Top 10 Most Beautiful Legends of Flowers and Their Deep Meanings

The story of the Mimosa flower is one of the most touching legends, celebrating the enduring love of two lovers separated by family constraints.

In a sun-drenched, serene land between the ocean and sky, a young couple shared a deep, passionate love. The man, the son of a fisherman, was strong, with dark skin and a sharp mind. The woman, the cherished daughter of an aristocratic family, was radiant, graceful, and full of compassion.

However, her family insisted she marry a royal duke. Heartbroken, the man left his life by the sea and retreated to a remote mountain range, choosing to become a forest ranger, hoping to forget his lost love. One fateful day, a catastrophic fire broke out in the forest. The man, despite the dangers, risked his life to save the forest and the helpless kangaroos. Tragically, the flames overwhelmed him, and he perished in the blaze.

When the woman learned of his departure to the mountains, she fled her wedding and embarked on a journey to find him. But when she arrived, all she found was his lifeless body lying among the smoldering remains of the forest.

In utter despair, she knelt beside him, and in her grief, she died next to her true love. From that day forward, a beautiful tree grew in the mountainous land where they had both perished, its vibrant green leaves and golden, fragrant flowers symbolizing their eternal love. The locals named the tree 'Mimosa' in honor of their devotion.

Today, Mimosa flowers are exchanged by couples as a symbol of loyalty and eternal affection.

The legend of the Lily Flower originates from France, celebrating the unwavering love of a young woman, and explaining the origins of the beautiful flower we know today.

1. The Heart of a Warrior and the Faithful Girl

What good are tears! Jack had to leave for a distant land to fight in the war, leaving behind Lilia, his fiancée, in France. As they parted, Jack took his heart out of his chest, handed it to Lilia, and said:

– A warrior must live without a heart. A heart only brings trouble. Keep it safe, and wait for my return.

Lilia hid Jack's heart in a silver chest and waited for him each day. Time felt endless for her, with each day stretching into a year and each year into a century. No matter where she went, her thoughts were always with Jack. She lost track of the days and months. One day, her father said to her:

– My daughter, ten years have passed since Jack went off to war, and we don’t know if he’ll return. It’s time for you to think about marrying someone else.

– Father, how can you say that? – she cried. – Jack gave me his heart, and it is still here with me. I cannot forget him, father.

Her father could only shake his head in sorrow, knowing he might never live to see a grandchild.

Another ten years passed, and the war ended. Soldiers began to return, some with crutches, others with missing arms. Lilia waited for Jack, asking about him everywhere, but no word came.

– Perhaps he fell in love with another woman and stayed behind in the foreign land, – Lilia’s sister once suggested. But Lilia could not believe it.

– How could he love someone else when his heart is still with me? A person without a heart cannot love!

2. The Truth About Jack

The war was over, but Jack, who had lived without a heart for so long, became a ruthless bandit, killing and plundering without remorse. He led a gang of thieves in a foreign land, often extorting riches from travelers.

When an old thief named Pie fell ill, Jack kicked him out of the gang. Pie, seeking revenge, traveled back to Jack’s homeland to expose his true nature to his family and friends.

Pie took many years to find Jack’s village. When he did, he encountered an old woman with a deep, longing gaze.

– Do you know Jack? – Pie asked.

– Oh, dear God, what are you asking me? – the old woman cried. – Jack is my fiancé, the one I’ve been waiting for. Please, tell me where he is. What has happened to him?

Pie saw the spark of hope still burning in her eyes and realized she still loved Jack as much as she had when she was young. He couldn’t bear to tell her the horrifying truth about Jack.

– So, you are Jack’s fiancée! – Pie exclaimed.

– Yes, I am Lilia. We made a vow to each other.

– I bring bad news – Pie said, lowering his gaze. – Jack fought bravely in the war, but before he died, he kept calling your name, Lilia.

“Jack is dead and at peace,” – Lilia thought sadly. “But how can he lie in the ground without his heart? I must find his grave and give him back the heart he gave me.”

