In Vietnamese folk culture, displaying peach trees on Lunar New Year has become a traditional custom passed down through many generations. So why do Vietnamese people display peach trees on Tet? Learning about displaying peach trees on Vietnamese Lunar New Year is to help us understand more about the country’s folk culture and traditions. In this article, we will learn about the historical origin, meaning and economic value of this issue!
Historical origin
According to historical documents, the display of peach trees on Lunar New Year began during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220), when Emperor Han Thanh De issued regulations to display peach trees to celebrate Tet. Later, during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), displaying peach trees became a popular custom in Vietnamese folk culture.
In 1010, when King Ly Thai To established his capital in Thang Long (now Hanoi), he ordered each family to plant peach trees to display during Tet. Since then, displaying peach trees has become a traditional custom of Vietnamese people during Lunar New Year.
In the early days of displaying peach trees, people used natural peach trees to display them, then switched to growing peach trees in pots and customizing the tree’s shape to fit the Tet display space.
By the twentieth century, with the development of the art of planting trees and producing peach tree pots, people created more beautiful and unique peach trees to display during Tet.
However, displaying peach trees encountered difficulties during the war and economic crisis, when people did not have the means to buy and display peach trees. But after the country braved the rain to celebrate Tet in 1975, the display of peach trees was restored and developed stronger than ever.
Currently, displaying peach trees on Lunar New Year is still a traditional custom of Vietnamese people, maintained and developed over many generations, bringing not only cultural value but also economic and environmental significance.
The meaning of displaying peach trees on Tet
Culturally, the peach tree is considered a symbol of life and prosperity, a combination of the five elements Metal and Wood. Peach trees also mean luck, longevity, success and love. Displaying peach trees on Lunar New Year is also a way to honor the beauty and value of nature, while also expressing gratitude to ancestors and the spirit of family solidarity.
In addition, displaying peach trees also has environmental significance. The peach tree is a highly disease-resistant tree and has the ability to absorb toxic gases, helping to improve air quality in the living environment. Planting peach trees is also a way to protect and develop habitat.
Economic value
Displaying peach trees on Lunar New Year of Vietnamese people not only brings cultural value and environmental protection but also has significant economic value. This is a traditional cultural beauty that creates prosperity for Vietnam’s agricultural economy and fisheries industry.
First of all, planting and caring for peach trees is a growing industry, creating jobs for many people in the country and attracting many international customers. People invest in planting, caring for and selling peach trees to display for Tet, thereby creating many business opportunities for people. In addition, the export of peach trees to celebrate Tet also creates an important source of income for the Vietnamese economy.
Besides, displaying peach trees on Tet is also a way to promote Vietnam’s tourism industry. Many foreign tourists have come to Vietnam during Tet to experience and learn about traditional Vietnamese customs. The display of peach trees is an indispensable part of the fun, entertainment and sightseeing activities of tourists during Tet.
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