Hình tượng ngựa trong văn hóa Việt | VTV24

The Cultural Significance of the Horse in Vietnamese Tradition

Key Concepts:

• Con Giáp (Zodiac Animals): The twelve-year cycle of animals representing years and associated characteristics.
• Thẩm Nhị Địa Chi: A traditional Chinese system relating time periods to earthly branches, including the Horse.
• Ông Ngựa (Mr. Horse): The spiritual representation of the horse in Vietnamese beliefs.
• Mã Đáo Thành Công (Horse Arrives, Success Achieved): A Chinese idiom signifying success through diligence and speed, adopted into Vietnamese culture.
• Tín Ngưỡng Phồn Thực (Fertility Cult): Beliefs and practices related to ensuring abundance and reproduction.
• Dương Khí (Yang Energy): Positive, active energy in traditional Chinese philosophy.

I. Introduction: The Horse in Vietnamese Culture

The video explores the cultural significance of the Horse (Ngọ) within Vietnamese tradition, highlighting its presence in folk art, beliefs, festivals, and the historical understanding of the world. The Horse isn’t merely a zodiac sign; it embodies symbols deeply interwoven with the nation’s life and history. The program features an interview with Associate Professor Dr. Phạm Lan Oanh to delve into these meanings.

II. The Horse as a Symbol of Perseverance and Progress

Dr. Phạm Lan Oanh explains that in Eastern philosophy, the Horse corresponds to the time between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the period when sunlight is most intense, representing peak dương khí (Yang energy). This signifies a time when energy is accumulated and ready for action. The Horse, therefore, symbolizes movement, long-distance travel, and the transition from potential to realization. This is encapsulated in the proverb “Đường dài mới biết ngựa hay” (A long journey reveals a good horse), emphasizing the importance of perseverance. The Horse’s inherent characteristic of never retreating, only advancing, has been “culturalized” and associated with the year and people born in the year of the Horse, encouraging a spirit of initiation, persistence, and eventual success.

III. The Horse in Spiritual and Daily Life

In Vietnamese spiritual life, the Horse is often referred to as Ông Ngựa (Mr. Horse) and appears in sacred spaces like village shrines (đình làng), where it’s seen as a symbol of good fortune. The image of Ông Giáu riding an iron horse flying to heaven represents national unity and the defense of independence – a deeply ingrained cultural image.

In everyday life, the Horse appears in various forms, including the popular Đông Hồ folk paintings. The imagery of birds flying and horses running connects heaven and earth, symbolizing abundant harvests and aligning with tín ngưỡng phồn thực (fertility cult) beliefs – a long-held aspiration of the Vietnamese people and broader Eastern civilizations.

IV. The Year of the Horse: A Time for Breakthroughs

The video notes that the Year of the Horse is often perceived as a time for breakthroughs and strong beginnings. Dr. Oanh explains this reflects the societal mindset and the Vietnamese people’s optimistic outlook at the start of a new year, hoping for a smooth, lucky, and prosperous year ahead. The year of the Horse embodies a spirit of breaking through barriers, perseverance, and a clear sense of direction with a determined will to act.

V. Global Perspectives on the Horse Symbolism

The program then presents how the Horse is viewed in other cultures:

• Mongolia: The Horse is considered the “soul of the steppe,” representing freedom, strength, and the will to survive, integral to the nomadic lifestyle and historical conquests.
• China: The Horse symbolizes speed, perseverance, and success, embodied in the idiom Mã Đáo Thành Công (Horse Arrives, Success Achieved), reflecting a desire for favorable outcomes and continuous progress.
• Japan: The Horse is considered a sacred messenger of the gods in Shinto beliefs, appearing in shrines and representing faith, wishes, and the connection between humans and the divine.
• United Kingdom: The Horse holds a special place in British culture and sports, associated with nobility, honor, and discipline. It’s central to equestrian sports like Polo and features in royal ceremonies and military traditions, reflecting the nation’s history and sporting spirit.

VI. The Horse as Inspiration for a New Era

In the context of Vietnam’s current development, the Horse symbolizes the need for individuals to be proactive, adaptable, and willing to embrace both challenges and opportunities. It represents a spirit of innovation, dedication, and embarking on a path towards success.

VII. Conclusion

The video concludes that the Horse, beyond representing Mã Đáo Thành Công, embodies perseverance, courage, and the pursuit of ambition. It encourages viewers to draw inspiration from these traditional values to approach the new year with strength, hope, and determination.

Notable Quote:

“Đường dài mới biết ngựa hay” (A long journey reveals a good horse) – Emphasizing the importance of perseverance and enduring effort.

Technical Terms:

• Dương Khí: Positive, active energy in traditional Chinese philosophy.
• Ông Ngựa: The spiritual representation of the horse in Vietnamese beliefs.
• Đình Làng: Village shrine, a communal space for worship and cultural activities.
• Tín Ngưỡng Phồn Thực: Beliefs and practices related to ensuring abundance and reproduction.

This summary aims to provide a detailed and specific account of the video’s content, preserving the original language and nuances of the Vietnamese transcript. It focuses on actionable insights and specific details rather than broad generalizations.