Top 10 Best Essays About Lotus Flowers

In the Sen village, the lotus has always been a part of life. It thrives in ponds, by the village lanes, and across the vast fields… The lotus defines the village, and it reflects the spirit of its people. It was in this very village where a lotus bloomed to symbolize the fragrance of the entire Vietnamese nation — President Ho Chi Minh, a great man whose name is etched in golden letters.

If you visit Ho’s homeland during May, you will encounter the scent of lotus flowers. Along the road to Ho's former home, the fragrance of lotus fills the air. Stepping into the yard of his humble dwelling, the ancient village atmosphere comes into view with thatched roofs and bamboo walls. The simple life of Ho's family is reflected in the furniture, from the bamboo shrine and incense holder to the bamboo cot, water jars, and the loom his mother used. All these simple objects show the pure, humble lifestyle of the Ho family, which surely nurtured the noble character and dedication of Ho Chi Minh: modest, honest, and devoted to serving the people.

The village of Sen, beyond its familiar sights like the water pond, banyan tree, and village temple, is especially marked by the many lotus ponds that bloom in season, spreading their fragrant scent over the land. The lotus is pure, serene, and tranquil, often associated with Buddhism, symbolizing a clean, elevated spirit. It reflects the morality and character of people who remain steadfast and noble: 'Grows in the mud, yet does not carry its smell.' It also embodies loyalty, as the Vietnamese saying goes: 'Even when parted, the heart remains bound.' Each year in May, the lotus blooms silently, offering its fragrance in honor of Ho Chi Minh’s birthday. When one encounters a lotus flower, thoughts inevitably turn to Ho, the man who devoted his life to his country and people. Walking through the lotus fields of Sen village in May, we reflect more deeply on the birth of a great leader, whose soul embodies the love for all people. May 19th, Ho Chi Minh's birthday, coincides with the blooming of the lotus, a symbol of purity, just as nature dedicates its love to him. Each time I see a lotus flower, I am reminded of Ho, his noble, simple character, and his boundless love for the people. His words echo in my heart: 'Loving Uncle Ho, my heart grows purer, and I vow to walk with him forever.' Or the words, 'Uncle Ho, your heart is vast enough to embrace the entire country and all its people.'

Hoang Bich Ha

It seems that the lotus flower chooses the scorching heat of June to bloom, as if this timing were a perfect balance of nature. The gentle and elegant nature of the lotus eases the intense heat of the summer sun. The green of its leaves, the pink of its petals, and the pure white blossoms form a harmonious and delicate blend of colors. The large lotus leaves spread wide, gently embracing the flowers, protecting and sheltering them, like the loving hands of a giant, cradling each beautiful bloom.

The lotus buds are shy and reserved, like a young girl on the cusp of adulthood, full of grace and timidity. Meanwhile, the fully bloomed lotus flowers sway lightly in the breeze. Their petals curve gently, fragile and ethereal, reminiscent of a ballerina dancing in an enchanting, mesmerizing ballet of the earth and sky. The subtle fragrance of the flowers drifts in the air, serenely touching the soul. Standing silently by the lotus pond, I feel as though I dissolve into the pure, fresh atmosphere around me, merging with the lush green leaves, the pink and white buds, and the faint fragrance of the lotus.

I am reminded of the summers gone by, running barefoot along the vast lotus pond, holding a lotus leaf above my head as a makeshift umbrella to shield from the sun. My friend and I would wander like two tiny lotus flowers drifting in the sky. We followed our father to pick lotus flowers, filled with joy as we sat on the small boat, gently cradling each flower he picked. Sometimes, I close my eyes and inhale deeply, wanting to fill my chest with the pure fragrance of nature surrounding me. When we returned home, we would give Mother a fragrant bouquet of lotus flowers to display in the living room. Father would brew a pot of lotus-scented tea, and we would quietly enjoy it together. Perhaps I’ve become addicted to such peaceful moments, for every time I return home, I still wake early with my father to go to the lotus pond, catching the morning dew resting delicately on the leaves, carefully brewing a pot of fragrant tea while contemplating life’s mysteries. These moments of tranquility are so precious to me.

