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The Legend and Significance of the Tamarind Flower. Are Tamarind Flowers and Buds Different?

16 September, 2024

The Legend of the Tam Xuan Flower

In a distant forest, two orphaned brothers lived and depended on each other. The older brother, especially, had a deep love for his younger sibling.

Each day, the older brother ventured into the forest to gather firewood, berries, and sweet fruits, while the younger one stayed home, preparing their meals and awaiting his return.

Initially, the older brother foraged for firewood near their home, but as he grew older and more experienced, he ventured deeper into the forest, even hunting wild animals. Meanwhile, the younger brother, who possessed a unique ability to communicate with birds and beasts, stayed home, singing with a voice as clear as a bell.

One fateful day, a wicked demon, enchanted by her voice, disguised himself as an old woman to lure her into the forest. Fear gripped the young girl, and she lost her singing voice. Enraged, the demon caged her, and as she desperately tried to unlock the cage, her hands became scratched and bloodied.

Upon returning home, the older brother was distraught to find his sister missing. Birds led him to where she had been captured, but by the time he arrived, she was gone, leaving only vibrant rose petals in her place.

The Significance of the Tam Xuan Flower

The Tam Xuan flower symbolizes the strong bond between siblings, enduring through life’s challenges and remaining by each other’s side.

Blooming only once a year, during spring, the Tam Xuan flower is often displayed on important occasions, symbolizing family reunion and happiness.

The Tam Xuan Flower Represents the Unbreakable Bond Between Siblings

Characteristics of the Tam Xuan Flower

The Tam Xuan flower, scientifically known as Rosa canina, is a species of rose native to Europe, West Asia, and Northwest Africa. Commonly referred to as ‘Thich Hoa’, ‘Nguu Cuoc’, ‘Thap Ti Muoi’, or ‘Da Tuong Vi’ in Vietnam, it is a climbing rose with similarities to the traditional rose, but its petals are thinner, and the plant grows in dense bushes and climbs high.

Tam Xuan Flowers Have Five Delicate Petals, a Fragrant Scent, and Grow in Clusters

Uniquely, the Tam Xuan flower blooms only once a year, during spring, from February to April. The plant bears orange-red fruits, approximately 1.5-2 cm in size, when ripe. Thriving in sunny and cool conditions, the Tam Xuan plant prefers temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees Celsius.

Easy to cultivate and maintain, the Tam Xuan plant is a popular choice for gardens, balconies, and fences. The flowers come in various colors, including green, purple, and pink. Each leaf is a feather-like compound, consisting of 5-7 small leaflets. The delicate petals of the Tam Xuan flower number five, emitting a pleasant fragrance. As the flowers bloom, their color gradually changes from light pink to dark pink, eventually turning white just before they wither.

Are Tam Xuan Flowers the Same as Buds?

It is important to distinguish between Tam Xuan flowers and buds, as they are entirely different. Tam Xuan flowers have thin, delicate petals resembling peonies, with yellow stamens. In contrast, buds are round, tightly closed flower structures that appear in clusters on branches and come in various colors. Buds are commonly displayed during the Tet holiday season.

Frequently asked questions

The legend of the tamarind flower is rooted in Vietnamese folklore. It is believed that the tamarind tree houses a spirit, and the flowers are said to be the manifestation of this spirit’s beauty and grace. The story goes that a beautiful princess fell in love with a commoner, but their love was forbidden. They decided to end their lives by jumping into a river, but instead of dying, they transformed into two tamarind trees on either side of the river bank, forever united in love.

Tamarind flowers and buds are considered auspicious symbols in Vietnamese culture. The flowers represent beauty, grace, and the fulfillment of dreams. They are often used in religious ceremonies and are believed to bring good luck and fortune. The buds, on the other hand, symbolize new beginnings and growth, making them popular in celebrations and rituals marking life’s milestones, such as births, weddings, and new business ventures.

No, tamarind flowers and buds are different parts of the tamarind tree. The flowers are the delicate, petal-like structures that bloom from the tree, while the buds are the small, immature flower buds that have not yet opened. Both have distinct appearances and cultural significance attached to them.

Tamarind holds a special place in Vietnamese culture and is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Apart from its use in folklore and ceremonies, tamarind is also a popular ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its distinctive sour flavor. It is used in soups, sauces, drinks, and even as a key ingredient in traditional remedies and medicines.

Tamarind trees are quite common in Vietnam and can be found in many parts of the country. They thrive in tropical climates and are often seen in rural areas, along roadsides, and in temple gardens. Some popular places to spot tamarind trees include the Mekong Delta region, the ancient town of Hoi An, and the lush countryside of the Central Highlands.