Bauhinia flower season in the Western region of Nghe An

(Baonghean.vn) - Many people think that Bauhinia flowers are typical of the mountains and forests of the Northwest region, but few people know that the forests of the Western Nghe An region still have clusters of Bauhinia flowers in full bloom.

Spring air filled the forests and villages of the West, we went up to Ky Son to enjoy the scenery of the highland border area.

From the plum and peach gardens at the "heavenly gate" of Muong Long, turn to the Huoi Tu intersection, then follow the route to the communes of Na Loi - Dooc May - Keng Du, you will see the branches of Ban flowers looming in the misty clouds.

Compared to the Northwest region, the Bauhinia trees in Ky Son do not grow in forests but are scattered along the banks of streams, around fields and along roads. Occasionally, there are only about 3-5 trees clustered together to compete in color, but it is enough to evoke excitement and nostalgia for travelers. And add spring colors to the steep, winding roads.

Bauhinia flowers contribute to the beauty of spring in the mountains, forests and villages. Photo: Cong Khang

Mr. Vi Van Binh in Na Khuong village (Na Loi commune) - a long-time resident of this land said: "The forests in this area used to have a lot of Bauhinia trees, but because people cleared too much land, now there are only scattered trees...".

Stopping to admire the white flowers blooming in the forest in March, we were truly amazed, captivated and almost “fascinated” by the pure white beauty of the newly opened Ban flowers. When the Ban flowers first open their buds, they have a light purple color; when they fully bloom, the purple color concentrates on the pistil, while the petals exude a pure white color.

Bauhinia flowers usually bloom around March and begin to fade in April. Photo: Cong Khang

Highlanders often compare the Ban flower to the beauty of a girl. When it first blooms, it represents the shyness and timidity of a first meeting; when it fully blooms, it represents the beauty of a mountain girl drinking a light jar of rice wine during a festival, with a radiant face, an open heart, and performing the Lam Vong and Xoe dances in a rhythmic, graceful manner.

The Mong people in Dooc May commune say that this place name has some origin from the Ban flower. In Thai, “Dooc May” means “flower tree”, this land used to be filled with flowers, dozens, hundreds of flowers blooming in the spring, the most common being the white Ban flower. The Ban flower usually starts blooming in the beginning of the second lunar month, when the warm air spreads to the border forests.

Bauhinia flowers bloom in March, and begin to fade when April “knocks on the door”. They are also processed by the highlanders into rustic but extremely attractive dishes such as soup, salad or rose with sticky rice. The flavor of Bauhinia flowers makes these dishes more flavorful, unforgettable after just one bite.

When the flower buds first open, it has a light purple color; when it fully blooms, the purple color concentrates on the pistil, while the petals exude a pure white color. Photo: Ho Phuong

During the season of blooming Ban flowers, the Thai people in the Northwest often hold festivals called Xen Ban and Xen Muong, also known as Ban Flower Festival. During the festival, young men and women have the opportunity to meet, sing love songs, enjoy wine together and hold hands to open the xoe circle... Throughout the journey, we dreamed of the Xen Ban and Xen Muong festivals in the Western region of Nghe An - an opportunity for friends from near and far to come and admire and explore the beauty of the mountains and forests of the border.

Reaching the “heavenly gate” Pa Tac - the border between the two communes of Dooc May and Keng Du, one can hear the song “Love letter of the mountain” by musician An Thuyen echoing. The lyrics of the song are both passionate, bustling, and resonant and profound: “A forest of white blooming Ban flowers/ A love I have in the middle of the distant mountains and forests...”.

Cong Khang