What are Symbols of Vietnam culture?

A symbol ofVietnam nation is the typical image representing for the entire nation. In addition, Vietnam symbol has diverse forms. Almost national symbols of a country originate from the nature such as animal or bird (mascot), flowers (national flower), etc. There are differences between official national symbol and un-official national symbol. Un-official national symbol is often related to tourism image, representing an important national or international event. Many un-official symbols of Vietnam are very important and commonly known more than the official one. Symbol of a culture contains national cultural identity. If Australia chooses kanguroo, Singapore chooses a lion, Japan choose cherry blossom, Hong Kong chooses Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Thailand chooses purple orchid, Laos chooses an elephant, Vietnam up until know, has not unified the main symbol of Vietnam culture yet.

Lotus

In mind of Vietnamese people, lotus symboizes the pure, bright and noble beauty. Lotus is seen as one of Vietnameseculture symbols. It also implies the beauty of gentle and honest Vietnamese people. Lotus has a “strange” and strong vitality, which implies extrovertedness, elegance, and spirit of recovering in any difficult context of Vietnamese. In addition, the image of lotus appears in Vietnamese Buddhist architectures as an art image. One of typical architectures inspired from lotus is One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi. Simple, elegent and pure, Lotus embodies personality, lifestyle and Vietnamese soul. Lotus is also a priceless gift of the nature, as lotus can be an useful ingredient for nutrious food or special remedy. Though time changes, lotus still keeps its purity, elegant perfume like Vietnamese people who are always rising brightly as lotus rising to absorb the sunlight.

Ao dai

Ao dai (long dress) is not just a Vietnamese traditional costume, but also one of typical symbols of Vietnamese culture, a symbol of cultural identity and spirit of Vietnam. During the length of Vietnam history, Vietnamese people nearly had to fight with invaders to protect their sovereignty and cultural values. Ao Dai is a wonderful work of art which reflects Vietnamese identity and spirit. The special dress embraces the body, making who wear Ao dai look more elegant and beautiful. Ao dai appears anywhere in daily life. Where there are Vietnamese women, there are Vietnamese Ao dai. It is the “national soul” of Vietnamese women.

Golden buffalo

At the 22nd SEA Games 2003 held in Vietnam, golden buffalo was chosen as mascot for the biggest sports event in South East Asia. It was explained that the selected symbol of SEA Games 22 in Vietnam reflected the gentle, sociable and hardworking essence of Vietnamese people in Wet Rice Civilization. Golden buffalo is associated with the legend of Hanoi West Lake. Golden buffalo symbolizes the desire of good harvests, wealth, happiness and martial spirit of Vietnamese people. It is also an appropriate explanation for one of Vietnamese cultural symbols, which refers to Vietnam widely known by international friends.

However, the official symbol of Vietnam has not been defined, as it is decided by Vietnamese government’s regulation or official annoucement of state. Apart from official Vietnam symbols of national flag, emblem, anthem..., Vietnam has many icons symbolizing the country, the people as lotus, Ao dai, and golden buffalo... All icons receive agreement of the public. With these symbols, Vietnam is always recognized easily in international events. And, we are proud of being Vietnamese people!