Though I’ve been far from those lotus fields of my youth, every June, as I return to the city, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of fresh lotus blooms on the streets. I look forward to the first lotuses of the season, gently picking them to place in my room. In my heart, I remember the words of poet Tran Hoa Binh: 'The lotus sleeps in the vase, but you wake in me. Sleep, my beautiful blooms.' I think of the fragrant green rice of autumn in Hanoi, carefully wrapped in lotus leaves, steeped in rich flavor. The scent of the lotus mingles with the fresh aroma of green rice, creating a longing in the heart that remains even when far away.

I often look forward to weekends with my friends, heading out to the countryside to see the countless lotus flowers blooming tranquilly under the sky. The lotus rises from the muddy waters yet retains its timeless elegance and purity. In the quiet rural areas, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, the lotus blooms peacefully, untouched by the chaos of the world. That’s why my friends and I love coming here on weekends, to capture beautiful images of the lotus or simply to let our souls wander in the serene surroundings.

The lotus will always be there, its fragrance spreading with the wind, waiting for someone to pick it. The flowers will follow people back to the city, adding their beauty to the urban landscape.

Essay by HUE HUONG

Amidst the bustling crowd during rush hour, I often notice the flower vendor struggling to push her bicycle, parked by the sidewalk. Her face is dotted with sweat, yet her smile is constant. Many people pick out their favorite bouquets to take home, but I choose lotus flowers, as they bring me a nostalgic feeling of a rural countryside full of ponds and fields.

The lotus is a symbol of purity and perfection, deeply embedded in Buddhist philosophy. It is a flower both familiar and noble, one that the people of the East hold in high regard.

Each summer, when the sky is clear and the sun is dry, the ponds scattered across the fields bloom with lotuses. The soft fragrance of the blossoms fills the air in the late afternoon. Children herding cattle lie on the grassy banks, inhaling the sweet, familiar scent mixed with the aroma of rice and wild grass. The women returning from the fields wash their hands in the pond and pick a few lotus stems, knowing that tomorrow they will bloom and scent the entire house. The wide fields, dotted with ponds, offer plenty of lotus stems to harvest. The lotus season is short, only lasting a couple of months before the flowers wilt and the leaves droop, signaling the end of the season.

The end of the lotus season brings the village together as we collect seeds to make sweet soup with longan, a refreshing treat for the hot days. As children, we enjoyed the competition to see who could pick the most seeds, filling our hats with dark brown seeds that looked incredibly attractive. Without waiting for them to cook, we would chew them raw, savoring their sweet, refreshing taste, a gift from the earth. Thus, the lotus season holds a cherished place in the hearts of those who have left, bringing back beautiful memories.

Every day, I still take my child to school past a small lotus pond. I can't help but feel a pang of sorrow at the flowers' faded beauty and their fragile leaves, not as lush as those from my hometown’s ponds. I recall my childhood when, after school, my friends and I would sneak through the fields to admire the lotus flowers. Without cameras or phones, we had no way of preserving the moment, but the memories of those lotus seasons remain in my heart, cherished with the passing years. Even today, when we meet up, friends still talk about those fond memories.

The lotus, with its graceful beauty, carries profound symbolism. Its pink petals and delicate fragrance evoke purity and transcendence. Its beauty has inspired countless poems, songs, and works of art, especially in paintings that have won admiration. The lotus embodies a pure, simple love—one that is honest and unpretentious.

I deeply love the lotus, and the feeling of drifting in a small boat amidst a lotus pond always brings peace and serenity. In the vast expanse of nature, inhaling the fragrant scent of the lotus, carried by the gentle countryside breeze, calms the soul, eases worries, and makes life's troubles seem to vanish.

Every lotus season, the longing of those far away grows stronger, filled with memories of a time and place now distant.

