(TAP) - Whenever spring approaches, the golden hues of apricot blossoms quietly spread across the streets of southern Vietnam, like a familiar signal announcing the arrival of Tet. Amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Lunar New Year, these blossoms not only adorn the landscape but also convey hopes for peace, prosperity, and smooth new beginnings.
The yellow apricot blossom (Ochna integerrima), also known as hoang mai or huynh mai. Source: landotbien.net
The yellow apricot blossom, scientifically known as Ochna integerrima, is also called hoang mai or huynh mai in Vietnamese. Along the currents of history and cultural memory, when the ancestors ventured southward to settle new lands, wild apricot trees with five delicate petals blooming precisely as spring arrived, followed people home and gradually became an indispensable feature of Tet celebrations. Over generations, the yellow blossom has become deeply embedded in the spiritual life of southern Vietnamese people, to the point that the absence of its vibrant color on the first days of the new year often leaves spring feeling incomplete. Besides the traditional apricot blossom variety, many variations are also popular, such as the ten-petaled apricot blossom (grafted apricot blossom), white apricot blossom, orange apricot blossom, Ochna serrulata, or Forsythia. Each type possesses its own unique beauty and characteristics, contributing to the richness of the Vietnamese Tet celebration.
Biologically, the apricot blossom tree belongs to the group of perennial plants, capable of living for over a century. It has a woody trunk, a large base, deep roots, rough bark, and interwoven branches creating an ancient appearance. At the end of winter, the tree sheds its leaves to focus its energy on growing buds. When the weather becomes warmer, the buds bloom. Usually, one main bud appears on each branch, then more small buds grow around it. Within about a week, they bloom together, creating bright yellow clusters of flowers. This cycle represents renewal and a fresh start. Although the flowers last only a few days, their bright yellow color can light up any space. Their short blooming time reminds people to value family reunions and the special moments at the beginning of the new year.
The yellow apricot blossom represents luck, prosperity, and hopes for a smooth and successful new year. Source: landotbien.net
In folk beliefs, the yellow apricot blossom symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and enduring vitality. Its lifespan, lasting for decades or even centuries, reflects resilience and fortitude, while also conveying the wish to ward off misfortune and maintain peace in the home. Therefore, during Tet holiday, people carefully select apricot blossom trees with abundant flowers and beautiful shapes, placing them in prominent locations as a New Year's greeting to family and loved ones.
Amid the fast-changing pace of modern life, the yellow apricot blossom quietly remains as a bridge between the past and the present. More than just a sign of the changing seasons, its golden color preserves the spirit of Tet and carries forward Vietnam’s cultural identity with each returning spring.
Apricot blossoms also appear in many varieties, such as Water Jasmine, white apricot blossom, orange apricot blossom, Ochna serrulata, or Forsythia. Source: nongnghieppho.vn
Thanh Truc