The Magic of Autumn

Though I have lived in Dong Nai, my second homeland, for over 20 years, each time autumn arrives, I am overwhelmed with a deep longing for the exquisite autumn of Hanoi, a season unlike any other.

Autumn arrives in the remote commune of Nam Cat Tien

Hanoi's autumn is an endless source of inspiration, steeped in poetry and deeply etched into the hearts of generations. For us students back then, nothing was more delightful than the soft golden afternoons, riding bicycles through the city's streets. We followed the delicate, rustic scent of young green rice, passing ripening paddy fields heavy with milky grains, weaving into narrow alleys of Vong village in search of that traditional taste. We would ask local photographers to help us capture romantic moments with flower vendors and street hawkers, whose shoulders seemed to carry the whole spirit of autumn. We wore flowing ao dai under ancient trees, their golden leaves gently falling, drifting towards the far horizon. Evenings were for strolling down streets heavy with the intoxicating scent of blackboard tree's flowers, laughing with friends as we shared stories of youth, moments so soothing they melted away every worry. Sometimes, all we needed was a quiet morning spent strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, soaking in the poetic charm of the scene, watching how people, out of deep affection for Hanoi, had traveled from far and wide to be here in its crisp, gentle weather.

Our most cherished memory was the National Day holiday on September 2, when we eagerly awaited Independence Day and made our way to the breezy Ba Dinh Square. There, we gazed at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum at night, glowing under shimmering lights, standing out against the green lawns. With a sense of peace, we lifted our eyes to the tranquil sky, then looked upon the honor guards solemnly keeping watch over the eternal sleep of our beloved Leader Ho Chi Minh. In those moments, our hearts overflowed with emotion, filled with remembrance of Uncle Ho and pride in the nation's glorious history.

Right here in historic Ba Dinh Square unfolded the most glorious and joyful autumn in Vietnam's history – the autumn of the August Revolution in 1945. On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, officially founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam). In that moment, the entire Vietnamese people erupted in joy, rising to reclaim their sovereignty and dispel the long, dark night of nearly a century of colonial bondage. History turned a new page as vibrant autumns blossomed across the S-shaped land – seasons of independence and freedom, of prosperity, warmth, and deep national solidarity.

For our generation, it's hard to explain what it truly meant to experience autumn in the heart of the nation during National Day. We only knew that Hanoi ignited within us a fire, a burning determination to study hard and strive for excellence. Many of us became Party members while still in university, driven by a strong sense of purpose and idealism more than two decades ago.

Even now, if I could choose when to fly back to Hanoi, I would always choose autumn. It is the most beautiful time of the year, a season for holding on to tender memories, for stillness, for emotional renewal, and for restoring energy. For those fortunate enough to have been closely tied to Hanoi over time, it's easy to sense when autumn arrives and when it fades, without ever needing to glance at a calendar. A basket of green young rice, golden ripe dracontomelum fruit, the heady scent of 'thi' from old folk tales, or the appearance of signature seasonal flowers, all quietly signal that autumn is drawing near. And when young women, radiant and shy, linger in daisy gardens striking graceful poses, it is a sign that the earth is turning, the season shifting, and autumn is gently coming to a close.

Now, as we celebrate the 50th peaceful autumn since the country's reunification, nearly four decades of national renewal have transformed our homeland. Vietnam's image grows ever brighter, shaped by the remarkable hands and minds of its people.

In this bustling southern land, even during August's daily rush, riding a motorbike under golden sunlight, breathing in the fresh, cool air, and smiling, you'll sense that autumn has arrived.

In Dong Nai today, from urban centers to the most remote rural areas, a vibrant new energy is emerging. Streets adorned with flags and flowers welcome the upcoming Party congresses, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, and National Day on September 2.

Spanning eight decades, the historic autumn of 1945 still carries the breath of the times, amplifying trust, fueling decisive action, and guiding the nation forward with confidence into an era of rising stature.

To love the beauty of autumn is to more deeply understand and cherish the values that live within this season today. On a sun-drenched autumn morning in Nam Cat Tien, a remote commune glowing with freshness, I watched farmers eagerly building new lives, and my heart echoed with the verse by poet Nguyen Sy Dai: “It is everything most beloved. When no words can express it, we call out: Oh, Fatherland!”

And so, the feelings that autumn evokes remain ever magical, ever new.

By: Thanh Hai
Translated by: Hong Van - Minho