The first magnolia buds began to swell the week of bail. Our anticipation flowered with the season.
The genus of magnolia that proliferates across Korea is different to our European variety. The mountain magnolia is the national flower of North Korea specifically. Kim Il Sung named it Mokran — tree-orchid. It blooms throughout the summer, rather than the spring. Nevertheless, its Korean name is fitting for all varieties: resilient trees beset by fleeting, fragile flowers; strength and fragility in one plant.
The flowers bloom on the day of their return. Bright pink explosions match the curtains we open to let in the spring morning light.