VIETNAM: Vietnamese prepare to usher in Lunar New Year by buying peach blossom plants and flocking to temples

Record ID: 658460

  • Title: VIETNAM: Vietnamese prepare to usher in Lunar New Year by buying peach blossom plants and flocking to temples
  • Date: 27th January 2014
  • Summary: SHAMAN PERFORMING RITUAL PEOPLE WATCHING VARIOUS OF RITUAL IN PROGRESS SHAMAN THROWING PAPER OFFERINGS TO PEOPLE PEOPLE GRABBING PIECES OF PAPER VARIOUS OF SHAMAN THROWING PIECES OF PAPER
  • Embargoed: 11th February 2014 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Vietnam
  • Country: Vietnam
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVA86K89CSBVN2STVI7FBTPEV5UP
  • Story Text: In keeping with tradition, Hanoi residents have been stocking up on plants and going to temples to pray for a good start to the Lunar New Year.
    The streets are bustling with people shopping for small peach trees to welcome the year of the Horse. In nearly every household, the pink blossom and kumquat plant are carefully chosen by discerning housewives so that the flowers and fruits are prominently displayed, vibrant in colour, and remain healthy throughout the celebrations.
    For many Vietnamese, New Year cannot be celebrated with the peach blossom plant.

    "Peach blossoms represent spring and having one at home means it's the New Year. If there is no peach blossom plant in the house then it means no spring and no new year."
    said Nguyen Ba Phuc, who was born in the Year of the Horse 60 years ago.
    In Vietnamese culture, the horse represents patience and persistence, an animal that can bring fortune and prosperity, and therefore many people pray for 2014 to be a year of rapid development and prosperity.

    "I sold many horses this year. It's the Year of the Horse after all, and many people like to buy horse statues, unlike when it was the year of the Snake. The Horse represents success for people," 40-year-old shopkeeper Nguyen Thi Nga said.
    Temples are full of worshippers thanking gods for a good year, as well as asking for the next one to be better.

    "We pray in the beginning of Spring for a good year, and then at the end of the year we thank the gods, as well as praying at the transitional moment of the old and new year. This is an old tradition that passed down from my ancestors that I follow every year, and so will my children," said Nguyen Kim Dung, who believes the year of the Horse will bring her good health.
    Lunar New Year in 2014 starts on January 31.
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