When it comes to springtime blooms, many are familiar with the vibrant pink of peach blossoms in northern Vietnam or the golden hue of apricot flowers in the south. However, there is another elegant bloom that once held sway in the historic capital of Thang Long – Hanoi, known in bygone days as Ke Cho. The pure and pristine narcissus flower, a harbinger of the Lunar New Year (Tet), is making a comeback, and its story is as captivating as its beauty.

In today life, narcissus flowers have become more accessible to everyone, partly due to their affordable price and because they are no longer confined to Hanoi but have followed the footsteps of its residents to various cities and provinces. Do Thi Phu, a Hanoi native who has been living and working in Hoa Binh city since 1970, is one of the many people keeping this tradition alive. Whenever the 12th lunar month comes, she seeks out Chuong Chau narcissus bulbs for display during Tet.

According to her, the most important aspect of pruning narcissus flowers is to avoid damaging the floral sheath as this would prevent the flowers from blooming. Her preference lies with the single-petaled bulb variety. She explained: "In the old days, especially during the early days of Tet, people always wished for everything to 'rise up' and be five to ten times better than the previous year. However, double-petaled narcissus flowers tend to bow their heads downward, unlike single-petaled ones that stand upright. The elders believed this posture was incomplete and less auspicious. Regarding fragrance, single-petaled flowers emit a gentle and subtle aroma that blends harmoniously with the scent of incense and the festive Tet atmosphere, offering a sense of relaxation and comfort. In contrast, double-petaled flowers, while fragrant, produce a stronger, more overwhelming scent that feels heavier and less compatible with the Vietnamese preference for lightness and freshness".

In recent years, the tradition of cultivating narcissus flowers has gradually gained traction among Hoa Binh residents, making these blooms a favoured choice for Tet decorations. Local plant shops in Hoa Binh city have also begun offering narcissus bulbs as part of their product range.

The art of appreciating narcissus flowers, dating back to the early 20th century, is mentioned in various literary works, such as "Tet Viet Nam xua” (Old Vietnamese Tet) by scholar Nguyen Tien Lang and the essay "To hoa" by renowned writer Nguyen Tuan.

It can be said that thanks to its inherent beauty and deep connection with Tet, along with improving material and spiritual lives, the tradition of narcissus flower appreciation continues to thrive. Over time, it has become more popular and is spreading more strongly than ever.