Vietnamese Symbols Throughout 4000 Years History

Discover the most important symbols of Vietnam, such as the national flag, the lotus flower, and the bamboo tree. These symbols reflect the rich culture and history of Vietnam, continuing to hold significant meaning in the lives of the Vietnamese people today. With a history spanning over 4,000 years, Vietnam has preserved a wealth of cultural heritage despite various periods of colonization by Chinese empires.

In this article, we will explore the key symbols of Vietnamese culture throughout history. There has been much debate over which symbols best represent Vietnam; some suggest the Ao Dai, others the lotus flower, and still others the Lac bird.

Below, you will find a comprehensive overview of the symbols that embody Vietnam, including ancient symbols, symbols of good luck, and symbols of love, along with their meanings.

Vietnamese symbols often include elements related to the country’s culture, history, and traditional values. Some notable Vietnamese symbols include:

1. Lotus Flower: Symbolizing purity, commitment, and optimism for the future.
2. Vietnamese Dragon: Representing power, nobility, and protection, often associated with the emperor.
3. Turtle: Symbolizing longevity, stability, and protection.
4. Bamboo: Representing resilience, strength, and flexibility.
5. Conical Hat (Nón Lá): A traditional symbol of Vietnamese attire, especially among farmers.
6. Water Buffalo: Representing agriculture and the hard-working nature of Vietnamese farmers.
7. Ao Dai: The traditional Vietnamese dress, symbolizing elegance and grace.
8. Dong Son Drums: Ancient bronze drums representing the historical and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
9. Chopsticks: Representing Vietnamese cuisine and daily life.
10. Rice Paddy Fields: Symbolizing the agrarian culture and the importance of rice in Vietnamese life.

Each of these symbols carries deep cultural significance and is often seen in Vietnamese art, literature, and daily life.

National Flag of Vietnam

Vietnam’s flag is made up of only two colors. The flag has a crimson field, which is meant to represent the Vietnamese people’s national rebellion. The red flag with a yellow star is a symbol of Vietnamese independence and unity.

Since the French Revolution (1945-1954), the Vietnamese government has utilized the National Flag of Vietnam to mobilize the people to resist the French colony. The flag now has its current design, which includes a red backdrop and a yellow star, after some minor changes.

The identity of the flag’s designer remains a mystery, with little hope of discovering the answer. Some say it was made by Nguyen Huu Tien, a revolutionary, while others claim it was produced by Le Hong Phong and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, two well-known characters in the French resistance in the 1940s.

The Bamboo Tree – A Symbol For Vietnamese Resilience

The bamboo tree is an important icon in Vietnamese culture and daily life. It may be found practically everywhere in Vietnam, but primarily in rural regions. The sturdy, straight, and tall bamboo trees symbolize the Vietnamese people’s fortitude and bravery.

The bamboo tree is a symbol of strength and flexibility. It is also a reminder of the Vietnamese people’s determination and ability to adapt to change.

Furthermore, because bamboo trees grow in clusters with vigor, they reflect the Vietnamese people’s solidarity, as well as their dedication and commitment to their motherland.

The Lotus Flower – symbol flower of Vietnam

The national flower of Vietnam is the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). The lotus holds great cultural and symbolic significance in Vietnam, representing purity, resilience, and optimism. It is often associated with Vietnamese Buddhism and is admired for its ability to grow beautifully in muddy waters, symbolizing the human capacity to rise above challenges and adversity.

The lotus flower, Vietnam’s national flower, is revered as the “dawn flower” and symbolizes purity, dedication, and hope for the future. Remarkably, the lotus closes and submerges underwater at night, only to rise and bloom again with the morning light.

This resilient flower thrives throughout Vietnam, often seen in the murky waters of lakes and ponds. The lotus is deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture, with all its parts being utilized in both culinary dishes and traditional medicine.

