Gathering the colors of spring

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), walking along the main streets of Hac Thanh ward, one can easily feel the festive atmosphere spreading. In areas selling flowers and ornamental plants such as Vuon Hoa Market, Lam Son Square, Le Hoan Street, Nguyen Duy Hieu Street, etc., stalls display a mix of the pale pink of peach blossoms, the yellow of kumquats and pomelos, and vibrant orchid pots. Sellers are busy tending to their plants, while buyers leisurely admire and choose their favorites.

The bustling, colorful atmosphere of the flower market in Thanh Hoa attracts a large number of people to visit and choose flowers.

Peach blossoms and kumquats remain two popular choices for many families during Tet (Lunar New Year). The vibrant pink peach blossoms, with their delicate buds, and the kumquat trees laden with golden fruit not only bring the colors of spring but also convey wishes for a lucky and prosperous new year. At large flower markets, peach blossoms come in many shapes and sizes, from small branches suitable for apartments to large, wide-canopied trees for gardens, offices, and businesses. This year, ancient peach trees are making a strong impression with their gnarled, moss-covered trunks, ranging in diameter from 30cm to over 50cm, their imposing, ancient forms exuding a solemn air of time.

According to Mr. Le Van Thanh, who has over 10 years of experience in growing peach trees, "These are 'living' works of art, requiring meticulous care and shaping, and are sought after by many discerning peach tree enthusiasts. Currently, the rental price for ancient peach trees ranges from 10 million to 50 million VND per tree, depending on size, shape, and rarity, mainly serving the needs of display in large spaces during Tet."

Besides peach blossoms and kumquats, ornamental pomelo trees are also a popular choice during Tet (Lunar New Year). With their rustic, familiar yet elegant appearance, these potted pomelo trees, with their beautiful shapes, golden fruit, and lush green leaves, symbolize abundance and prosperity. Many families choose ornamental pomelo trees to create a fresh focal point for their Tet celebrations, offering both aesthetic value and conveying wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year.

Beyond traditional plants, the Tet flower market in Thanh Hoa also features many modern and sophisticated varieties of flowers and ornamental plants. Among them, the Phalaenopsis orchid, considered a symbol of nobility and good fortune, is a popular choice for display in living rooms and large halls. These orchids are skillfully arranged into shapes resembling butterflies or graceful flower cascades, creating an elegant atmosphere. In addition, this year's market also offers many new and unique ornamental plants such as red apricot blossoms, bonsai fig trees, and fir trees, catering to the increasingly diverse needs of plant enthusiasts. These plants not only possess unique shapes and high aesthetic value but also carry significant feng shui meanings, wishing for a prosperous and peaceful new year. Prices for ornamental plants this year are generally quite varied, ranging from a few hundred thousand dong to several million dong, with some even reaching tens of millions of dong, suitable for a wide range of customers, from ordinary people to those with sophisticated plant collections.

The streets and areas displaying ornamental plants in Thanh Hoa these days seem to be "awakened" by the colors of spring. Potted plants are displayed along both sides of the road, in open spaces, and in squares, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Especially, the atmosphere of the Tet flower market comes not only from the colors of the flowers and the shapes of the plants, but also from the bustling activity of buyers and sellers. Conversations, attentive glances at the flowers, satisfied smiles when choosing a plant... all blend together to create the unique beauty of the Tet flower market. Ms. Nguyen Ha Trang from Hac Thanh ward believes that going to the flower market is not simply shopping, but also a traditional cultural activity, a long-standing habit every time Tet and spring arrive.

"Every year, my family goes to the flower market early to choose peach blossoms. Going to the flower market during Tet (Lunar New Year) is not just about buying flowers, but also about feeling the spring atmosphere and realizing that Tet is very near. Seeing the flowers bloom and the trees green makes me feel happier," Ms. Trang shared.

Therefore, the Tet flower market is not only a gathering place for flowers and ornamental plants, but also a convergence of emotions, memories, and hopes. Amidst the modern pace of life, the activity of going to the flower market to shop for Tet becomes a bridge between the past and the present, between people and nature. The bustling atmosphere of the flower market in the days leading up to Tet signals that spring is very near, bringing with it joy, excitement, and hope for a prosperous new year.

Text and photos: Phuong Do

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/hoi-tu-sac-xuan-277843.htm