When it comes to springtime blooms, many are familiar with the vibrant pink of peach blossoms in northern Vietnam or the golden hue of apricot flowers in the south. However, there is another elegant bloom that once held sway in the historic capital of Thang Long – Hanoi, known in bygone days as Ke Cho. The pure and pristine narcissus flower, a harbinger of the Lunar New Year (Tet), is making a comeback, and its story is as captivating as its beauty.
Do Thi Phu in Hoa Binh city cares for narcissus flowers ahead of the Tet
holiday.
In today life, narcissus flowers have become more accessible to everyone,
partly due to their affordable price and because they are no longer confined to
Hanoi but have followed the footsteps of its residents to various cities and
provinces. Do Thi Phu, a Hanoi native who has been living and working in Hoa
Binh city since 1970, is one of the many people keeping this tradition alive.
Whenever the 12th lunar month comes, she seeks out Chuong Chau narcissus bulbs
for display during Tet.
According to her, the most important aspect of pruning narcissus flowers is to
avoid damaging the floral sheath as this would prevent the flowers from
blooming. Her preference lies with the single-petaled bulb variety. She
explained: "In the old days, especially during the early days of Tet, people
always wished for everything to 'rise up' and be five to ten times better than
the previous year. However, double-petaled narcissus flowers tend to bow their
heads downward, unlike single-petaled ones that stand upright. The elders
believed this posture was incomplete and less auspicious. Regarding fragrance,
single-petaled flowers emit a gentle and subtle aroma that blends harmoniously
with the scent of incense and the festive Tet atmosphere, offering a sense of
relaxation and comfort. In contrast, double-petaled flowers, while fragrant,
produce a stronger, more overwhelming scent that feels heavier and less
compatible with the Vietnamese preference for lightness and freshness".
In recent years, the tradition of cultivating narcissus flowers has gradually
gained traction among Hoa Binh residents, making these blooms a favoured choice
for Tet decorations. Local plant shops in Hoa Binh city have also begun
offering narcissus bulbs as part of their product range.
The art of appreciating narcissus flowers, dating back to the early 20th
century, is mentioned in various literary works, such as "Tet Viet Nam xua”
(Old Vietnamese Tet) by scholar Nguyen Tien Lang and the essay "To hoa" by
renowned writer Nguyen Tuan.
It can be said that thanks to its inherent beauty and deep connection with Tet,
along with improving material and spiritual lives, the tradition of narcissus
flower appreciation continues to thrive. Over time, it has become more popular
and is spreading more strongly than ever.
The Hoa Binh Cooperative Alliance held a New Year meeting with its member cooperatives on February 25 to review past achievements and outline future goals.
The Khai Ha (Going down to the field) Festival of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province is a vibrant cultural event that draws thousands of local people and tourists each year. Held in Phong Phu commune, Tan Lac district, this festival is deeply rooted in the spiritual and agricultural traditions of the Muong people.
On February 9, at Hoa Binh Conference Center, the Provincial Literature and Arts Association organized the 23rd Vietnam Poetry Day in 2025 with the theme "The bright land of Poetry”. The event has attracted the participation of many artists, artisans, poetry clubs and poetry lovers in the province, along with other artists from Hoa Binh who are living and composing outside the province and the representatives of some Central Professional Associations from Hanoi.