SƠN TRẦN

Gazing at the lotus pond, we are filled with admiration and wonder, and our thoughts turn to life itself. Could it be that, like lotus seeds, we also carry the seed of goodness and a pure heart within us? Are we not surrounded by the dark shell of our karma, unable to break free from it, living passively, simply waiting for each day to pass?

The lotus season often reminds me of my birthday. Even though it’s my birthday, the lotus flowers have already faded. My thoughts wander back to my first year as a university student. That day, my roommates unexpectedly gave me a bouquet of white lotus flowers and wished me a happy birthday. It was my first birthday celebration. A poor rural kid, I couldn’t sleep all night...

With a piece of paper and a pencil, I kept drawing, over and over, to capture the delicate white lotus petals, to preserve that first taste of happiness, a feeling of gratitude that words could never fully express, despite having no talent for drawing.

These days, whether I’m on a business trip or just out for fun, I often stop by a lotus pond. In the new season, the lush green leaves gently sway on the water, and the white and pink lotus flowers bloom, radiating fragrance in the hot summer sun, amidst the blooming flamboyant trees and purple bangle flowers. I am in awe of how straight the lotus stems and flowers stand, with their hollow, thorn-covered stems. It must take great resilience for the lotus to rise above the dark mud, break through the dense water, and spread its petals in the air like green hands, pink fingers offering a gift.

People say the lotus is not a flower of this world but from the realm of Buddha. Why? Because we often see the Buddha sitting on a lotus throne. The lotus flower is large and full. Or perhaps, when one reaches the state of 'Three Flowers Gathered at the Peak' in meditation, the practitioner’s third eye opens to see three lotus flowers spinning above their head, and at the 'Bach Hoi' point on the crown, a thousand-petaled lotus blooms. That is why every temple has a lotus pond. The designs in temples also feature stylized lotus flowers, and even the Thousand-Handed Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara resembles a lotus with a thousand petals...

Could it be that some lotus seeds have fallen from 'above' and adapted to the world below? I do not believe it. Because there are so many types of lotus—large, small, white, pink, and now even multicolored varieties. In Cambodia, I was surprised to see smaller lotus flowers, with smaller leaves that lacked the vibrant green of Vietnamese lotuses. I believe the Creator brought the lotus to this world, for people to admire and contemplate, to learn from the lotus itself.

I once tried to imagine myself as a lotus seed, living its life. How fascinating it was! At the center of the seed, there is a beautiful green sprout. Surrounding it is a crisp, sweet white lotus flesh. Outside, the seed’s hard, dark shell encloses it. The lotus seed lies in the mud. The mud is filthy and foul to human eyes, but it nourishes the lotus, and those who live in the mud. Many lotus seeds beside me said, 'This is nice. Let’s stay here forever. It’s warm and comfortable, and we don’t have to struggle.' And so, they remained, content, until the water seeped in, causing their sprout to decay, forgotten in the depths of the mud.

But some lotus seeds told me, 'Above the water is the earthly realm, a paradise with a clear blue sky, birds singing, beautiful landscapes, fruits in every season, and humans who create this world.'

I asked, 'How do you know?'

The lotus seed replied, 'My mother told me when I was very small, and she urged me to strive to rise above the mud and reach a higher realm.'

And so, these lotus seeds began to push through their shells, growing roots to anchor themselves deep in the mud, drawing nutrients to strengthen the sprout, which would then push through the tough seed shell, reaching toward the surface. The sprout struggled in the suffocating mud, twisting and turning, even when fish and eels brushed against it. It fought hard to escape the dark mud, rising like a bamboo shoot through the water. The floating debris surrounded it, the water pressure squeezed it, and the heat and cold bit into it. But the sprout persisted. It wove itself a body of sturdy threads, growing thousands of spiny eyes in the water to breathe, to stay firm, to protect itself.

It remained calm and patient, day after day. One day, it realized the bright light above. Gradually, the light became brighter. It rose above the water’s surface. There, in the clear blue sky, a gentle breeze greeted it. The sound of cicadas singing the hymn of summer filled the air. The lotus flower blossomed magnificently, and... the people, angelic in form, with sparkling eyes and joyful faces, welcomed it to the earthly realm.