3. The Legend of the Lily Flower

Carrying the silver chest, Lilia set out on a long and arduous journey to find Jack’s grave. She lost all sense of time, asking everyone she met for directions. Though people warned her not to travel alone, fearing the danger of bandits, Lilia did not listen. Sure enough, at a bend in the road, she was attacked by bandits who stole the chest containing the precious heart. She pleaded with them, telling them her sad story, but the bandits were unmoved. They took the chest to their leader, laughing as they described the strange old woman searching for her fiancé’s grave.

The bandit leader, puzzled, opened the chest and found his own heart, which had been lost for years. To his astonishment, the heart spoke to him in a human voice:

– If you are still human, do not tell Lilia the truth. Let her believe I am dead, so she can cherish the memory of me.

Jack quickly closed the chest and ordered the bandits to return it to Lilia, while showing her a grave with fresh grass growing over it, pretending it was his resting place. Along the way, the bandits decided to keep the chest, but they still pointed Lilia to the fake grave Jack had prepared for her.

In the end, Lilia, still deeply in love with Jack, could not bear to leave him without his heart. She took the heart from her chest and buried it at the fake grave, believing it to be Jack’s.

From the spot where the heart was buried, a beautiful flower grew, which today is known as the Lily. It symbolizes purity, loyalty, and nobility.

About the Lily Flower

The scientific name of the Lily is Lilium longiflorum. In Vietnam, it is also called Huệ Tây, Bách Hợp, or Lily.

The Lily blooms in April, often tilting slightly as it opens. The most common color is white, but other colors are also found. The petals are slightly curved, with a width of 5-7 cm and a length of 15-20 cm. The flower’s shape is tubular, with the pistil divided into three lobes that release a soft, enchanting fragrance.

Lilies have a short lifespan, lasting only 5-7 days before they begin to wilt. The plant can produce fruit, which is round and contains many seeds.

To ensure beautiful blooms, lilies are best grown in shady or partially shaded areas, as they cannot tolerate strong sunlight. However, they are easy to grow and have a fast growth rate.

The legend of the Bougainvillea is a folk tale about a beautiful princess who waited loyally for her husband, explaining the origins of the Bougainvillea flower we know today.

1. The Beautiful Princess

This is the story of Tường Vi, a princess with long hair, living alone in a palace in the highlands. The cold mountain air only enhanced her beauty: her long, shiny hair, her smooth white skin, her delicate face like a rose, her red lips in the mist, and most of all, her eyes that always shone like morning dew.

Her beauty made Princess Tường Vi famous everywhere. But despite her fame, there was always a sadness in her heart. She had to live alone in this remote area due to a prophecy from a seer who told her father that she would suffer great misfortune in life. Out of fear and love for his daughter, the king hid her away in this secluded place, hoping to keep her safe from harm.

However, the rumors about Tường Vi’s beauty spread quickly, especially in the evenings when her singing echoed through the mountains, blending with the songs of the birds and the rustling of the wind. Many suitors, hearing of her beauty, came to ask for her hand, but the king refused them all, still hoping to find the most worthy suitor for her.

2. The Magical White Flower

One day, Tường Vi fell seriously ill. Despite all the doctors’ efforts, her condition worsened. At that moment, the same seer appeared again and told the king that only a special white flower, found on the steep mountain peak between two ravines and a waterfall, could cure her. The king, desperate to save his daughter, declared that anyone who could bring this flower would be rewarded with Tường Vi’s hand in marriage and the right to succeed the throne.

Many young men ventured into the forest to search for the flower, but they all returned empty-handed, and Tường Vi’s health continued to deteriorate. Just when hope seemed lost, a poor young woodcutter appeared at the palace, bringing with him the magical white flower. As soon as the petals touched Tường Vi’s skin, she slowly regained her strength. The first person she saw when she opened her eyes was the young woodcutter who had brought her the healing flower.

Seeing his daughter well again, the king joyfully kept his promise and made the young man his son-in-law.

