In Dong Thap, the lotus flower is an integral part of the homeland. From the vast lotus fields in Thap Muoi, Cao Lanh, and Tam Nong to the fertile riverside areas such as My Tho, Cai Lay, and Cai Be, the lotus not only brings economic value but also contributes to the unique identity of this southern region. The lotus is a staple in local meals, appearing in dishes like lotus root salad, rice wrapped in lotus leaves, lotus seed sweet soup, and fragrant lotus tea.
For the people of Dong Thap , the lotus is not simply a flower to admire, but a part of their memories, passed down through folk songs, melodies, and lullabies from their mothers, a cultural heritage nurtured over generations.
"The most beautiful lotus flower is in Thap Muoi." |
People in Dong Thap love lotuses because they find themselves in them. The lotus grows from mud but remains pure and pristine, just like the qualities of the people of the countryside who, despite working in the fields year-round, remain loyal, faithful, and compassionate.
For many people in Dong Thap, their childhood is closely associated with the seasons when lotus flowers bloom. It's the rustling of lotus leaves in the afternoon breeze, the fragrant scent of the lotus fields every morning, the sweet and nutty taste of fresh lotus seeds, or the cheerful laughter of my mother on sunny afternoons in the fields. These simple things may seem insignificant, but they are the very soul of Dong Thap's culture. |
The folk saying, "Close to the mud but not tainted by its stench," has long been a simple yet profound philosophy of life for generations. Dong Thap proudly bears the title "Land of Pink Lotus," a unique cultural hallmark. Therefore, the lotus transcends the boundaries of an ordinary flower to become a symbol of character and the aspiration for a beautiful life.
In the minds of the people of Dong Thap, the lotus is also a symbol of enduring vitality. "How skillfully the lotus flower retains its color / Unfaded by scorching sun, undimmed by heavy rain."
The poem is concise yet serves as a reminder of resilience in the face of life's changes. In today's modern world, where many traditional values are at risk of fading, the image of the lotus flower becomes more meaningful than ever. The lotus reminds people to live virtuously, maintain purity of heart, and cherish their cultural roots.
Today, lotus is being elevated by Dong Thap to become a distinctive cultural and tourism brand of the locality. Lotus festivals, lotus field experience spaces, and OCOP products made from lotus have contributed to widely promoting the image of the "Land of Pink Lotus" to friends both domestically and internationally.
This direction is also consistent with the spirit of the Party's Resolution 80 - promoting endogenous cultural resources in conjunction with economic and tourism development and building the people of Dong Thap in the new era.
From a humble flower in the water, the lotus has become an endless source of inspiration for literature, art, and creative life. Photographs of lotuses by artists such as Khac Hieu, Hoa Van, Hoang Trong, Tran Thanh Trung, songs about lotuses by Nguyen Duy Trung, and numerous lotus-themed poetry collections by poet Huu Nhan… have contributed to telling the public the beautiful story of the land and people of Dong Thap: "Affectionate - Dynamic - Creative," while still retaining their simple and sincere charm.
Even if life changes in the future, and the lotus fields are planned in different ways, we believe that the lotus will forever remain fragrant in the hearts of the people of Dong Thap. Because the lotus has become an inseparable part of Dong Thap's culture.
NGO QUANG TUYEN
Source: https://baodongthap.vn/sen-trong-doi-song-van-hoa-cua-nguoi-dong-thap-a241542.html
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