At this moment, the lotus had matured. It was filled with happiness, eager to offer itself. It gave everything it had, to the point where its stem and roots became hollow, creating a perfect lotus flower that filled the space with its fragrance. Some of these flowers were offered by people to the Gods. Some lotus flowers produced new seeds to continue the cycle of life. Others ascended to higher realms, becoming a subtle part of the human body on Earth. This is the way it joins humanity in striving for a higher realm.

As I gaze at the lotus pond, I reflect on the thoughts of the lotus seeds. I admire and respect them. Then I think about life itself. On this Earth, are we not also like lotus seeds, with the seed of goodness and a pure heart? Are we not also surrounded by the dark shell of karma, unable to break free from it? Do we not live passively, waiting for death to come as each day passes? Above us, in the realm of the Gods, our ancestors have passed down this knowledge. We live in the mud of this world, accepting it as our fate. How many of us will become like the lotus, striving to transcend the earthly realm and enter the beautiful world of the divine?

Each time I gaze at the lotus, drink lotus tea, look at lotus pictures, or eat lotus seeds, I feel as if I owe the lotus this question.

Nam Minh

Another lotus season has arrived! As the summer sun reaches its peak, spreading warmth and brightness through the air, the lotus begins to stretch its green leaves from the muddy waters of ponds and lakes.

Gradually, the lush green leaves blanket the surface of the water, and soon, buds begin to appear, nestled among the sea of leaves. One morning in May, the pure buds open, releasing their subtle fragrance that dances with the wind. And so, a new season of blooming lotuses begins.

The steady passage of time continues unnoticed, as May ushers in the summer with the soft sounds of cicadas, birds, and the bright red flame trees that color the sky. It is the month of nostalgia, filled with memories and emotions, when a sudden summer rain sweeps in during a warm afternoon. This is why May is often called the month of memories, as the earth and sky change, stirring our hearts. In the muddy fields of Tho Khuong village, the pink lotuses continue to bloom quietly, filling the air with their sweet fragrance, which intertwines with distant sounds and memories.

May awakens the lotus season. We have always held the lotus in high regard, cherishing its pure, gentle beauty. We admire the delicate fragrance that rises from the mud, humble yet elegant. The pink lotus embodies the spirit of our people, with its soft, rosy petals symbolizing youthful innocence. The white lotus, pure and simple, reminds us of the graceful ao dai, flowing gently in the breeze. The lotus blooms quietly in the fertile mud, adding a touch of serenity and elegance to the landscape. When we stand before the lotus, our hearts calm, and we are filled with peace, as if all the storms of life are contained in the dew that rests on the leaves. The stillness of the lotus mesmerizes us, and its pink hue reminds us of loyalty and devotion, bringing back countless memories.

At my grandparents' house, there was a small swamp, and every May, the lotus would bloom, filling the air with its distant, dreamy fragrance, attracting butterflies to flutter around. I remember the taste of my grandmother's lotus tea, the aroma of the lotus seeds in my mother's sweet soup, the peaceful mornings filled only with the crackling of the fire and the crowing of the rooster. It was a time of tranquility and contentment. I silently thanked the lotus for guiding me back to my roots.

As we walk through the May days, we cannot forget the simple village of Lotus, which brings back so many memories. This is the place of my birth, where a great leader, the beloved President Ho Chi Minh, was born. May 19th, the day of his birth, is always a time when the lotus blooms with purity and grace. The blossoms release their fragrant aroma, just like nature offering its tribute to him, filled with goodness and purity. Every time I see a lotus blossom, I think of President Ho, his noble character, simplicity, and his immense love for the people. The words of poet To Huu echo in my mind: 'Loving Uncle Ho, my heart is purer, I vow to follow him forever.' May's sky is full of hopes, and my heart is peaceful and full of longing.

I don't know when it happened, but the sweet and tender verses have been growing in me:

'In the pond, what is more beautiful than the lotus,

With green leaves and white flowers, with yellow stamens in between,

Yellow stamens, white flowers, green leaves,

Close to the mud but without its foul odor.'