The beauty and symbolism of the lotus have also influenced Vietnamese architecture. A notable example is the Tram Huong Tower in Nha Trang, a popular tourist destination. This striking structure, located on a street corner near the seashore, draws inspiration from the lotus blossom, further showcasing its cultural significance.

The Ao dai – Vietnamese traditional long dress

The Ao Dai is Vietnam’s most popular traditional costume, derived from the vein lenn shirt, which wraps both men’s and women’s bodies from the neck to or past the knee.

Ao Dai is frequently worn on formal occasions or by schoolgirls on their way to school. Men, on the other hand, rarely wear Ao Dai.

The Ao Dai is a traditional Vietnamese long dress. It is a symbol of Vietnamese culture and femininity.

Some argue that the Ao Dai should not be picked as a symbol because Vietnam has many other traditional costumes such as the Ao Ngu Than, Ao Ba Ba, Ao Tu Than, Ao Nhat Binh, Ao Gam, and so on.

Each costume has its own unique quality and appeal. Despite the fact that the Kinh people make up the largest group, Vietnam is still a multi-ethnic country, with many ethnic minorities wearing their own traditional costumes.

The conical hat – A Symbol of Vietnamese Charm and Romance

Tourists traveling around Vietnam seldom fail to notice the native lovely ladies dressed in Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) and Non La (conical leaf hat, Vietnamese: Nón Lá) strolling smoothly through the streets.

The Ao Dai, without a doubt, reflects the femininity and charm of Vietnamese women, while the appeal and functionality of the Nón Lá provide a lovely harmony of the full outfit, providing a strong sense of elegance and romance to every visitor that enters the nation.

Nón Lá acquired the popular name “Vietnamese conical hat” because of its distinctive shape.

The conical hat (aka Nón Lá) is a traditional Vietnamese hat. It is a symbol of Vietnamese culture and agriculture.

Because the Vietnamese conical leaf hat serves many functions in life, it has become a familiar and close item in the lives of Vietnamese people. In rural areas, moms frequently wear conical caps to the market or to labor in the fields.

The Vietnamese conical hat is a sign of the polite and hardworking Vietnamese people, who have lovely labor traits.

Conical hats are a popular accessory for Vietnamese females to wear with their Ao Dai. Conical hats used for adornment are often light, sleek, and classy, with straps frequently made of soft silk to create a complete whole.

Vietnam is a tropical nation with both wet and dry seasons. Clearly, Nón Lá is vital for people to protect themselves from the heat that can remain for months, occasionally exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in intensity, as well as extended periods of lasting rain.

Though the Nón Lá has been seen since the country’s early days, no one knows when the conical headpiece first debuted.

Images of the Nón Lá, on the other hand, may be seen on the Trong Dong Ngoc Lu (Ngoc Lu bronze drum) and Thap Dong Dao Thinh (huge bronze cylindrical jar of Dao Thinh), both of which date back 2,500 to 3,000 years, showing that the hat was in use at the time, if not before.

Nón Lá had really existed as a daily necessity of the Vietnamese for thousands of years and was even included in stories and fiction passed down through the centuries.

Vietnamese Dragon

In Vietnamese culture, the dragon (Rồng) is a powerful and significant symbol. It represents several important concepts:

1. Power and Authority: Dragons are often associated with the emperor and the ruling class. They symbolize the ultimate power and authority, often being depicted in imperial palaces and on royal garments.
2. Good Fortune and Prosperity: Dragons are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. They are often invoked in ceremonies and celebrations to bring wealth, happiness, and good fortune.
3. Strength and Protection: The dragon symbolizes immense strength and protection. It is seen as a guardian that wards off evil spirits and negative energies, ensuring safety and security.
4. Water and Agriculture: In Vietnamese mythology, dragons are closely linked to water. They are believed to control rain and rivers, which are vital for agriculture in a predominantly agrarian society. This association makes the dragon a symbol of life-giving water and fertility of the land.
5. Harmony and Balance: When paired with the phoenix, the dragon symbolizes the balance between male and female forces, representing harmony in relationships, particularly in marriage.
6. Mythical and Cultural Significance: The dragon is one of the four sacred animals in Vietnamese culture, alongside the turtle, phoenix, and unicorn. It plays a crucial role in myths, legends, and cultural practices, embodying the spirit and identity of the Vietnamese people.

