Exploring the symbolism of the Snake in Vietnamese culture
The Snake glides to the sixth position in the Vietnamese zodiac, but its cultural significance extends far beyond mere numerology. While the Dragon reigns as a symbol of imperial power, the Snake maintains a more intimate and protective connection with daily life, embodying both fortune and peril, blessing and trepidation.
Hanoi (VNA) –𒀰 The Snake glides to the sixth position in the Vietnamese zodiac, but its cultural significance extends far beyond mere numerology. While the Dragon reigns as a symbol of imperial power, the Snake maintains a more intimate and protective connection with daily life, embodying both fortune and peril, blessing and trepidation.
Mascot shapes modern art and religious practices
According to Dr.Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History, the Snake’s cultural significance manifests in multiple ancient civilians. Beyond its prevalent appearance as the divine Naga in Champa religious beliefs and culture, Snake images were discovered on the Ngoc Lu bronze drum from the Dong Son period, dating back some 2,000 years.
The drum, found in Ngoc Lu village, the northern province of Ha Nam, features a distinctive water snake with its mouth agape and body forming a boat-like shape, which is believed to be the earliest representation of the dragon boat. It was engraved with a bird rushing to its mouth, which, Doan said, symbolises the perfect harmony of yin and yang.
The Naga snakes are popular in Vietnam’s Khmer pagodas. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Painter Le Thiet Cuong highlighted the Snake’s connection with Buddhism, recounting the tale of Buddha’s meditation under the Mucalinda tree, where the Naga serpent king protected him from a downpour by creating a canopy with its seven heads. The serpent was then entrusted to protect “Kinh Bat Nha” (heart of perfect wisdom sutra).
The Naga Snake at Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang province (Photo: VietnamPlus)
This sacred connection has influenced Buddhist architecture throughout Vietnam, particularly in Khmer Buddhist temples where Naga serpents feature prominently in decorative motifs.
Painters Le Thiet Cuong and Hoang Phuong Lien at the Tet Ty (the New Year of the Snake) exhibition (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The Snake holds a crucial position in Vietnamese folk religion, particularly in Mother Goddess worship. Dr. Chu Xuan Giao of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences notes that every Mother Goddess temple features the Green and White Snakes as guardian deities. In the Red River Delta, generations have worshipped Ong Coc-Ong Dai, a pair of divine Snakes believed to protect the inhabitants of the riverine areas.
In Vietnamese art and culture, the Snake carries the symbolism of fertility and growth, inspired by its skin-shedding behaviour.
Giao said the Snake is an ancient mascot of the Vietnamese people, elaborating the older the relics and artifacts, the more likely it is to encounter the Snake imagery.
Contemporary artists reimagine ancient symbol
As Vietnam is ringing in the Year of the Snake, artists are finding fresh inspiration in this ancient symbol, creating art works that highlight traditional culture while showcasing the spirit of modernity and integration.
Artist Luong Minh Hoa and Latoa Indochine made “Ngu Phuc Lam Mon” (five blessings at the gate)
Artist Luong Minh Hoa and Latoa Indochine made “Ngu Phuc Lam Mon” (five blessings at the gate), a lacquer painting with traditional symbols like house, turtle, and bat that represent stability, longevity, and happiness arranged on a snake’s body curved to form the character for “Phuc” (blessing).
Painter Luong Minh Hoa (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The Snake's natural ability to shed its skin symbolises renewal, flexibility, and adaptability, Hoa said, expressing his hope that the painting, with the symbolism of a blessing, will be a meaningful gift on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.
Having strong passions for traditional lacquer, artist Le Huy created the "TY." art work, featuring intertwined Snakes whose bodies evoke the form of bamboo – flexible yet unbreakable, symbolising Vietnam’s enduring strength and resilience. The bodies were carved and gilded with the four noble plants of plum blossoms, lotus, Chrysanthemums flowers, and cane, representing the four seasons and embodying deep philosophical values.
The "TY." art work by Le Huy
Huy said the art work is a greeting for a new year of fullness, prosperity, love, and happiness.
Director Vuong Duc, former Director of the Vietnam Feature Film Studio, observed that contemporary artists are using the Snake motif to promote positive values.
Director Vuong Duc (R) enjoys “Vong truong sinh” (cycle of immortality) by artist Vuong Linh. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
In the natural ecosystem, there are both benevolent and venomous snakes, just as there is good and evil in humanity. Artists are choosing to portray snakes with their benevolent aspect, reflecting humanity's aspirations toward goodness, he said./.
Bringing spring to everywhere, Vietjet has launched the service for transporting peach and apricot blossoms on domestic flights from now until February 15, 2025 (the 18th day of the first month in the Year of the Snake), with a price of 450,000 VND (17,7 USD) per bundle (excluding taxes and fees).
The Hanoi suburban village of Le Mat, well-known nationwide for its snake farms and restaurants, has officially became a tourist destination of the capital city.
The Hanoi Old Quarter will be vibrant with traditional cultural colours during the event entitled “Tet Viet - Tet Pho” (Vietnamese New Year - Street Festival) programme, organised by the Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter Management Board (Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi). The event, held annually as the Lunar New Year approaches, attracts a large number of both domestic and international tourists.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