Yes, the lotus, with its eternal beauty, deserves every word of praise.

The lotus of May, with its pure, graceful, and harmonious simplicity, is an invaluable gift that nature has bestowed upon us, especially to honor the beloved Leader...

Author: Xuan Thuong

I live in this land, and I feel that the lotus belongs to me, to the things that are simple and familiar. I believe I have come to understand the lotus deeply.

In my childhood, the lotus would guide my carefree steps through the fields and distant paddies. On scorching harvest days, the green canopy of lotus leaves provided a cool shelter for the children who followed their parents to the fields. Sometimes, when rain came suddenly, accompanied by thunder and lightning, the lotus leaves would offer temporary refuge, soothing the anxious hearts of the little ones. The lotus ponds were also playgrounds for generations of children and the family buffaloes, diving and stirring up the mud.

As we grew a little older, we still gathered around the lotus ponds. When the fish were spawning, boys and girls would compete to set up fishing traps. The ponds teemed with fish, and after a day’s work, everyone had their hands full with the catch. The traps, though identical, would lead to playful arguments when it came time to unload the fish. These small disputes would quickly fade away in the wind, carrying the fragrance of both pink and white lotus flowers. I remember the game of catching birds in the lotus pond, a favorite pastime, even though the thorns scratched and drew blood. But no one minded the little pains; the joy of innocent play on the fields was enough to make everything feel carefree.

Seasons of lotus bloomed and passed with the years. The children grew into their youth. The playful games of the past gave way to new moments of tenderness as the girls wore their conical hats and simple dresses. These delicate moments left sweet memories in the hearts of the young men. There were times when shy glances exchanged on the fields left indelible images of the simple and serene landscape in our minds. The village boys, after school, turned into hardworking farmers. The rice fields and the lotus ponds were part of the same green expanse of the land. The sight of strong young men skillfully fishing in the lotus pond filled the village girls with admiration. It was like a sweet, secret folk song, where love was whispered in the breeze, though the hearts remained shy under the setting sun.

Then, as we grew older, for various reasons, the village children who had once run freely began to drift away. The lotus would occasionally appear in my thoughts, evoking sweet memories and deep yearnings. In these moments, far from home, I found joy in the small things of everyday life. The scent of lotus leaves wrapped around the simple cakes of my homeland. I could hear the faint sound of a temple bell from the neighborhood, mingling with the fragrant lotus that calmed my soul. The image of my grandmother and mother, gently picking lotus flowers from the fields with a smile, offering them in prayer for peace and prosperity for the family and village, would always stay with me. From the lotus fields, the flowers endured through rain, storms, and sunshine. From the hands of the people, the lotus bloomed and nurtured the souls of generations. The kindness and patience of the people were like the enduring fragrance of the lotus, spreading through time.

Thus, my love for the lotus endures. One day, the lotus returned to me amidst the busy city life. A little patch of lotus bloomed in this youthful city. The connection between people and the soul of the lotus intertwined sweetly. The understanding and care from the authorities, along with the daily dedication of those tending to the plants, helped bring a bit of the countryside’s spirit back to the city streets. This land, still facing challenges, is sweet with its resilient beauty, its bright aspirations for the future. The lotus blooms under the morning sun, offering a gentle, friendly gaze to the people passing by, soothing the weariness of their daily lives. By midday, the lotus is fully open, reaching towards the sky, exuding a sense of strength and vitality. In the evening, as the lotus petals gently close, the chirping of sparrows fills the city air, signaling a peaceful end to the day. The lotus of the city has come a long way, carrying with it memories of home, nurturing the dreams of those far from their roots. For those of us living away, the lotus is a messenger of love, spreading warmth and trust, wherever it may go. This 'hidden' land is opening new opportunities, both for the people and for the lotus.

On mornings spent in the fields, surrounded by familiar faces, I am reminded of the simple rhythm of life that intertwines with the green rice fields. Suddenly, a sweet and clear verse rises in my heart:

The rice and lotus line up in harmony

People return, leaving behind the chaos, beginning anew...

