A symbol of Vietnam 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.
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| Non la- vietnam symbols |
Lotus
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| Lotus vietnam symbols |
In mind of Vietnamese people, lotus symboizes the pure,
bright and noble beauty. Lotus is seen as one of Vietnamese culture 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
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| ao dai vietnam symbols |
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
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| vietnam symbols |
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!
