VietNamNet Bridge – If the pink of the peach blossom is the image of Tet in the North, the yellow of the apricot flower, or hoa mai, symbolizes the Tet atmosphere in the South. The apricot is not only beautiful with its five yellow petals but also considered good luck. Traditionally, Vietnamese display apricot flowers at Tet with the hope of a new year with happiness, peace, good health and prosperity.

Artisan Tran Thanh Phong takes care of apricot bonsai trees in his bonsai garden.

Bonsai is the art of growing genetic miniatures of existing species. Bonsai does not require genetically dwarfed trees, but grows small trees from regular stock and seeds by pruning, root reduction, potting, defoliation and grafting.

“Bonsai is really attractive by its shape. It takes about ten years to make a bonsai tree but it is a great experience, like training a person gradually day by day,” said Tran Thanh Phong, a bonsai lover.

Each types of shape of bonsai trees has varied meanings, such as vertical shape symbolizes for gentlemanlike while letter ‘C’ alike shape refers to recalling to the origin. Shapes often change with time according to the taste of the owner. When someone grows a bonsai tree, they are nourishing a work of art which needs meticulousness, diligence and dexterity.

Bonsai trees symbolize luxury and charm and an apricot bonsai symbolizes best wishes for the New Year. That’s why they are always in great demand at this time of year. Apricot flowers with ten or twelve petals are also gaining much attention.

VietNamNet/SGT