Even though it’s familiar, the lotus remains ever new, evoking endless thoughts. I’ve come to understand that I can never fully know the lotus...

NGUYỄN PHẠM ĐÌNH THẢO

There are few places like our country, where nature generously offers all four seasons filled with fragrance and color. The four seasons bring with them an array of flowers, each contributing to the noble mission of beautifying life. Among them, one flower stands out as a symbol of the nation's soul and spirit: the lotus!

When the seasonal rains suddenly arrive, they awaken the first lotus buds, emerging from the muddy waters of lakes and ponds in rural areas. The lotus rests in the mud, waiting for the season’s call, and then gradually rises with tender shoots, ready to begin its journey. Though the lotus has a short life, it creates moments of beauty that many eagerly await. It is said that one must make a special effort to enjoy the lotus in the pond.

In May, the lotus blooms under the vibrant summer sky, adding elegance and a sweet fragrance to the air. We admire and reflect on this flower, a symbol of noble life: “close to the mud, yet it remains untainted by its scent,” and from its golden stamen, white petals, and green leaves comes a harmonious beauty that makes it the deserved national flower!

Each flower carries its own unique beauty. Some are elegant and regal, others are humble, but the lotus is graceful, gentle, and pure. Its beauty is often compared to noble characters—kind, simple, and deeply wise. In front of the tranquil lotus, one finds peace, as if their heart is calmed and comforted by its purity. The lotus represents compassion and kindness.

On the flower-laden baskets carried by women into town each morning, the lotus also makes its appearance, bringing the essence of the countryside with a sweet, delicate taste. Many people seize the fleeting moment of the lotus season to bring home pink and white lotus buds, keeping the lotus’ elegant presence for a while. The appreciation for the lotus has long been a tradition for those with refined tastes who admire its beauty and revere its subtle elegance.

In the lotus season, another refined pastime is enjoying lotus tea. The preparation is meticulous, starting with picking fresh lotus buds early in the morning. The petals are carefully opened, tea is placed inside, and the buds are sealed and wrapped in lotus leaves. For a more intricate method, one may row a boat into the pond at sunset, placing tea leaves into the lotus buds, and return the next morning to gather the buds, which have absorbed the fragrance of the night air. Even the water used to brew the tea must be collected from lotus leaves, coated in morning dew. This unique process makes lotus tea known as “the finest tea in the world.”

As the lotus season fades and the last flowers bow to the autumn winds, the lotus offers its seeds and roots, continuing its role in creating refined Vietnamese culinary dishes.

In May, we are reminded of a village named after this pure flower: Lotus Village. It is from here that a great leader, President Ho Chi Minh, was born. His birth coincided with the blooming of the lotus, as if nature herself had arranged it, highlighting his noble, simple character and immense compassion. Ho Chi Minh is the fullest embodiment of the lotus—pure, elegant, and eternal, just as his love and compassion will always live on in the hearts of the Vietnamese people: “Ho Chi Minh! He is the lotus that spreads its fragrance throughout life…” (from the song “He Returns to His Homeland” by composer Thuận Yến).

Ngô Thế Lâm

Every year, I eagerly await the arrival of lotus season to witness the first pure buds bloom. The lotus season begins from May to October. When the seasonal rains suddenly arrive, they awaken the first buds rising from the lake behind my house. The lotus rests deep in the mud, awaiting the call of the season, and gently emerges with tender shoots, starting its proud journey. The blooming lotus paints a poetic and serene picture in the summer sky, adding elegance and sweetness to the air.

Every flower, every color has its own unique beauty. Some are majestic and refined, others are simple and humble, but the lotus is gentle, elegant, and pure. Its beauty is often compared to noble personalities, compassionate and kind-hearted. The lotus also symbolizes Buddhism, representing moral values and wisdom for those on the spiritual path. It is rare to find a flower so embedded in the cultural, spiritual, literary, and artistic life of Vietnam as the lotus. Our ancestors have likely long considered the lotus our national flower. The lotus encompasses both fragrance and beauty, with a delicate scent that evokes a noble spirit. Standing in front of the serene lotus, one feels their heart calming, a strange sense of peace and tranquility washing over them.

