VI
EN
Few animals possess the unique status and far-reaching influence of the horse. Emerging from the vast grasslands, the horse has become a cross-border cultural symbol, connecting the beliefs and aspirations of both East and West.
The embodiment of political power and upper-class social status.
From ancient times, horses were considered a "privilege" of the nobility and royalty. In Greece, the cost of owning and caring for a good horse was extremely high, making them a measure of social status. The image of Alexander the Great proudly riding his warhorse Bucephalus in Thessaloniki is not only a masterpiece of sculpture but also the most vivid proof that horses were the embodiment of political power and military prestige. Bucephalus was not simply a mount, but a companion that accompanied the great emperor in conquering the ancient world.
The statue of Alexander the Great riding his warhorse Bucephalus in Thessaloniki (Greece) is an enduring symbol of power.
In Vietnam, horses also played an important role in the royal court and solemn ceremonies. At tombs and royal residences, exquisitely carved horse statues with majestic appearances served not only as decoration but also to affirm the power and noble status of their owners.
The strength of the battlefield and the desire to conquer new heights.
World military history might have been written in a different language without the sound of horse hooves. From archaeological evidence in the Eurasian steppes of countries like Ukraine and Hungary, horses have been central to military tactics, from elite cavalry to fiery chariots. The tempestuous power of the Mongol Empire and the lightning speed of the Huns, which shook both continents, were due to the extraordinary endurance, speed, and adaptability of their warhorses.
Horses are the "heart" of Mongolian nomadic culture, playing a decisive role in the formation of some of the most powerful cavalry armies in human history across the Eurasian steppes.
The image of the horse has always been associated with the will to overcome adversity. There's Pegasus with his pure white wings, representing absolute freedom in Greek mythology; the Red Hare, "a horse that can travel a thousand miles a day," associated with the valiant general Guan Yu in Chinese culture; or the image of the fire-breathing iron horse of Saint Giong in Vietnam – a symbol of the nation's indomitable strength.
In Vietnamese spiritual culture, the image of Saint Gióng's iron horse not only represents miraculous strength against foreign invaders but also symbolizes the indomitable spirit and the will to protect the country.
Today, that spirit of chivalry has not disappeared but is maintained through aristocratic sports such as polo, steeplechase, and cross-country equestrianism. Here, the combination of humans and animals continues to create miracles, conquering new limits of speed and endurance.
Furthermore, horses are revered for their loyalty and close bond with humans. While the West considers horses to be loyal knights, in the highlands of northern Vietnam, they are the tireless "legs" of the ethnic minorities. At highland markets like Bac Ha or Khau Vai, the image of horses carrying goods across treacherous mountain paths has become a unique cultural feature, a symbol of perseverance and enduring livelihood.
The image of the Western horse is associated with aristocratic sports.
The horses of the local people serve as "vehicles" for carrying goods.
Horses not only transport goods but are also closely linked to daily life and trade in remote areas. Their tireless work ethic helps connect different regions, bringing products from the deep forests to the cities. This dedication has made the image of the horse familiar, deeply rooted in everyday life, and especially beloved in Eastern cultures, where the animal is not just a tool but also a member of the family.
Horses are not only present in the physical world but also serve as a "source of spiritual energy" in our lives. Ancient Romans sacrificed horses to the god Mars to pray for victory and bountiful harvests, while Southern Europeans believed horses possessed the ability to sense underground water sources in drought-stricken areas. In art, horses are a recurring theme, from ancient cave paintings in Lascaux to masterpieces by Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.
Dong Ho folk paintings are often favored by Vietnamese people for display during Tet (Lunar New Year), carrying wishes for prosperity, good fortune, and brilliant success in the new year.
In Vietnam, the image of the horse has transformed from the royal court to the folk paintings of Dong Ho and Hang Trong. The painting "Ma Dao Thanh Cong" (Horses Galloping Towards Success), depicting eight majestic horses galloping forward, is the most popular feng shui symbol during the Lunar New Year. It carries wishes for good fortune, wealth, and a smooth start. Vietnamese folk songs and proverbs about horses also deeply reflect the life experiences and humane perspective of our ancestors towards this loyal and affectionate animal.
The encounter between East and West, symbolized by the horse, shows that despite geographical and linguistic differences, humanity shares a common admiration for strength, speed, and loyalty. The Year of the Horse 2026 is the perfect time for each of us to once again honor the spirit of "the horse's arrival," nurturing the courage to think big, act boldly, and break through barriers to achieve brilliant milestones of success in the future.
