With just weeks left before Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026, the ornamental citrus market in Van Giang has entered its most bustling season of the year.

Across nurseries and gardens, the festive air is electric as growers unveil unique creations that blend horticultural mastery with symbolism, tradition, and aesthetic appeal.

Among the standout offerings this year are tangerine trees carefully sculpted into the shape of a horse - symbolizing the zodiac animal for the upcoming year. These striking, handcrafted trees are not only a visual marvel but also carry rich cultural meaning associated with good fortune and vitality.

According to local grower Hoang Chu Nguyen, crafting a successful horse-shaped tangerine tree begins with a meticulous selection of a single, healthy base tree.

“The key lies in the original tree,” he said. “It must be strong, fruit-bearing, have a well-structured canopy, and retain its fruit long enough to remain vibrant through the holiday season.”

Each curve and stretch of the branches is carefully calculated and shaped using specialized wires. “Every bend must feel natural yet deliberate, creating the silhouette of a graceful, soulful horse,” Nguyen explained. “These are all single-tree pieces - no grafting involved.”

Currently, mid-sized horse-shaped tangerine trees stand nearly three meters tall and are being sold for around USD 1,200 per tree. Smaller variants range from USD 1,000 to 1,150.

Nursery owners say demand is rising not just due to the unique form, but also because of the symbolic value. In Vietnamese culture, the horse represents strength, loyalty, and tireless progress. The traditional blessing “ma dao thanh cong” - wishing swift success - is associated with the animal, making it a meaningful centerpiece for homes and businesses during Tet.

Beyond horses, other popular citrus forms include gold ingots and vases - symbols of wealth and reunion. A gold-ingot-shaped tangerine tree, for instance, is currently priced at around USD 240.

The most expensive listings this year are two large-scale creations titled Tam Da Co Tu and Song Tu Bai Mau, each more than four meters long and 3.5 meters tall, priced at nearly USD 6,000 apiece.

In addition to outright sales, many customers - especially businesses - are opting to rent these high-value trees for Tet displays.

According to grower Manh Thuy, most trees have already been pre-ordered, while the largest and most valuable pieces remain on-site for rental customers. “Prices are higher this year than previous years, but demand is still very strong,” he said. “It’s a good season for citrus growers.”