I love the lotus, the peaceful feeling I experience while drifting in a small boat on the lotus pond. Amidst the vast sky and land, inhaling the intoxicating fragrance of the lotus, carried on the countryside breeze, my soul calms and becomes gentler, and all worries and troubles of life seem to melt away.

During the lotus season, as the flower sellers make their way through the streets each morning, the lotus accompanies them, bringing a taste of the countryside, a sweet, fragrant reminder of home. Just following those carts, the intoxicating scent is enough to captivate. The vibrant pink of the lotus petals against the sun compels many to stop and admire. And thus, another lotus season arrives, quietly beautifying the streets.

In the midst of the lotus season, there is another refined pleasure: enjoying lotus tea. The process is meticulous, starting with picking fresh lotus buds in the early morning, carefully opening each petal to place tea inside, and sealing the buds tightly before wrapping them in lotus leaves. A more elaborate method involves rowing a boat into the pond at sunset, placing a small amount of tea in the buds, and returning the next morning to gather the tea that has absorbed the fragrance throughout the night. Even the water used to brew the tea must be collected from the lotus leaves covered with morning dew. This unique method makes lotus tea truly one-of-a-kind, and it is no exaggeration to call it the “finest tea of all time.”

It is rare to find a flower that evokes so many beautiful and noble thoughts as the lotus. Therefore, when the lotus season fades, and the flowers wither, the young green leaves turn to older, drooping ones, and the lotus pond falls silent, waiting for the next season, the fragrant lotus seeds remain, often found in a bowl of sweet soup with longan. Even in that delicate, refreshing soup, one can still taste the lotus’ noble purity.

Minh Minh

The lotus flowers, pale white and soft pink, are gently making their way back to the streets of Hanoi. The dewdrops still cling to the buds as they peek out from beneath the faded conical hats of the street vendors. Each bundle of flowers rests between large green lotus leaves, waiting to be picked up by the buyer and placed in a ceramic vase, where they release their delicate fragrance, purifying the air of every room and home.

Hanoians are often busy, and the lotus is so quiet and modest, that it's easy to miss the short but beautiful lotus season. The buds, still tight today, will bloom overnight into a radiant display of pure white or brilliant pink. The lotus is beautiful, not only in its bloom, but also in its bud and even in its withering state. After just a day or two of offering its beauty and fragrance, the lotus petals fall softly from the stem, surrounding the vase with a delicate farewell, leaving behind a bittersweet reminder of its fleeting beauty.

But for those who truly love lotus flowers, the season isn't only about buying them in the street; it's about going to West Lake. The tranquil waters of West Lake, which are mostly calm in winter, hide the lotus roots that sleep under the muddy waters. When the cicadas sing and the flame trees light up the streets, the lotus stirs, waking from its slumber. Soon, the lake is covered with tiny lotus leaves, shyly appearing and disappearing under the sun's playful rays. From the mud, the lotus finds the strength to flourish, and in just a few weeks, the pond is filled with the vibrant green of the floating leaves. Even before blooming, the pond exudes a fragrance that draws lotus lovers to come early in the morning, when small wooden boats dock along the shore, bringing freshly picked lotus flowers. As you carry the flowers home, their scent lingers, reminding you of the bond between the lotus and the lover of flowers.

On beautiful full moon nights, lovers stand by the lotus pond, unwilling to leave. In the quiet of the night, surrounded by the moonlight, the lotus, and each other, confessions of love seem to become even more sincere. Many lovers have tied their hopes and dreams to the blooming of the lotus each year, returning to the lotus pond in summer to let their love blossom once again in this fragrant, ethereal space.

As June passes, another lotus season fades. I remind myself to cherish the shy, delicate buds, so that the scent of the lotus can guide me through the rainy and sunny days of life.

Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai