Vietnamese Culture

Summary of Historical Background

Vietnam was heavily influenced by Chinese civilization, particularly during periods of Chinese domination. This influence can be seen in Vietnamese language, literature, philosophy, and governance structures.


Despite centuries of Chinese rule, Vietnam maintained a distinct cultural identity. It was further shaped by Asian cultures, such as the Cham and Khmer civilizations. The rebellion led by the Trung Sisters in the 1st century CE, along with later uprisings against Chinese rule, show how Vietnam protected their cultural heritage. However the Trung Sisters were later defeated by the Han. 


In the 10th century was the beginning of an independent Vietnamese state under the rule of the Đinh and Lê dynasties. This period lead to the flourishment of Vietnamese literature, art, and scholarship, as well as Buddhism becoming the dominant religion in Vietnam.

Cultural Traditions 

VALUES:

Vietnamese culture is characterized by its strong emphasis on family, community, and Confucian values. The extended family plays a central role in Vietnamese society, with multiple generations often living together under one roof and participating in communal rituals and celebrations.

One of the most prominent cultural traditions in Vietnam is the celebration of Tet Nguyen Dan, or Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of spring and the agricultural cycle. Tet is a time for family reunions, feasting, and paying respects to ancestors through rituals such as ancestor worship and offering symbolic offerings.

CUISINE:

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its diversity, freshness, and balance of flavors. Staple ingredients such as rice, fish sauce, and fresh herbs are used to create dishes. Popular Vietnamese dishes include:

Pho 

Banh mi 

Spring rolls 

BEVERAGE:

[3] Che Tuoi, or fresh tea, is a traditional aspect of Vietnamese tea culture that holds significant importance. Drinking fresh tea serves as a symbol of hospitality, offering a break from daily routines and providing an opportunity for relaxation and social interaction. Fresh tea consumption is deeply intertwined with Vietnamese culture, emphasizing the importance of sharing time and conversation over a cup of tea. It represents more than just a beverage, serving as a means to connect with others and enjoy the company of family and friends.

In summary, Che Tuoi, the tradition of fresh tea in Vietnam, embodies the communal and social aspects of Vietnamese tea culture, highlighting the significance of simplicity, community, and connection in tea consumption practices.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Traditional Vietnamese music, dance, and theater have influences from both indigenous traditions and Chinese performing arts. Water puppetry, a unique form of theater that originated in the rice paddies of the Red River Delt have lively music, and comedic storytelling. The lanterns (also used in the lunar year) represent the hopes and wishes of the people, and they are believed to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity. 

DRAGONS [5]:

In Vietnam, the dragon is a sacred symbol associated with the legend that the Vietnamese people are descended from dragons and fairies. They are seen as symbols of power, strength, and good fortune, dragons are considered divine creatures associated with water, essential for agriculture and prosperity in Vietnamese society. They represent the nation's sovereignty and resilience, often depicted in art, architecture, and celebrations. 

LOTUS FLOWER [6]:

In Vietnamese culture, the lotus symbolizes purity, commitment and optimism for the future. Growing from muddy waters and blooming into a beautiful flower, the lotus represents the journey towards spiritual awakening and overcoming adversity. It is also associated with loyalty, beauty, and the promise of new beginnings. 

NATIONAL ANIMAL:

[4] Water buffalo is the national animal of Vietnam. They are called water buffalo because they love water, and they spend most of their day submerged in it. They represent bravery, happiness and prosperity. The water buffalo were a farmer's most valued possession and were often treated as a part of the family.

PAGODAS [7]:

Many of the temples in Vietnam are called "pagodas". This is defined as a Buddhist or Hindu temple. It serves as places of worship, meditation, and community gatherings for Buddhists. These buildings have multiple tiers, curved roofs, intricate decorations, and serene gardens, embodying the spiritual ideals of balance, harmony, and enlightenment. 

References 

[1] Vietnam | History, Population, Map, Flag, Government, & Facts. (2024, April 9). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Vietnam/Ethnic-groups

[2]Culture. (n.d.). https://web.stanford.edu/~hakuta/www/archives/syllabi/E_CLAD/Course3/vietnam/page2.html

[3] Deep roots of Vietnamese culture. (n.d.) https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=2154&context=isp_collection#:~:text=Further%20than%20economic%20potential%20though,unique%20culture%20that%20surrounds%20it.

[4]Water buffalo: A deep dive into Vietnam’s national animal. (n.d.). Vinpearl.com. Retrieved February 17, 2024, from https://vinpearl.com/en/water-buffalo-a-deep-dive-into-vietnams-national-animal#:~:text=2.3.-

[5]News, V. (n.d.). Báo VietnamNet. VietNamNet News. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://vietnamnet.vn/en/dragon-symbol-in-vietnamese-history-2249038.html#:~:text=In%20Vietnam%2C%20the%20dragon%20is

[6]Lotus - Voyage to Vietnam. (n.d.). Www.cdm.org. https://www.cdm.org/voyagetovietnam/lotus.html#:~:text=In%20Vietnam%2C%20the%20Lotus%20flower

[7]¿Qué son las pagoda? El origen de una de las torres más conocidas de Japón. (2022, June 2). Neox.atresmedia.com. https://neox.atresmedia.com/games/anime-manga/que-son-pagoda-origen-torres-mas-conocidas-japon_20220602629887c1a24b6e0001fc0a06.html