3. The Loyal Princess Waiting for Her Husband and the Legend of the Bougainvillea

However, the wedding celebrations were still fresh when their country was invaded by foreign enemies. Obeying the king’s orders, the young prince went off to war, temporarily leaving his beloved wife. They promised to reunite when the war was over, and every evening, the winds carried their words to one another, while birds delivered their messages.

One day, Tường Vi stopped hearing from her husband. Her songs faded into the vast silence, and the birds no longer returned. Fearing the worst, she went to the waterfall to wait for news of him.

One evening, a bird returned with sad news. Heartbroken, Tường Vi wept for her brave husband, who had died defending the country. In her despair, she threw herself into the waterfall, vanishing into the roaring waters.

From the spot where she stood, where her tears fell, people later found a new flower. It resembled the white flower the young woodcutter had once brought to the king. The flower bloomed next to the waterfall, gentle and serene, yet standing proudly against the harsh elements of the highlands.

Oddly enough, during moments of sorrow, travelers who happened to gaze into the water would see the reflection of the flowers with eyes that shimmered like Tường Vi’s, as if her spirit still lingered in the flowers.

From then on, the flower was named Bougainvillea, in memory of the loyal princess who waited faithfully for her husband.

The legend of the Orchid flower is a tale about the brave women of the Aruaki tribe who sacrificed their lives to protect the tribe's precious treasure.

1. The Aruaki Tribe

In a distant land where the climate is warm and the soil fertile, there lived the Aruaki tribe. This tribe was luckier than others because they had the ability to command the Ochit birds, which laid golden eggs. One day, a bird laid a golden egg in a tree, and the leader, Nato, carefully moved the egg to another tree, marking the event as a grand celebration for the entire tribe.

The young women of the tribe took turns hiding in the trees to protect the birds' nests from eagle attacks. Meanwhile, men stood guard at the village, armed with poisoned arrows, ensuring no enemy tribe could steal their treasure.

With the arrival of the golden egg, the skilled artisans of the tribe began crafting bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry. The number of golden eggs grew steadily, and so did the tribe's wealth.

One day, the hunters returned with troubled expressions. They had encountered hunters from a distant tribe who spoke of massive ships arriving on the shores, carrying strange men with short hair and unfamiliar faces. These newcomers were obsessed with gold, using guns that shot flaming arrows and stealing jewelry from the women while interrogating the locals about gold.

If the Aruaki people had known that humans could become so ruthless and vile, they would never have allowed these strangers into their village. But they didn’t understand this and took in the wounded strangers. The leader ordered the women to care for the wounded, while the men went hunting.

One of the strangers, named Khòramoi Métvét, was captivated by the women’s jewelry and repeatedly asked where they got the golden stones to make such beautiful bracelets and earrings. The women only smiled in response. Over time, Métvét became close to Dincadervin, the leader’s eldest daughter, and promised to marry her and stay with the tribe. Dincadervin said she would wait for her father to return to get his approval.

However, Métvét started to probe Dincadervin about the strange disappearances of the women into the forest. Dincadervin, believing she was already engaged to Métvét, made the fatal mistake of revealing the tribe’s secret.

She didn’t realize that her lover had sold his soul to the invaders in exchange for a barrel of wine. He had promised to betray the tribe and reveal its secrets. Métvét, now knowing the secret of the golden egg-laying birds, got the women guarding the nest drunk and revealed the location of the treasure to the invaders.

2. The Brave Women and the Legend of the Orchid

What Métvét didn’t know was that Ôta Te, a young man, was watching from the top of the tallest tree, scanning the area for signs of danger. He saw the strangers, led by Métvét, approaching the golden egg-laying birds' nest. Quickly, he alerted the tribe to the threat and rang the alarm bell.

Dincadervin, in anguish, cried out:

- Oh, why did I reveal the secret of the birds? Now I see why he kept questioning me!

She rushed to the priest and asked:

- What must I do to save the golden egg-laying birds?

- Be ready! – the priest responded urgently, meaning, “Prepare to act!”

The women and girls quickly gathered, shouting in unison, “Khô,” which meant, “We are ready!”

