Tet (Vietnamese New Year) should be joyful.

Previously, the Tet flower market only started to pick up around the middle of the lunar month. But now, flowers have been arriving in the streets since the end of November in the lunar calendar. On some streets in Hac Thanh ward these days, kumquat trees are turning yellow in the winter wind, and peach blossoms are dotted with buds. There aren't many buyers yet, but there are quite a few people looking and choosing. As life becomes more prosperous, the need for enjoyment also changes, becoming earlier and more unique.

To cater to hobbyists, the flower market now offers more than just peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, kumquats, and orchids; it changes every year according to tastes. Along with expensive imported flowers, there are also domestically grown hybrids with a variety of colors and styles, as well as meticulously sought-after natural plants and branches.

The act of enjoying flowers is not just about appreciating beauty, but also carries spiritual value. Peach blossoms during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), with their vibrant red color symbolizing good fortune, are also considered a flower to ward off evil spirits. Therefore, some families, no matter what else they buy, cannot do without a branch of peach blossoms they like. Many also believe that admiring peach blossoms is a way to connect with beauty, a form of spiritual nourishment. That's why a famous calligrapher on social media, despite being busy, still gathers his friends to admire peach blossoms at the end of each year. Sometimes, just a few early-blooming peach trees in someone's garden along the way are enough to make the group stop and bother the owner. After admiring them for a while, they get back in their car. That's all.

But there are also some bizarre forms of this hobby. The peach orchards in many northern provinces have suffered greatly from the rampant poaching. Reading comments on a peach and ancient tree enthusiast group a few days ago was heartbreaking. People are flocking to high mountain ranges and deep forests to hunt for peach trees. Some even suggest venturing into nature reserves and national parks to find uniquely shaped trees. Acquiring the perfect flowers, leaves, and trees for Tet (Lunar New Year) is a laborious process, and it's exhausting. Not to mention the damage inflicted on the forests after these hunting trips. The more unique and extravagant the Tet holiday hobby becomes, the more ruthless the poachers become in their pursuit of supply.

There have been countless sad stories surrounding the hunting of rare and exotic animals. The authorities have issued warnings and taken strong measures. But the hunting continues because the demand is real, and even growing.

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) should be joyful. That joy is partly enhanced by flowers and foliage. We wish to bring the beauty of spring, with its colorful flowers and leaves, into our homes, both to pray for a prosperous spring and to satisfy our desire for enjoyment. But please don't try to imitate others just because they're doing it. There are increasingly more villages specializing in flowers, ornamental plants, peach blossoms, and kumquats. Skilled artisans meticulously create shapes, colors, and leaf styles to cater to the needs of enthusiasts. There's no need to desperately search for the most bizarre shapes, styles, and flowers hidden deep in the mountains to truly appreciate the tradition.

Hanh Nhien

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tet-la-phai-vui-275502.htm