Tet blooms in colorful Hanoi

By Giang Huy   January 24, 2017 | 12:32 am PT
Peach blossoms symbolize strength and vitality; kumquat represent luck and prosperity.
peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed

High temperatures in the North this winter have caused many peach trees to bloom early in Hanoi’s plantations. As a result, less peach trees are likely to bloom on New Year's Day so the prices of these ornamental plants will go up accordingly.

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-1

Small peach trees cost about VND150,000-200,000 ($6.6-8.8), while the larger ones can fetch up to millions.

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-2

The farmer in the picture said that her garden has more than 100 peach trees. From early morning, she has been busy cutting branches to sell.

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-3

Tuan from Cau Giay District in Hanoi said that he managed to pick up a good tree for VND1 million ($44).

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-4

A buyer smiles after finding the perfect peach tree to sit on the altar at home.

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-5

A Tet atmosphere has reached flowery markets in Hanoi.

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-6

Many traders said that kumquat trees are more expensive than last year. The price for a small kumquat tree is VND300,000 ($13) and 800,000 ($35) for a large one.

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-7

Apart from peach and kumquat trees, Hanoians also choose fresh flowers to decorate their homes.

peach-blossoms-and-kumquat-trees-bring-tet-atmosphere-to-hanoi-ed-8

Shops on Hang Ma Street in the Old Quarter are filled with buyers. A shop owner named Nhan told VnExpress that lucky money envelops with chicken motifs are selling well at the moment.

Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Related news:

Soak up the New Year spirit in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Into the forest: quest for wild peach trees ahead of Lunar New Year

 
 
go to top