- Hurry, girls! Climb the trees and sit in the branches! The strangers won’t know which tree the birds' nests are in. If they find the nests, Taxan Útke will fetch the hunters to drive the invaders away.

Taxan Útke, the war horse, galloped toward the hunters, while hundreds of girls hurried up the trees, clinging tightly to the branches.

As Métvét led the invaders deeper into the forest, he became confused and couldn’t decide which tree to point to. The strangers grew angry and shot flaming arrows at the women, but the women, even those who died, continued holding onto the branches.

By the time the men returned and drove the invaders away, it was too late—the tribe’s most prized daughters had perished in their valiant defense of the treasure.

The priest pointed to the sky and said:

- You have sacrificed your lives to protect the tribe's treasure. You deserve to be honored. Your spirits will transform into fragrant flowers, blooming eternally on these trees and telling future generations about your bravery in guarding the golden egg-laying birds.

Beautiful flowers, resembling the tribe's brave daughters, began to bloom on the trees. Today, they are known as Oốcchiđêa flowers, or simply, the Orchid flowers.

The legend of the Golden Rose is a tale from Greek mythology, recounting the love between Eros, the god of love, and the beautiful Elisa, as well as the origin of the Golden Rose flower.

1. The Beautiful Elisa

Once upon a time, Zeus, the king of the gods, descended to Earth on one of his journeys and fell in love with a mortal woman, who gave birth to a daughter. Zeus named his daughter Elisa. He was overjoyed and proclaimed:

– As the child of the supreme ruler of Mount Olympus, you shall inherit all the best gifts of the heavens and earth. No mortal shall compare to you. I grant you the powers of beauty, intelligence, and dominance, and all shall bow before you.

As Elisa grew, the blessings of her father quickly came to life. Every morning, the Sun god would gather the most dazzling rays, turning them into jewels that adorned Elisa’s attire. At noon, the Clouds would create a soft hammock for her to rest in the dream garden. In the evening, the Night god would collect stars from the sky for Elisa to play with by tossing them into the lake. Elisa was spoiled, as everyone feared the immense power of her father.

One spring morning, Eros, the god of love, visited Elisa to present her with jewels created from the essence of love. Elisa eagerly begged him to teach her archery, and, unable to refuse, he lent her his bow and arrows of love.

While practicing with the bow, Elisa accidentally shot an arrow that struck Eros in the heart. In an instant, Eros was frozen. He was overwhelmed by Elisa and realized that she had become an essential part of his life. He knew that he had fallen in love with her!

From that day on, Eros became lovesick. He no longer cared for feasts or social events, and he neglected his duties. All he did was stare longingly at Elisa, consumed by his yearning. His bow was abandoned, and the arrows rusted, as love ceased to flow to humans.

The news reached Zeus, who, feeling pity for Eros, decided to unite the two lovers. Their wedding was a grand celebration that lasted for thirty days and nights. Delicacies were served everywhere, and rivers of wine flowed endlessly. People sang, danced, and celebrated the union of the perfect couple.

Upon marrying Elisa, Eros felt he was the happiest being on Earth. He pampered her beyond measure, fulfilling her every wish. Eros built her a magnificent palace made of crystal, rubies, and precious stones and said:

– My beautiful Elisa! I love you more than myself, and I will do anything to keep you by my side. Stay here in this palace and never leave. I don’t want anyone else to witness your beauty. My love for you is unique, stronger than a waterfall and sweeter than honey. Please, do not disappoint me.

Elisa, in her love for Eros, obeyed his wishes, and they shared many happy days together. But soon, Eros had to leave on his duties as the god of love. He traveled endlessly, connecting lovers’ hearts, leaving Elisa alone in her cold palace.

2. The Origin of the Golden Rose

Disaster struck when the goddess of Envy appeared. She had just returned from sowing discord in the Kingdom of Peace. Upon hearing of Eros' marriage to Elisa, she was consumed by jealousy. Eros should be hers, not Elisa’s.

With this dark thought in mind, she quickly set out to find Eros. When he was exhausted and asleep, she secretly removed the arrow from his heart and blew a breath of forgetfulness into it. When Eros awoke, he no longer remembered his beautiful, loving wife. He continued his journey and never returned to Elisa.

