Hanoi's April in the Pure White Colors of Lily Flowers

>> April – Hanoi's seasonal transition

>> Hanoi cha cake – a specialty of the Kinh Ky land

If one were to choose a symbolic flower for Hanoi in April, the lily would perhaps be the most deserving. When April arrives, lily-laden street vendors roam the streets of Hanoi, dotting the roads with pure, fresh white strokes. The gentle and soft color of the flowers makes people feel relaxed and at ease, calling back the sweet, mild sunshine of early summer.

The pure white color of lilies amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi

In the middle of March, when sunny days begin to intersperse between days of drizzle, and the weather is still wavering between spring and summer, that is when the lilies begin their season.

The lily season only lasts for about 1 month, with the flowers blooming most beautifully in April. Therefore, lilies also follow street vendors in a hurry into the city, and flower lovers are also in a hurry, fearing to miss a season of pure white flowers.

Hanoi has a white color for every season. Pure white daisy flowers fluttering in the winter wind. Snow-white dracontomelon flowers when spring reaches its most brilliant state. And the gentle white color of the pure lily season.

Lilies blend in with the flow of people in the busy rhythm of life when they are still white buds tinged with a light green color.

Lilies are also known as Easter lilies or Madonna lilies - originally symbols of the French royal family as well as many European countries in the Middle Ages. Upon arriving in Vietnam, the noble and high-class name is no longer mentioned much, and people are used to calling this flower by a rustic, affectionate name: 'loa ken'.

A street vendor woman carrying the whole of Hanoi's April on the back of her bicycle

Bicycles carrying lilies weaving through every street make Hanoi's April romantic. Lilies also symbolize purity, innocence, and dignity.

When April returns, lilies bloom to greet the sun as the most sincere welcome with original, pure emotions about the new season. On a mildly sunny day, with a gentle breeze embracing the earth and sky, you have to be very perceptive to realize the gentle scent of lilies in the passing breeze.

Hanoi these days is incredibly clear and lovely. Sunlight shines through the canopy, painting warm yellow spots on the ground; flower-laden vehicles leisurely and slowly spread color and fragrance throughout the streets, or stand waiting for buyers under the shade of green trees.

In the busy and hurried flow of people, these flower carts remain humble, waiting silently for buyers, tucked away in a small street corner or on the side of the road.

The gentle, simple beauty of lilies makes many eyes follow

Some people liken the lily to a young girl at the age of 20, closing her buds, waiting for the day to bloom. The long, graceful petals are as soft as a schoolgirl's ao dai. The flower also forms budding, shyly curving as if a young girl is being charming.

Life keeps rushing to the sound of noisy horns. Somewhere in a corner of the street or an alley, lilies call for the season and bring peace, quiet, and gentleness on the rhythm of carrying poles and on the wheels that keep turning, turning.

So that when the dazzling summer sun has arrived and April has passed, people still do not forget to wish for a vase of fresh lilies displayed in the living room, soothing the sweltering heat of the summer sun.

And remembering the first sunny days after a long cold spell, to reminisce and name the lilies the 'longing of April'.

Source: Compiled