Volotour Greetings! Today, I will introduce you to the Ban Flower Season
Ban Flower – The Symbolic Flower of the Northwest
The Ban flower is a distinctive flower of the Northwest mountains of Vietnam, closely associated with the natural beauty and culture of the Thai ethnic people.
1. Characteristics of the Ban Flower
Scientific name: Bauhinia variegata, belonging to the Fabaceae family.
Tree structure: A small to medium-sized woody tree, growing from 5 to 12 meters tall, with a broad canopy.
Leaves: Heart-shaped, lush green, and when they fall, they create roads covered in shades of purple or white.
Flowers:Consist of 4-5 soft petals, resembling orchid flowers.
Common colors: White, light purple, and pink.
Blooming season: From February to April, during spring.
Light and pleasant fragrance.
2. The Ban Flower in Northwest Culture
A Symbol of Love
The Ban flower is linked to the legendary love story of the Thai ethnic group about Ban and Khum, a tragic yet passionate romance.
This flower symbolizes the faithfulness and devotion of a woman in love.
Culinary Delights
Young Ban flowers can be used in various traditional dishes such as Ban flower salad, Ban flower soup, and stir-fried Ban flowers with sour bamboo shoots.
It is a unique ingredient in Thai ethnic cuisine.
3. Associated with Festivals
Time & Location
Time: Usually takes place in March when the Ban flowers are in full bloom.
Main location: Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province.
Additionally, the festival is also held in other Northwest provinces such as Son La and Lai Chau.
Key Activities in the Festival
The festival is not just about admiring flowers but also features many cultural events:
Ceremonial Activities
Paying tribute to the mountain and river gods and honoring the ancestors of the Thai ethnic people.
Praying for a bountiful harvest, prosperity, and happiness.
Festive Events
Folk performances: Retelling the legendary love story of Ban and Khum.
Traditional competitions:
Ban flower picking contest.
Ethnic costume showcase.
Making traditional dishes like sticky rice and pounding bánh dày (glutinous rice cake).
Folk sports games:
Tug-of-war, crossbow shooting, and throwing shuttlecocks.
Art & Music Performances:
Thai ethnic dances such as Xoe dance and Sạp dance, traditional singing, and playing mouth harps.
Northwest Cuisine Showcase:
Visitors can enjoy dishes like Ban flower salad, smoked meat, and five-colored sticky rice.
4. The Ban Flower in Hanoi
Although originally from the Northwest, Ban flowers are also widely planted in Hanoi, particularly along streets like:
– Bac Son – Hoang Dieu,
– Dien Bien Phu,
– Nguyen Du,
– Vo Chi Cong…
Every Ban flower season, Hanoi is adorned with a gentle and romantic beauty, captivating many people.
5.The Meaning of the Ban Flower
Symbolizes faithful and enduring love.
Represents pure, simple, yet strong beauty.
A cultural emblem of the Northwest mountains.
The Ban flower is not just a beautiful blossom; it carries deep cultural and spiritual values of the Northwest people. When admiring Ban flowers, one can feel the breath of the mountains and the touching love stories hidden within.