Elisa, waiting in vain, grew more distressed each day and fell ill. She had no one but the Sun, the Moon, and the stars for company. Elisa sent messages of longing through the winds to Eros, but they returned with the sad news that he no longer loved her. He was now happily competing with the goddess of Envy and had forgotten who Elisa was!

Devastated, Elisa collapsed. She cried until she had no strength left and fainted. When she regained consciousness, she begged the Sun god:

– Sun god! Burn me with your heat. I would rather die than endure the pain of my husband's betrayal. Without him, what is the purpose of my life?

The Sun, moved by Elisa’s suffering, covered himself with dark clouds, causing the earth to become gloomy and dark.

Elisa’s condition worsened, and she soon passed away. At that moment, the birds ceased to sing, flowers withered, and no fragrance filled the air. Zeus, overwhelmed with grief, blamed himself:

– Elisa, my daughter! I gave you beauty and wisdom, but I did not grant you the strength to endure life’s trials. It is my fault. I have failed you.

Because of his deep love for Elisa, Zeus could not bear to see her body turn to dust. He decreed:

– I will transform you into a Rose, for only the Rose can match your nobility. Only its thorns can protect you from harm. Your color will not be the bright red of passion or the soft pink of innocence, but a fiery yellow, burning with intensity. So that those who have betrayed you will feel guilt every time they see the Golden Rose, and the thorns will make them feel pain, just as you suffered from betrayal.

And thus, the Golden Rose – the color of betrayal – appeared upon the earth.

The legend of the Dandelion is a folk tale about plants, recounting the love story between the Lion's Tooth plant, the Dandelion flower, and the cold, indifferent Wind.

1. The Lion's Tooth Plant

Once upon a time, in a vast field, there grew a plant with bright yellow daisy-like flowers and long, dark green leaves with sharp, jagged edges resembling the teeth of a lion. This plant was known as the Lion's Tooth.

The Lion's Tooth stood proudly in the meadow, cradling its golden blossoms in its embrace. The plant's love was the radiant yellow flower that bloomed in its arms. The jagged leaves of the Lion's Tooth protected the precious flower, shielding it from harm.

As summer arrived, the tiny blossoms shed their sun-kissed petals, replaced by a soft, white cloak like the feathers of a goose. The flower, proud and elegant, bloomed under the protection of the Lion's Tooth. The plant admired and silently praised the beauty of its beloved, as she transformed into the delicate Dandelion with her white, fluffy cloak.

2. The Story of the Dandelion's Origin

One day, a figure appeared on the horizon: the Wind. The Wind was loud, powerful, passionate, and carefree. It danced in the air, playing its flute and singing songs about the vast fields and lands it had traveled through. The Wind was proud, cold, and indifferent, and everywhere it passed, plants would turn to watch it in awe. It was admired and revered in many places.

The Dandelion was no exception. When the Wind blew across the field, she was mesmerized by its wild spirit. She stretched toward the Wind, welcoming it into her embrace. She longed for the cool caress of the Wind to sweep through her delicate white petals. She loved the Wind, pure and wholehearted.

But the Wind was not meant to stay. Born from wandering and adventure, it could not be confined to a quiet meadow. The Wind blew fiercely, and the Dandelion, fragile and slender, reached out to hold it back. But the Wind, indifferent, ignored her and continued on its path.

The Lion's Tooth felt a deep, aching sorrow. Its heart was torn apart, as if its jagged teeth were slicing through its own chest. It had protected the flower it loved, only to lose her in a moment. Desperate, the Lion's Tooth stretched its green arms toward the Wind, but the Dandelion's petals broke free, scattering into the air, following the Wind.

From then on, farmers would often hear the Lion's Tooth whispering to the Wind, asking for news of the Dandelion. But the Wind never answered, for the Dandelion could not follow it forever. In her journey, she fell to the ground, where she was buried in the soil, sprouting new plants that would be named after the Lion's Tooth.

