Each flower holds a unique meaning, and choosing a particular flower to display in your home can carry special significance and best wishes for the new year. Let’s explore the meanings and traditions behind some of the most popular flowers used during the Tet holiday in Vietnam.
1. Apricot Blossoms and Peach Blossoms
Meaning of Apricot and Peach Blossoms
Meaning of Apricot and Peach Blossoms
Peach Blossoms: In Northern Vietnam, peach blossoms are a popular choice for Tet, symbolizing good luck and happiness for the new year.
Apricot Blossoms: In the South, apricot blossoms are favored during Tet. These flowers represent wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
How to Choose Apricot and Peach Blossoms
Choosing Apricot and Peach Blossoms
Peach Blossoms: Look for branches with double petals, a deep pink color, straight stems, and evenly distributed buds. Select branches with straight stems and buds running from top to bottom. The trunk can be rough, but it should be sturdy and healthy.
Apricot Blossoms: Opt for sturdy branches with evenly colored stems and fresh, abundant buds. Ideally, there should be some young leaves present as well.
How to Arrange Apricot and Peach Blossoms
Arranging Apricot and Peach Blossoms
While some people prefer to display the entire tree, others opt for arranging a single branch in a tall vase, allowing the branches to radiate outward.
Enhance the display by adding couplets, lucky money, and string lights to the blossoms.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Blossoms
Tips for Longer-Lasting Blossoms
For those who purchase the entire tree, regular watering during Tet is essential. If you have a branch, burn the cut end to seal the damaged sapwood, preventing bud drop and prolonging the life of the flowers.
Avoid placing the blossoms near fans or in areas with strong air currents, as this can cause the flowers to fall prematurely. Keep them away from incense smoke, as the ethylene gas produced can cause the blossoms to wither.
2. Golden Shower Flowers
Meaning of Golden Shower Flowers
Golden shower flowers, also known as laburnum, are often displayed during Tet. They symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Meaning of Golden Shower Flowers
How to Choose Golden Shower Flowers
While the original color of these flowers is white, florists often dye them in vibrant shades of red, purple, yellow, and green. When selecting golden shower flowers, look for straight branches with closely spaced buds and soft, small petals.
How to Arrange Golden Shower Flowers
Arranging Golden Shower Flowers
Due to their height, golden shower flowers require a piece of foam to keep them securely in place. Arrange the flowers by fanning out the branches on both sides, creating a higher point in the middle for added visual interest. You can use either a tall or short vase for this arrangement.
Add ribbons, wrapping paper, or bows for a festive touch.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Golden Shower Flowers
Since most golden shower flowers are dried, simply avoid soaking them in water, and they will last indefinitely.
3. Chrysanthemums
Meaning of Chrysanthemums
Meaning of Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a traditional choice for Tet, symbolizing longevity and the filial piety of children.
How to Choose Chrysanthemums
Choosing Chrysanthemums
With their variety of colors, chrysanthemums offer a vibrant display. Select flowers that are just beginning to bloom, as they will last longer. Look for tightly packed petals, fully opened blooms, and undamaged stems.
How to Arrange Chrysanthemums
Arranging Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums come in various sizes and colors, allowing for flexibility in arrangement. You can use short or tall vases and mix different colors for a unique display.
Add small lucky money envelopes or “Phúc – Lộc – Thọ” cards for extra festive flair.
Meaning of Gladiolus
Also known as sword lilies, gladiolus flowers are believed to ward off negative energy and bring good luck to the household.
How to Choose Gladiolus
Gladiolus come in a variety of colors, so there is ample choice. Select flowers that are still in bud and have not yet bloomed. For the freshest flowers, shop early in the morning, and cut the stems to a length of 3-5 cm.
How to Arrange Gladiolus
Use a large, wide vase and fill it with about 5 cm of water. Remove excess leaves and cut the stems at an angle, about 3-5 cm from the bottom. For the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement, the flowers should be about one and a half to two times taller than the vase.
Consider adding betel leaves for a touch of greenery and extra visual appeal.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Gladiolus
Purchase flowers in the early morning or evening, as this is when they release the least amount of water, ensuring they stay fresh for longer.
5. Lilies
Meaning of Lilies
Meaning of Lilies
Lilies are a favorite choice during Tet, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, purity, and abundance.
How to Choose Lilies
Look for blooming lilies with unopened buds and undamaged petals. The stamen should be intact, and the buds should be plump and long. Choose lilies with thick stems and healthy green leaves. For good luck, it is believed that the number of flowers per stem should be odd, as odd numbers symbolize growth and prosperity.
How to Arrange Lilies
Use a large vase and trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption. Fill the vase one-third full with water, and then arrange the flowers diagonally across the vase. Adjust the flowers as needed to create a balanced composition.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Lilies
Change the water every two days to keep the flowers fresh. Once the flowers are in full bloom, remove the stamens to extend their lifespan.
6. Celosia
Meaning of Celosia
Meaning of Celosia
Celosia flowers symbolize love, good luck, and fulfillment in life. Displaying these flowers during Tet brings a sense of freshness to the new year.
How to Choose Celosia
Celosia comes in a range of colors, including deep purple, pink-edged, dark pink, light green, white, and pink-edged purple. Look for plants with multiple branches and stiff stems. The leaves should be green and free of any signs of pests.
Choosing Celosia
How to Arrange Celosia
Depending on the height of the flowers you choose, select a tall vase, short round vase,
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Plant these flowers for a peaceful and joyful new year ahead.
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