Overall, the dragon is a multifaceted symbol that encapsulates the core values of strength, protection, prosperity, and harmony in Vietnamese culture.

In Asian legend, the dragon stands as one of the most powerful creatures. For Vietnamese peasants, the dragon symbolized a fourfold deity: clouds, rain, thunder, and lightning.

The dragon is also one of the four sacred animals in Vietnamese tradition, alongside the tortoise, phoenix, and unicorn. Although these symbols are not officially recognized, they hold significant cultural importance.

From ancient times, Vietnamese people have regarded dragons as symbols of power and nobility. During the feudal period, the dragon was a special emblem for emperors. Only the emperor could wear clothing adorned with a dragon, signifying his status as the son of the king of heaven.

Dragons are often seen sculpted on the roofs of pagodas, embroidered on Ao Dai, and carved into luxurious furniture. This revered creature appears on artifacts from the Dong Son-Au Lac civilization of northern Vietnam, dating back to the first millennium B.C., often depicted in an S shape.

Long ago, astronomers identified the Dragon constellation, comprised of seven stars arranged in an S formation. The brightest star in this constellation is known as the Mind (Tam) or Divine (Than) star. The word “Than” can also be read as “Thin” (Dragon), marking the third month of the lunar calendar and representing the Yang vital force.

Dragons are deeply linked to kingship in Vietnamese culture. Many are familiar with the legends of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. Lac Long Quan, known as the King Dragon of the Lac Bird Clan, is considered the forefather of the Vietnamese people. He is believed to be the son of a dragon, while his wife, Au Co, is thought to be the daughter of a fairy.

To protect against aquatic creatures, their eldest son, King Hung, encouraged people to tattoo dragon images on their chests, bellies, and thighs.

Lac Bird (Chim Lạc)

Vietnam’s national bird is actually quite interesting! It’s not a real bird, but a mythical creature called the Lạc bird (Chim Lạc).

The Lạc bird is a symbol of Vietnamese culture and represents resilience and the aspiration to overcome challenges. You’ll often see it depicted in Vietnamese art.

While Vietnam doesn’t have an official national bird in the real world, some people consider the Red-headed Crane a symbolic bird of Vietnam due to its beauty and presence in the country.

The Chim Lac, often regarded as the national bird of Vietnam, holds a unique place in the cultural identity of the country, much like the Ao Dai and the Vietnamese conical leaf hat. These iconic symbols are instantly recognizable as distinctly Vietnamese.

The Lac bird, a legendary creature, is believed by some to represent the ancient Au Lac kingdom. Its image is famously etched onto the faces of the Đông Sơn bronze drums, highlighting its historical significance.

Vietnamese culture is rich with myths and stories about its origins, which have been passed down through generations. These tales range from enchanting stories of fairy goddesses to terrifying ancient monsters, showcasing the depth and variety of Vietnamese folklore.

One of the most debated legends is that of the Chim Lac, a mythical bird deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. Many consider the Lac bird a cultural icon, symbolizing the spirit and history of Vietnam.

In mythology, the Lạc bird is typically depicted with outstretched wings and a long beak, embodying the aspiration to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. It frequently appears in traditional Vietnamese art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles, where it symbolizes beauty, grace, and the pursuit of excellence. Artists and poets draw inspiration from its elegant form to express themes of transcendence, nobility, and spiritual harmony.

The Lạc bird is also a significant figure in Vietnamese folklore, often linked with auspicious events and seen as a harbinger of luck and destiny. Legends suggest that it played a role in the establishment of ancient Vietnamese dynasties, representing divine approval and royal lineage. Sightings of the bird are considered omens of significant events.