The plant had a flower, but it could not keep the flower. The flower, always reaching out toward the Wind, would be lost to the journey. The Wind, difficult to grasp, would only love the adventures along the way. And when the Wind had passed, the flower understood: its roots ran deep in the sap of the plant that had once held it close.

The Legend of the Lotus is a Vietnamese folk tale that praises the purity of two sisters and tells the origin of the lotus flowers that bloom in ponds and lakes.

In the pond, nothing is more beautiful than the lotus.

The green leaves, the white flowers, with golden stamens in between.

The golden stamens, the white flowers, and the green leaves.

Near the mud, yet no trace of the mud's scent.

– Vietnamese Folk Verse –

1. The Two Sisters and the Blind Musician

Once upon a time, in a remote village, there were two orphaned girls. A kind, poor blind musician took both of them into his care. He not only provided them with food and shelter but also taught them the songs and dances he knew. The two sisters loved each other deeply and were incredibly devoted to their adoptive father.

As the years passed, the two sisters grew into beautiful, graceful young women, admired by everyone in the village for their singing and dancing. In the same region lived a cruel and ruthless young man from a wealthy family. Upon hearing rumors of the two talented girls, he schemed to make one of them his wife.

One day, when the blind musician had to leave on a journey, he promised the girls he would bring back a gift for each of them. The elder sister requested a pair of white embroidered shoes, while the younger sister asked for a pair of pink shoes with golden thread.

2. The Origin of the Lotus Flower

Seizing the opportunity while their adoptive father was away, the wicked young man sent his servants to kidnap the elder sister. To preserve her purity and escape his clutches, she threw herself into a nearby pond. Upon hearing of her sister’s fate, the younger sister, heartbroken, followed and jumped into the pond as well.

When their father returned and found his beloved daughters missing, he searched frantically until he learned the tragic news of their deaths in the pond.

Soon, a fragrance filled the air, carried by the breeze from the pond. When the man looked out, he saw numerous strange flowers floating on the water. They were white and pink, with petals that resembled the shape of young girls' shoes, and the yellow stamens in the center looked like golden embroidery threads. The large, green leaves spread out like the conical hats the girls used to wear. A gentle, pure fragrance emanated from the flowers, reminiscent of the innocent souls of his daughters.

Seeing the flowers, the man fell to his knees by the pond, overcome with grief. Suddenly, from beneath the water, the two girls appeared. They stepped out beside him, their forms now ethereal spirits.

The elder sister spoke to him softly:

– When we jumped into the pond, the Queen of the Waters, moved by compassion, embraced us, saving our lives. She wished to keep us there, but we asked her to allow us to return to you and serve you.

And she agreed, creating these flowers to represent us, so that you would always feel our presence. She named the flowers after us—Lotus flowers.

The legend of the Camellia flower is a folk tale explaining the origin of the beautiful Camellia (Hải Đường) flower.

When Father Camellia was sent to Japan to spread Christianity, he never expected to encounter gods capable of seducing even the most respected priests. He swore to avoid all worldly temptations, punishing himself with hunger and thirst. Both his teachers and himself believed that, with his purity, he deserved divine favor and that God would guide him in converting the lost souls of Japan.

In Japan, while preparing for his mission, Father Camellia would spend his afternoons collecting roots and drying grasshoppers for the winter. These grasshoppers were so abundant on the branches of a large tree that despite his efforts to catch them, they would reappear in even greater numbers the next day.

One hot afternoon, as Father Camellia traveled through a remote village, telling the farmers about his preaching on the mountain, he finally arrived at the strange tree by midnight. The full moon hung high over the forest, and the trees stood still, as if exhausted. The grasshoppers were silent, or perhaps the priest had grown so accustomed to their incessant chirping that he no longer heard them.

As Father Camellia raised his hands in prayer, thanking God for the day's blessings, a sweet laugh suddenly echoed from the leaves of the tree:

– Ha Ha Ha!

A creature resembling a rabbit hopped swiftly from branch to branch, showing its gleaming white teeth.

"A demon has been sent to tempt me," Father Camellia thought firmly.

