Brilliant wild banana flowers during Tet holiday

As Tet approaches, the fresh flower market becomes bustling with a wide variety of flowers at different prices, attracting many consumers. Besides popular choices such as apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, and orchids, wild banana flowers— a unique gift from the mountains and forests— are also highly sought after for Tet.

Unlike cultivated banana plants, whose flowers hang downward and have somewhat dull colors, wild banana flowers stand tall and sturdy in the heart of ancient forests. In addition to their unusual shape, these flowers boast a striking red hue, accompanied by clusters of small, delicate green and yellow bananas, creating a stunning visual display.

During Tet, many people choose to buy wild banana flowers, as their vibrant red color symbolizes luck and prosperity.

Wild banana flowers bloom from December to the end of January on the lunar calendar, making them a popular choice for Tet decorations. In feng shui, their bright red color and upright growth represent strong yang energy, bringing positive energy into the home. The flower, shaped like a lotus bud, is often compared to a flame of hope shining amidst the vast green forest. People in mountainous regions also believe that wild banana flowers symbolize fertility, attracting wealth and good fortune. Due to these symbolic meanings, they are especially popular at the beginning of the year and during Tet celebrations.

Wild banana flowers retain their bright red color for an entire month.

Beyond home decoration, many people also purchase wild banana flowers to display in restaurants, eateries, and resorts, as their striking beauty complements large spaces. Their vibrant, untamed appearance adds both a unique focal point and a touch of the mountainous wilderness.

Ms. Dinh Thi Bich Liem, from Pho Vang, Thanh Son town, Thanh Son district, first bought wild banana flowers for Tet two years ago. She shared, "I personally love flower arranging. When I visited highland communes and saw people displaying banana flowers in their homes, I was captivated by their beauty. I asked locals to collect some for me—first for my own use, then to share with relatives, friends, and customers near and far."

The wild banana has a beautiful pink color, suitable for displaying during Tet.

According to Ms. Liem, there are many types of wild banana flowers, each with its own unique beauty. In particular, the banana flowers from Văn Chấn District, Yên Bái Province, have large, deep red flowers and yellow fruit, making them popular. Those from the mountainous areas of Phú Thọ have a slightly orange-red hue and are generally smaller. Sapa banana flowers have deep red petals, but their bananas remain green. Meanwhile, dragon scale banana flowers are small, with many petals and an orange hue, making them ideal for smaller spaces.

Wild banana flowers can last for 1 to 1.5 months, making them a popular choice for Tet decorations and gifts for relatives and friends.

Ms. Dinh Thi Bich Liem, Pho Vang area, Thanh Son town, Thanh Son district, selects wild banana flowers before sending them to customers.

This year, Ms. Liem started selling banana flowers early, primarily supplying flower shops in Hanoi, agencies, businesses, and flower enthusiasts in Thanh Son town, Viet Tri city, and nearby areas. Prices range from 35,000 to 45,000 VND per flower, depending on size. Each season, she sells approximately 1,000 flowers, earning a profit of about 15 million VND.

Wild banana flowers are suitable for various home settings.

With their unique and brilliant beauty, deeply connected to the spirit of the mountains and forests, wild banana flowers are a beloved Tet decoration. Many people display them in their homes, hoping to welcome a new year filled with luck and success.

Vinh Ha