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The snake, also known as the Tỵ, is not simply an animal found in nature. In Vietnamese culture, the image of the Tỵ has been elevated to a new level, becoming a profound cultural symbol, deeply intertwined with the history and soul of the Vietnamese people.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, Travellive had the opportunity to chat with historian Le Van Lan at the "Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds" exhibition (Hanoi) – a special art event marking the 7-year journey of honoring the 12 zodiac animals of Vietnam in the "My Zodiac Animal" project – to better understand the culture and beliefs related to the image of the snake – the mascot of the Year of the Snake 2025. Each zodiac animal not only carries spiritual meaning but also contains the story, emotions, and hopes of the Vietnamese people in the new year.
The snake, also known as the Tỵ, is not simply an animal that appears in nature.
The role in the material and spiritual life of ancient Vietnamese people.
Researchers suggest that the image of the Vietnamese dragon originates from the snake. The dragon symbolizes the union of yin and yang, while the snake is often associated with the yin element. This is interesting because Vietnamese people have always sought balance between the yin and yang elements of the five elements in life.
"Snakes play a very important role in our history, culture, civilization, and nation," - historian Le Van Lan
Discussing the image of the snake in Vietnamese culture, historian Le Van Lan shared: “According to the calendar and language of Northern China, the snake is called xà or bạch xà. However, in Vietnamese culture, the snake is called Tỵ, similar to how the Vietnamese call the rat Tý. This shows that the image of the Tỵ does not entirely originate from Chinese language and culture, but may carry unique characteristics of Vietnamese culture.”
Historian Le Van Lan (center) at the "Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds" exhibition.
Within the historical and cultural context of Southeast Asia, there are many interesting discoveries, particularly highlighting the practice of snake worship, prevalent not only in Vietnam but also in other countries in the region. Snakes are not only revered but also play many important roles in history and culture. Another typical example is the artifacts from the Dong Son period, including daggers with handles carved with two snakes intertwined, their mouths holding the four legs of an elephant. This detail reflects the sacred and powerful role of snakes in the material and spiritual life of ancient Vietnamese people.
Artwork featuring snake imagery at the "Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds" exhibition.
“According to Confucian thought, people are classified into two groups: gentlemen and villains. However, in Vietnam, I believe this classification may be more humane than dividing them into good and evil. When applied to the image of the snake, we can see the distinction between evil and benevolent deities, between a malevolent god and a benevolent god. From a biological perspective, snakes are often associated with danger and venom. However, from a spiritual standpoint, I have observed that snakes are often revered as benevolent deities, symbols of protection and shelter,” historian Le Van Lan affirmed.
Another typical example is the story of the Xà junction, where three rivers meet in Bắc Ninh. Here, there is a legend about the long-bodied tiger, which is actually a snake. The snake in this story was nurtured by a kind mother and later became a symbol of the two heroes Trương Hống and Trương Hát – who helped King Lý Nam Đế fight invaders and build the Vạn Xuân kingdom.
"From a spiritual perspective, I've come to realize that snakes are often revered as benevolent spirits, symbols of protection and shelter," historian Le Van Lan affirmed.
The image of the snake in Vietnamese culture is also expressed through many stories about gentleness, kindness, and honesty. Historian Le Van Lan enthusiastically recounts how the Vietnamese people affectionately call each other "đồng bào" (compatriots), meaning they share the same egg sac and ancestry. In the language and culture of the Muong people, Au Co is called the "Ư bird," because only birds lay eggs. Lac Long Quan, Au Co's husband, is our ancestor. In folklore, there is a saying: "Dragon eggs hatch into dragons / Lizard eggs hatch into lizards," showing the close connection between dragons and snakes. The story of the dragon and snake ascending to the clouds is also clear evidence of the deep connection between the images of the dragon and the snake in Vietnamese folklore, reflecting the importance of this animal in the national heritage.
Hope for prosperity, ingenuity, and adaptability.
In the new year, the Year of the Snake brings Vietnamese people hope for prosperity, resourcefulness, and the ability to adapt to change. People often pray for a Year of the Snake that will bring advancement, strength to overcome challenges and obstacles, and the embrace of auspicious opportunities.
In the new year, the Year of the Snake brings to the Vietnamese people hope for prosperity, resourcefulness, and the ability to adapt to change.
The snake, or the serpent, is not just a creature in nature but also a cultural symbol, carrying within it valuable historical and spiritual significance. From the image of the snake in myths and legends to the worship of the Mother Goddess, this animal has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.
Historian Le Van Lan further emphasized with the concluding statement: "Snakes are not just animals in nature, but also a profound cultural symbol. Snakes play a very important role in the history, culture, civilization, and nation of our people."