With a wave of his hand, the creature seemed to become even more playful. It hopped down to the lowest branch and began swinging its white legs above the priest's head.

Father Camellia stepped back, focusing on the odd creature. Its body was cloaked in a green hue blending with the leaves, its white legs and small golden hair sparkling in the moonlight like a colorful flower in bloom.

– Who are you? – The priest asked.

– Hi hi! Ha ha!

– Are you a woman?

The creature shook its head vehemently.

– Then who are you? What is your name?

– I am Doriađa, the spirit of this tree. – The golden-haired spirit confessed. – I have come to thank you for clearing the tree of the smelly grasshoppers.

After speaking, the tree's spirit jumped into Father Camellia's hand, wrapping its arms around him and planting a kiss on his beard. The priest, though stunned, did not push her away but pulled her closer, savoring the strange moment for longer than he expected.

– I cannot stay with you longer. – Doriađa whispered. – If not, my tree will wither away.

The spirit leapt from the priest's embrace and back onto a higher branch.

At that moment, Father Camellia realized that he had broken his vow of purity and returned home filled with regret. Could he still be worthy of being a priest?

It wasn't until late that night that Father Camellia's troubled mind began to calm. He pondered the events that had just transpired. Had he truly broken his vow? The kiss was not of earthly pleasure, for the one who kissed him was a spirit, not a woman. She was not a witch, or else she would have feared the signs of the church. The Bible never mentioned anything about interacting with spirits; therefore, he hadn't sinned. Comforted by his reasoning, Father Camellia regained his confidence.

The following midnight, driven by curiosity, Father Camellia returned to the strange tree.

– Doriađa! – He called out, stopping beneath a broad leaf.

– Hi hi! Ha ha! – The joyful laughter echoed. The sound of rustling leaves indicated that the green spirit was descending.

By now, Father Camellia had already planned an excuse for his return. When Doriađa sat on a lower branch, he spoke without hesitation:

– I’ve come to see if the grasshoppers are still bothering your tree.

– A rogue has climbed to the top of the tree. – The green spirit complained. – If you catch him, I would be very grateful.

Father Camellia wrapped his robe around his waist and quickly climbed the tree. He caught the grasshopper and was rewarded for his efforts.

With the pests dealt with, Father Camellia now thought only of earning Doriađa’s kiss. Winter was approaching, and the air was growing cold. One night, Doriađa told him:

– Don’t come here tomorrow. Before spring, the tree must rest, and I will rest with it.

Father Camellia was startled by the strange news. How would he survive without his daily joy? Days, weeks, and months would pass—what would he do? Was Doriađa, the gentle spirit, dying from the cold inside the tree?

If only there was more time to think, but now there was no time left. Father Camellia had to act. He grabbed the green spirit, hid her under his robe, and carried her home. Along the way, Doriađa remained silent, only speaking when they reached the room where Father Camellia laid her on the bed.

– What are you doing? My tree is probably starting to wither...

– Let it wither. Are there no trees left in the forest? – Father Camellia reassured her.

– Do you understand? If my tree withers, I will die. – Doriađa spoke, her voice tinged with sadness.

– That's nonsense. I’ll free you from here. – The priest vowed.

By spring, when the leaves began to turn green again, Doriađa grew weaker and withered away.

– Please return me to my tree! – She begged Father Camellia, and he agreed, hoping that the spring air would heal her.

– It’s so painful! – Doriađa cried as Father Camellia placed her back on a low branch. – My tree has died.

Before Father Camellia’s eyes, Doriađa began to fade, merging into the green foliage. It wasn’t until one day, like a splendid flower, her reddish hair appeared, shimmering in the sunlight.

– Don’t leave me, speak to me, even if just for a moment!

Father Camellia begged in despair, and he heard her weak voice reply:

– On the top of the tree, there is still a breath of life. Pick a branch from it and plant it in the soil.

Father Camellia quickly broke off a fresh branch and sorrowfully returned home. Soon, from that branch, a bush grew, blooming with bright red flowers.

