Proposal to select national flower approved

The Prime Minister has approved the proposal of selecting Vietnam’s national flower submitted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
In document No. 104 dated March 11, the PM has assigned the ministry to direct and coordinate with relevant agencies to collect public opinions and consider methods of selecting and honouring the national flower.
Being the national flower, the selected one must be indigenous to the country, found in most provinces, reflect the culture, ethos and spirit of the Vietnamese people, have a beautiful shape, colour and fragrance, and possess commercial value.
Besides, it should be commonly found, related to important cultural events, mentioned in literary and artistic works, and celebrated by most people.
In the past years, the ministry has conducted a number of meetings and seminars, organised polls across the country to collect public opinions by direct vote and via the Internet. The lotus led the internet poll with 62.1 percent of total votes.
The pink lotus, symbolising cultural character, national spirit and Vietnamese will, has long been the inspiration for countless festivals, poems, songs as well as typical architecture throughout Vietnam.