The Enduring Symbolism of the Horse in Vietnamese Culture

As Vietnam celebrates the Lunar New Year, the image of the horse resonates deeply within the nation’s cultural fabric, embodying qualities of strength, perseverance, and good fortune. From traditional folklore to contemporary arts, the horse continues to inspire and educate, particularly within the educational system and artistic expression.

A Legacy in Folklore and Education

Vietnamese folk literature frequently features the horse, appearing in numerous nursery rhymes and children’s songs. These rhymes not only evoke a sense of the past but also impart valuable lessons to young learners. Teachers like Nguyen Thi Phuong Dai of Tran Khanh Du Primary School in Ho Chi Minh City emphasize the educational value of these traditions, noting that rhymes such as “My black horse has a golden saddle, I ride this horse to visit my beloved…” foster a connection to heritage and express themes of loyalty.

Beyond simple entertainment, these rhymes instill virtues like diligence, perseverance, and compassion. Ms. Dai highlights the proverb, “A horse travels a long distance without getting tired, an ambitious person never gives up,” as a powerful message for students, encouraging them to overcome challenges with unwavering determination.

Musical Expressions of the Horse

The horse’s symbolism extends into Vietnamese music, particularly in Southern folk songs and contemporary compositions. Music teacher Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh of Tran Khanh Du Primary School explains that the black horse often represents strength, loyalty, romantic love, and traditional marriage customs.

Songs like “Ly Ngua O,” a traditional folk song from Southern Vietnam, and “Tuy Hung Ngua O” by Tran Tien, depict the horse with a “shiny, thick black coat, decorated with vibrant colors,” symbolizing pride and joy. These musical pieces often evoke the waterways of South Vietnam, with the rhythm of the horse’s hooves creating a lively atmosphere.

Other notable songs featuring the horse include “Ly Ngua O” (Central Folk Song), “Ly Ngua O Bac” (Northern Folk Song), “Ngua Phi Duong Xa” (The Yen), and “Nhong Nhong Nhong” (Le Hien).

The Horse as a Cultural Symbol

Nguyen Tuan Anh, a plastic arts teacher at Tan Binh High School in Ho Chi Minh City, observes that the horse is consistently associated with positive attributes in Vietnamese culture, making it a cherished and faithful companion. The horse symbolizes luck, happiness, strength, power, wealth, prosperity, agility, creativity, and vitality.

Teachers extend their wishes for the New Year, hoping students will embody the horse’s qualities of creativity, enthusiasm, integrity, and resilience. As Ms. Phuong Dai stated, “May we see in the students a strength of character comparable to that of valiant horses, capable of galloping to the heights of glory.”

Celebrating the Year of the Horse

The Lunar New Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) is marked by festivals and artistic displays celebrating this iconic animal. The “Eight Horses Chasing the Wind” mascot group, for example, galloped along Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, to welcome the New Year.