For Hanoians, lotus ponds are the paradise that saves them from the hot tropical summer that "melts away the gold". In more than 1,000 years of history, have Hanoians ever lived without lotus?
Extremely blessed for those who live next to a lotus pond. Despite the common temperature of a whole city writhing in the "El Nino" cycle reaching over 40 degrees Celsius, the space of the lotus pond still brings a very different comfort, from the temperature threshold, air and feeling.
Under the scorching sun to the point of dizziness, the breath of the lotus pond is still a wonderful breath of life, helping people overcome stress in a self-reliant and healthy way. It is completely different from the "more harm than good" cool air of air conditioners, bringing a little comfort at an extremely expensive price for health, economy and dependence.
Therefore, it is no coincidence that Hanoians release lotus in water surface areas where it is possible, even when the tropical heat has not been intensified by climate change phenomena. They also not only grow lotus simply because it is an economically beneficial plant or because it has a beautiful fragrance.
The reason for the existence of lotus ponds in this land is because that is the way Hanoians regulate their living space most effectively, gaining the most benefits, to survive adapting to the living environment. In the house there is a lotus pond, in the village there is a lotus pond, in the communal house and pagoda there is a lotus pond... just like that naturally becomes a summary of people's livelihoods.
The summer wind is still hot due to the sun and surrounding temperature, but when it blows through the lotus pond, the moisture from mud and water rising up has cooled the breezes, and at the same time the aroma of lotus leaves and flowers also scents the breeze before flying to another place. Inhale a breeze blowing from the lotus pond like that, we will feel so happy.
Therefore, lotus ponds and lotus lakes have sprung up around West Lake, Xuan Dinh, Thanh Tri, Gia Lam and areas along the Red River for generations. Among them, the most famous is the West Lake lotus area, which has become a geographical indication for lotus varieties growing in this water surface space.
West Lake is a scenic spot, the most scenic land of Hanoi, associated with the legend of Thang Long and the lotus ponds are a golden patch creating value. Hanoians are still proud: "That's gold, this is also black bronze. That's lilies, this is West Lake lotus".
Thien Ly flowers fragrant for hundreds of miles, thousands of miles, but the lotus of West Lake is no less competitive, it can scent even the vast "vast lake" as well as the surrounding area. Dam Tri, Thuy Su pond is always filled with blue lotus leaves, then on that green background, countless white and pink lotus buds rise up to show off their jade beauty faces.
I once went to Hangzhou (China) to visit West Lake. This place also grows endless lotus, creating a mesmerizing and secular beauty. However, the lotus there is not as fragrant and pure as the lotus ponds in West Lake of Hanoi, perhaps because of the same species but different varieties.
Hundred-petal lotus (hundred-petal lotus) of Tri lagoon, Thuy Su pond is a lotus variety with a very expensive fragrance. That fragrance is fragrant but persistent, elegant but not sweet and harsh, bringing a feeling of comfort and relaxation. Therefore, that lotus is what makes the unique lotus tea of Hanoi people.
Lotus in Tay Ho (Hang Chau) is not allowed to be used for tea, but only uses lotus seeds to make very famous cakes. Like other types of lotus in Vietnam, most only harvest seeds, and not many places use them for tea, because the fragrance to make tea only exists in the Bach Diep Lotus variety of West Lake.
Enjoying the summer lotus pond has long been a dish of pleasure for writers and guests, but now it is for everyone in society. The lotus blooming season is also when the weather is hot, the lotus pond suddenly becomes a hot tourist destination. They come to find beautiful photos with lotus, to enjoy a cool space or simply find a shelter to escape the heat slick around the city.
Famous lotus growing spots in Hanoi include: Dam Tri, Thuy Su pond (West Lake area), Xuan Dinh pond (Tu Liem), Bat Trang lotus area, Vietnam Academy of Agriculture lotus pond, Ninh Xa lotus pond - Thuong Tin, Tam Hung white lotus pond - Thanh Oai.