Beyond its mythical importance, the Lạc bird features prominently in traditional ceremonies and festivals, symbolizing blessings and protection. Its image adorns temples and ancestral houses, serving as a guardian against negative energies.

Overall, the Lạc bird is a timeless emblem of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, encapsulating the nation’s aspirations, spiritual beliefs, and artistic traditions.

Turtle

Perhaps specific to the Vietnamese river culture, the water turtle (swam turtle, sea turtle) has become a sacred and deified symbol in the minds of Vietnamese people.

The phrase “Kim Qui turtle god” is assigned to a divine character with the shape of a huge golden turtle emerging from the sea.

In Vietnamese culture, the tortoise bearing a sacred and sacred symbol first appeared in the legend during the founding of the Au Lac kingdom of An Duong Vuong – Thuc Phan.

According to legend, during the reign of An Duong Vuong who founded the country, the Tortoise – Kim Quy appeared twice to help the king.

The first time he appeared to help An Duong Vuong successfully build Co Loa citadel and give the king his magic nail to make a magic crossbow, a magic crossbow that can shoot hundreds of thousands of arrows, to protect the country from the invasion of the Northern invaders.

The second time, the god Kim Qui appeared to point out that the country’s seller was My Chau and brought An Duong Vuong to the sea.

In addition, turtles in Vietnamese culture are very prominent in the process of defending the country, under the Ming invasion and domination of Dai Viet, according to legend, the god turtle helped Le Loi defeat the Northern invaders by lending him a stick sword, and then Kim Quy regained the sword at Hoan Kiem Lake when the king rode a dragon boat on this lake, and since then this lake has been called Sword Lake or Hoan Kiem Lake.

Rice is an unofficial symbol of Vietnam

Rice may be much more than a form of a staple for Vietnamese. Rice is unquestionably the most significant component of Vietnamese traditional culture and a driving force in history.

It’s not only because rice is the most often consumed grain in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s also because rice feeds the populace and has a secret beauty that might complement the already lovely Vietnamese culture. Rice is the unofficial symbol of Vietnam.

Vietnamese Symbols and Their Meanings

Vietnamese culture is rich in symbolism, and many of the country’s most important symbols are associated with nature. For example, the lotus flower is a symbol of purity and resilience, while the banyan tree represents strength and longevity. Other important symbols include the dragon, the turtle, and the five-pointed star. These symbols are often used in art, architecture, and literature, and they help to convey the rich history and culture of Vietnam.

Here are some of the most important Vietnamese symbols and their meanings:

• Lotus flower: The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and resilience. It is often depicted rising from the mud, which represents the ability to overcome adversity.
• Banyan tree: The banyan tree is a symbol of strength and longevity. It is often depicted with many roots, which represent the ability to spread and grow.
• Dragon: The dragon is a symbol of royalty, power, and prosperity. It is often depicted with five claws, which represent the five elements: earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.
• Turtle: The turtle is a symbol of wisdom and longevity. It is often depicted with a long tail, which represents the ability to move forward.

These are just a few of the many important Vietnamese symbols. By learning about these symbols, you can gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and history.

National Symbols

National Emblem of Vietnam

Since 1955, the Vietnamese government has used the national emblem as its official symbol. The original current national emblem is the Democratic Republic of Vietnam’s symbol.

Following the country’s reunification in 1975, it was designated as the National Emblem of Vietnam. Artist Bui Trang Chiem designed it, and Tran Van Can edited it.

This pictorial symbol is used in official government documents and monetary items such as coins and banknotes, and it represents the country in the international community.

The State Emblem is a five-pointed golden star in the midst of a circle on a red backdrop, symbolizing the nation’s revolutionary history, the socialist regime led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, and a bright future.

The national emblem includes the words “The Socialist Republic of Vietnam” in Vietnamese, which is the country’s name and political regime.

