the New Year in peace. Apricot trees are often carefully selected: beautiful shape, large buds, flowers blooming right on New Year's Eve or the first day of Tet.
Some houses also use fake apricot blossoms made from fabric or tissue paper for long-term decoration, creating a combination of tradition and practicality.
Some houses also use fake apricot blossoms made from fabric or tissue paper for long-term decoration, creating a combination of tradition and practicality.
5. Buy Apricot Blossoms in Hoi An
Around the 15th - 30th of the 12th lunar month, the Tet flower market in Hoi An is very bustling.
Tourists and locals can find:
- Potted apricot: bonsai apricot tree.
- Apricot branches: for decoration in the house.
- Silk/paper apricot flowers: used to decorate lanterns, porches, and miniature landscapes.
Some major Tet flower selling points in Hoi An:
- Hoi An Market
- Major routes such as Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Hue
6. Apricot Blossoms and Hoi An Spring Atmosphere
Apricot blossoms are not only a Tet ornamental plant, but also the soul of Hoi An's spring atmosphere. Under the mossy tiled roofs, in the middle of the ancient brick-paved road, the yellow color of apricot blossoms seems to embellish the eternal and fresh beauty of the heritage city.
In the evening, when the old town lights up, the apricot pots are illuminated by the lanterns, becoming even more sparkling and magical. This is the ideal time to take beautiful Tet photos in a space rich in culture and art.
In the evening, when the old town lights up, the apricot pots are illuminated by the lanterns, becoming even more sparkling and magical. This is the ideal time to take beautiful Tet photos in a space rich in culture and art.
Conclude
Apricot blossoms in Hoi An are not only a decorative image, but also a symbol of spring, of life, and of hope. Coming to Hoi An during Tet, admiring the apricot blossoms in the heart of the ancient town is a cultural experience imbued with Vietnamese identity that anyone should try once in their life.