Years later, the priest returned to Europe, bringing with him a pot of flowers that everyone admired. Father Camellia named them Doriađa's flowers, but the world couldn’t pronounce such a name, so they called them Camellias—Hải Đường flowers.

The story of the Ten O'Clock Flower tells of a girl's endless waiting and unwavering belief in a promise, even though the one she loved never returns.

Once upon a time, in a land where winter reigned year-round, no one knew of a hidden village bathed in eternal sunshine. This village was filled with all the world's most beautiful flowers and was considered the most peaceful and romantic place on Earth. The village leader was a widow who raised her only son by herself. Over time, the boy grew from an infant in a cradle to a strong, handsome young man. Inheriting his mother’s kind nature, he often helped the villagers with their tasks, earning great respect. Every family with a daughter hoped that she would marry him.

One day, the boy's heart began to flutter with love, and he fell for a beautiful and virtuous girl. They were the perfect match—handsome and pure, admired by all. The two would walk hand in hand along the beach or roam the green hills, sheltered under ancient trees. In the afternoons, they would rest on the soft grass, and by evening, they would play on the white sands. The girl, orphaned at a young age, had no family except for him, and she gave him all her affection. The young man, on the other hand, had an elderly mother to care for, so he always had to return home before sunset. The girl had to wait until the next day to see him again.

Day after day, at precisely ten o'clock, the two would meet by the beach, hand in hand, their hearts full of joy. Their love seemed unbreakable. But one day, the young man did not show up. The girl waited for a long time, but he never came.

Time passed, and after a day of waiting, she began to feel as if the sky itself was falling. She wanted to cry, but she feared that if he saw her tearful eyes, he would be saddened and worried. So, she swallowed her tears and kept her sorrow hidden.

Another week passed, and still, no sign of him. She longed to search for him, but she feared he would arrive and leave if he found her gone. So, she stayed, each moment heavier than the last. Finally, when her strength was gone, she collapsed and breathed her last. Before she died, she held no anger toward him, only a quiet regret that her love had not been enough to sustain her through the wait.

Her body was carried by the waves out to the sea, where it sank into the deep waters. From the place where she fell, a purple flower blossomed. Each time the clock struck ten, the flower would bloom, its petals soaking in the sunlight to warm the tears she had kept hidden. The Ten O'Clock Flower became a symbol of her eternal loyalty, its bloom a reminder of the promise she had made. Despite the passing of time, her vow never faded. She still believed in that promise, and continued to wait, even though the young man would never return.

The Legend of the Auspicious Flower is a moving Vietnamese folktale about the sacred and noble bond of motherhood, where a mother sacrifices everything for her child.

Once upon a time, there was a mother and son living together in a humble, makeshift home. Every day, the mother worked hard to support her son’s education.

Her greatest wish was that her son would succeed in life and one day take care of her in her old age. True to her hopes, the son excelled in his studies, earning a reputation as a genius throughout the region. Not only was he brilliant, but he was also kind-hearted, living harmoniously with everyone and showing deep filial piety to his mother. In the village, every family dreamed of having a child like him.

One day, however, the boy suddenly collapsed and passed away. The mother was beside herself with grief, crying endlessly, unable to control her sorrow. She wept so much that her tears ran dry. The villagers were deeply saddened by the boy's untimely death and pitied the pain of his mother. No words of comfort could ease the immense emptiness in her heart.

The mother, desperate, went to the Buddha to pray for her son’s resurrection. After much contemplation, the Buddha told her that only a rare flower called the Auspicious Flower could bring her son back to life. He instructed her to find this flower, and only then would he grant her wish.

The mother set out on a long journey. She traveled far and wide, from village to village, from the vast sandy shores to the deepest, most remote forests. She searched everywhere, but no one knew of this mysterious flower. Her hope began to fade as exhaustion set in, and one day, she collapsed on the side of a road that seemed to stretch endlessly ahead. She never rose again. Her body transformed into a flower unlike any other.

Moved by her tragic tale, people named the flower the Auspicious Flower, in honor of the mother's undying love and sacrifice.