Rice surrounds the symbol, which represents agriculture; a cogwheel, which represents industry; and, finally, the words “Socialist Republic of Vietnam” in Vietnamese, which is the country’s name and political regime.

Some of the Vietnamese folk symbols

Vietnamese good luck symbol

According to Vietnamese mythology, four holy animals symbolize strength, knowledge, longevity, and nobility: the dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix.
As a result, the Phoenix is a lovely and dignified bird.

The phoenix is a beautiful and noble bird. While the dragon represents the emperor, the phoenix is used to represent the queen. In ancient texts, it is described that the phoenix has the neck of a snake, the breast of a swallow, the back of a turtle, and the tail of a fish.

This mythical bird symbolizes virtue, nobility, and grace. That is why the Vietnamese always consider the Phoenix as a symbol of the wealth and purity of women like princesses and queens.

The phoenix is a magnificent and noble bird. The Vietnamese consider the phoenix to be a good omen for the areas where it settles. The union of the dragon and the phoenix represents the lovers’ happiness, luck, position, and renown.

People frequently exchange dragon phoenix paintings, bronze paintings, or phoenix sculptures with the intention of wishing one another luck and wealth.

Symbol for love

Currently, in Vietnam, there may not be a distinct universal symbol for love, but the Vietnamese tradition holds certain items in high regard as symbols of love. Among these, the areca nut and the betel leaf play a significant role, so much so that the phrase “matters of betel and areca” (chuyện trầu cau) is synonymous with marriage in the Vietnamese language.

Throughout Vietnamese history, the betel leaf and areca nut have been integral components of every traditional Vietnamese wedding, and this tradition continues to this day. Besides, the “Phu The cake” is also considered an eternal symbol of the love of husbands and wives in Vietnamese culture.

Symbol for strength

For the Vietnamese, the symbol of strength and longevity is probably the turtle. It’s still controversial, but when it comes to turtles, people often think of strength and longevity.

In addition, water buffalo is also a symbolic animal in Vietnam. Perhaps because the water buffalo has been associated with agriculture for a long time.

When it comes to buffalo, people also immediately think of extraordinary health. In Vietnam, when it comes to someone who is very healthy, people often say: “Strong as a buffalo”.

If for a long time in Vietnamese folk beliefs, the tiger symbolizes fame and luck, while the buffalo symbolizes courage, happiness, and prosperity.  Buffalo plays a very important role in Vietnam’s agriculture. The buffalo in Vietnam has long been considered the most valuable possession of farmers.

Vietnamese symbol for happiness and other blessings

Red, symbolizes luck, fortune, and happiness. Like China, red or yellow-red envelopes (aka Li Xi) are used to give each other during the Tet (Vietnamese traditional New Year holiday) to express the wish for wealth and prosperity and good luck for the recipient.

The combination of dragon and phoenix symbolizes the happiness, luck, status, and fame of lovers.

Basic Vietnamese Color Meanings

• • Red – happiness, love, luck, celebration
  • Yellow – wealth, prosperity, royalty, happiness, change
  • Green – jealousy, lust
  • Blue – calmness, hope, growth
  • Purple – nostalgia, sadness, fragility, tenderness
  • White – purity, death, the end
  • Black – evil

To wrap things up

The symbol for culture includes national cultural characteristics. If Australia chooses the kangaroo, Singapore chooses the lion, Japan chooses the cherry blossom, Hong Kong chooses the death flower, Thailand chooses the purple orchid, and Laos chooses the elephant, then Vietnam, so far, has not been unified as a common symbol of culture.

Temple Of Literature, Trong Dong, Lac Bird, blooming lotus, bud lotus, peach blossom, Ao Dai, Vietnamese conical leaf hat, village gate, a buffalo, or even Pho, for a long time now, there are many opinions on choosing one among them is a symbol imbued with national identity, representing Vietnamese culture.

In essence, those are just aspects of culture, symbols of flowers, cuisine, traditional costumes… In fact, Vietnam is still on a journey to find Vietnamese cultural symbols.

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