Hanoi (VNA) – Nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hang Luoc Flower Market is an iconic destination where the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year (Tet) first takes flight.
This century-old market preserves the enchanting allure of old Hanoi, evoking cherished memories of a bygone era for locals and visitors alike.
A blossoming tradition
Long before Hang Luoc Flower Market gained fame, Tet flower markets were an intrinsic part of Hanoi's cultural fabric. The residents of Thang Long, both past and present, are renowned for their discerning tastes, particularly their love for flowers and ornamental plants. This appreciation transformed into an indispensable Tet custom - adornment of homes with vibrant blooms - giving birth to special markets dedicated to Tet flowers.
Historian Nguyen Cong Uan, in his book “Hanoi in the First Half of the 20th Century”, noted that the original Tet flower market was held in the courtyard and outside the triple-arched gate of Huyen Thien pagoda next to Dong Xuan Market. Later, it found a new home on Hang Luoc Street, stretching from the iron bridge to the Hang Ma intersection. Annually, from the 20th day of the last lunar month, flower growers from suburban areas like Ngoc Ha, Huu Tiep, Nghi Tam, Quang Ba, and Nhat Tan converge, painting the streets with a vivid tapestry of peach blossoms, kumquat trees, chrysanthemums, camellias, gladiolus, and dahlias. The bustling crowds of shoppers and sightseers create a scene uniquely Hanoian, heralding the arrival of spring.
Nostalgic charm of the past
The first whispers of Tet can be felt on Hang Luoc Street well before the 15th day of the lunar December. Early-blooming peach blossoms from Nhat Tan and golden kumquats from Tu Lien begin to appear. Their colours, pink, green, and gold, resemble tiny flames that warm the crisp, chilly air of the Old Quarter.
As the countdown to Tet nears completion, the Hang Luoc Flower Market bursts into life. Flower and plant vendors fill every nook and cranny, transforming the bustling commercial street into a small, vibrant forest.
Traditional Tet decorations such as lanterns and folk paintings from Dong Ho, Hang Trong, and Kim Hoang add to the festive atmosphere.
Ceramic pots and vases from Bat Trang, transported across the Red River, await their roles in the flower arrangements that will adorn Hanoi's homes.
A market for all generations
Today, Hang Luoc Flower Market stretches beyond its namesake street to include Hang Chai, Hang Ruoi, Hang Ma, and Hang Dong. While it retains its nostalgic charm, the market has also embraced modernity, offering a wider variety of flowers and colourful Tet decorations.
Beyond flowers and ornamental plants, young visitors can browse handcrafted souvenirs, zodiac animal figurines, and other Tet-themed items. Meanwhile, older generations may find joy in the antique stalls selling nostalgic artifacts such as opium pipes, lime pots, bronze statues, oil lamps shaped like the 12 zodiac animals, incense, and ancient coins.
During its busiest days, the market opens from early morning until late at night, only closing when New Year's Eve arrives.
For over a century, the market has rarely seen a dull moment. Despite the proliferation of Tet flower markets across Hanoi, it remains uniquely captivating, holding a charm impossible to replicate./.
