Despite the increasingly modern life and the abundance of exotic imported flowers, most Vietnamese families still turn to traditional blooms to decorate their homes as Tết (Lunar New Year) arrives and spring unfolds: gladiolus, dahlia, chrysanthemum, butterfly flower, violet, gerbera daisy... Not only do they adorn and beautify the home, each flower carries a distinct meaning, symbolizing wishes and aspirations for the new year. Join Nét Đẹp Việt to explore the significance of apricot blossoms and other flowers displayed during Tết.
1. Apricot Blossom (Hoa Mai)
The moment apricot blossoms bloom marks the arrival of spring. The ancients believed that if the apricot tree flowers on Tết, it brings luck and abundance to the family in the coming year. That’s why many people bring an entire apricot tree indoors to welcome spring. Moreover, the golden yellow of apricot blossoms symbolizes wealth, prosperity, power, and nobility. Beyond decoration, gifting someone a branch or pot of apricot blossoms expresses a wish for lasting friendship and connection.
2. Peach Blossom (Hoa Đào)
While the South has apricot blossoms, peach blossoms are the quintessential spring flower of the North. With their gentle, tender beauty reminiscent of Northern girls, peach blossoms symbolize refinement, elegance, and fidelity. They also represent renewal, growth, and vitality, bringing fresh energy to the home and ensuring health, peace, and fulfillment for all in the new year.
3. Chrysanthemum (Hoa Cúc)
Simple in fragrance and form, chrysanthemums burst into full bloom each Tết, captivating hearts. Nearly every household displays at least a pair of these flowers during spring. Beyond their beauty, chrysanthemums symbolize abundant blessings and prosperity, embodying life, joy, and good fortune entering the home. They also represent longevity, filial piety, and nobility. With their round golden petals, yellow chrysanthemums in particular radiate luck and vibrant energy.
4. Narcissus (Hoa Thủy Tiên)
A symbol of elegance and good fortune.
5. Lisianthus (Hoa Cát Tường)
True to its name (“Cát Tường” meaning auspicious), lisianthus signifies luck and blessings, embodying wishes for a happy and fulfilled life. Besides special occasions, many people favor it for Tết decoration. Though its petals are delicate like silk and its colors soft and tender, lisianthus grows with remarkable strength, symbolizing a love that is both intense and gentle.
6. Gerbera Daisy (Hoa Đồng Tiền)
Gerbera daisies represent wealth and money. Their blooms bring hopes for a new year filled with fortune, peace, and prosperity. Available in vibrant colors like yellow, orange, and red, they add brilliance, appeal, and impression to your Tết floral arrangements.
7. Orchid (Hoa Lan)
In recent years, orchids have become a beloved Tết decoration. These flowers exude luxury, symbolizing wealth, nobility, refinement, and gentlemanly virtue. They also bring luck and prosperity to homeowners in the new year. With countless varieties and colors, each orchid species possesses its own unique beauty and meaning.
8. Begonia (Hoa Hải Đường)
Many consider begonia, alongside apricot and peach blossoms, a true spring flower. The character “Đường” implies a grand house, so begonia conveys wishes for wealth and prosperity in the new year. It also symbolizes harmony, reunion, and a life of togetherness—something every family hopes to preserve.
9. Lily (Hoa Bách Hợp)
Lilies embody noble, pure, and elegant beauty, representing a lifetime of harmony and happiness. They also signify return and reunion, making them especially popular during Tết. Beyond their profound meanings, lilies beautify your home, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere that symbolizes family togetherness, unity, and joy.
10. Gladiolus (Hoa Lay Ơn)
Gladiolus stays fresh for 10 to 15 days, expressing joy, delight, and hope for a new year better and more prosperous than the last. That’s why it remains a favorite during Tết.
11. Rosehip Flower (Hoa Tầm Xuân)
In recent years, rosehip flowers have gained popularity as Tết decorations. Small buds cluster along long stems in cheerful, eye-catching colors. They symbolize growth and budding fortune, bringing luck to the family in the new year. For some households, rosehip flowers have become an indispensable ornament each Tết.
12. Dahlia (Hoa Thược Dược)
- White dahlia: purity
- Yellow dahlia: the color of the sun god, symbolizing elegance and wealth, as well as lasting happiness for couples
- Red dahlia: passionate love
- Purple dahlia: devoted and faithful affection
- Black (dark red) dahlia: a warning of betrayal
Each flower carries its own unique meaning during Tết. You can choose the most beautiful blooms that suit your preferences to decorate your home this festive season.