Winter arrives on the nightingale's wings.

08:39, 26/11/2023

On a chilly November morning, Facebook was flooded with images of pristine white daisies, signaling the arrival of winter.

The daisy is a type of flower belonging to the chrysanthemum family, with a pungent, slightly acrid smell. In European countries, daisies are often known by very beautiful names. In England, it is called "Baby's pet"; in France, it is called "Marguerite," which in Greek means pearl.

In Vietnam, this flower has become a unique "trademark" of Hanoi whenever autumn gives way to winter. Ask the long-time flower growers here if they know the origin of this beautiful and delicate flower. You'll learn that, in the old days, strolling across the ancient Long Bien Bridge in the early winter chill, gazing out at the vast embankments of the Red River, you could see the boundless white blossoms, swaying gently in the breeze from the Red River. Back then, no one called this white-petaled, yellow-centered flower "chrysanthemum"; people called it by its simple name: wild flower!

That wild flower, with its delicate, pure white petals dotted with tiny, pretty yellow spots. And perhaps the name "nightingale" originates from the smallness and loveliness of its petals, just like the tiny nightingale birds with their melodious, enchanting songs?

And so it was this wild flower, with its simple, pure, unpretentious, and rustic beauty—not dazzling or ostentatious—that captivated the hearts of so many. This flower blooms for only 3-4 weeks, right when autumn is ending and winter is approaching. In the cool, crisp weather of late autumn and early winter, under the dry, golden sunlight, the pure beauty of the daisy becomes even more enchanting. Everyone tries to preserve a little memory of their youth with this flower, because after the first cold wind of the season, the daisy will also fade away. Because of its short blooming season and its meaning symbolizing silent yet faithful love, flower lovers have a special affection for the daisy.

I also love daisies, so every time the flowering season comes around, fresh daisies are placed in a green ceramic vase by my sewing table. I remember that flowering season, I remember the autumn in Hanoi where beautiful memories of my youth are preserved. The moment someone pinned a pristine white daisy in my hair, and we gently walked together along a sun-drenched path lined with daisies.

Today you sent me a bouquet of daisies wrapped in brown paper with the familiar message, "Diamonds, keep your hands warm!" Indeed, winter has arrived with the daisies! Startled, another year is almost over. Putting aside the worries and busyness, I quietly gaze at the beautiful white daisies, my heart calming, a sense of peace washing over me as I begin to welcome the love of the new season.

Thuy An

Source