Hanoi (VNA)𓆉 - As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, it is customary for Vietnamese families to buy colourful flowers and plants to decorate their houses for the celebration.

Each flower or ornamental plant carries different meaning and is placed in specific areas of the house to welcome the new year. Choosing beautiful and auspicious plants as decorations for the Tet season is a high priority to bring luck and a fresh start to the coming annum. The four plants that are most prevalent during the Tet holiday are peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, kumquat, and chrysanthemum. Peach blossoms and kumquat trees are common in the north while people in the South prefer apricot blossoms for this special occasion.

Peach blossom – symbol of wishes fulfilled

During the Tet holiday, the northern region is adorned with vibrant peach blossoms, as they are the most prefered in spring and during traditional Tet celebration. The peach tree is considered a quintessence of the Five Elements, capable of warding off evil spirits and bringing peace and happiness to people. Furthermore, peach blossoms symbolise fertility and prosperity. Everyone hopes for a year of safety and success, good fortune, and a happy family. They instill in people's hearts a sense of faith and hope for a brighter future. The beauty of this flower also represents the gentle, shy, and graceful girls in the North. The vitality of peach blossoms symbolises the enduring prosperity and growth of individuals and families. Peach blossoms inspire faith in eternal life and future development.

Kumquat tree - symbol of happiness, abundance

For a long time, the kumquat tree has been seen as a symbol of hope and good luck. A fruit-laden kumquat tree signifies prosperity and wealth, perfectly aligning with the joyful anticipation of Tet. The kumquat tree, with its budding flowers, vibrant leaves, and orange fruits, creates a harmonious and cheerful colour palette.

The kumquat represents a beautiful new beginning. Therefore, at the start of the new year, everyone buys a lush kumquat tree with golden fruits and green leaves, hoping to commence a prosperous year that brings wealth and good fortune to family members.

Yellow apricot blossom – symbol of nobility, grandeur

As spring arrives, the yellow apricot blossoms bloom, signaling the season's arrival. The apricot flower is a symbol of Tet and embodies good fortune and kindness.

According to traditional beliefs, the more petals an apricot flower has, the more beautiful it is, indicating that the family will be rich and prosperous. If it blooms with exactly seven petals, it signifies great fortune and abundance. The resilience of apricot flowers symbolises courage and perseverance. Additionally, apricot flowers are known to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Apricot flowers thrive in the Central and Southern regions of Vietnam, making them increasingly brilliant as spring approaches.

Chrysanthemum – flower of abundant blessings

Among flowers used for decorating traditional Tet, chrysanthemum is perhaps the most familiar, perfectly suited for the cool autumn and winter weather. It is considered one of the characteristic plants of Tet, bringing beloved blessings.

Chrysanthemum symbolises harmony and balance in life. Compared to other flowers, its simple beauty and fragrance captivate many. Moreover, the flower is known for its long-lasting freshness. Golden chrysanthemum adds warmth and joy to the Tet atmosphere. In Feng Shui, chrysanthemum has many auspicious meanings, symbolising life, joy, blessings, and longevity. This is likely why people often place a pot of golden chrysanthemums in front of their homes during Tet. There are many different types of chrysanthemum and their vibrant colours enhance the warmth and cheerfulness of the spring atmosphere./.