Nghe - Vietnamese traditional sacred animal in the spotlight
Images and stories of the nghe (a sacred and mythical animal in Vietnamese traditional culture) are currently on display at the capital city’s Temple of Literature, highlighting the important role of this symbol in the history and culture of the country.
A statue of a nghe displayed at the exhibition (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Images and stories of the nghe⭕ (a sacredand mythical animal in Vietnamese traditional culture) are currently on displayat the capital city’s Temple of Literature, highlighting the important role ofthis symbol in the history and culture of the country.
The exhibition features 200 photos and documents of the sacred animal whichhas a lion’s head, a long tail and a dog-like body, that guards temples andcommunal houses.
The show helps promote the unique features of the traditional art of Vietnamthat has been preserved in the community for centuries. It also aims to raiseawareness of the sacred symbol while comparing it with other sacred animalsfrom China, Japan and Korea – countries with similar culture and religion to Vietnam.
The exhibition identifies the mythical animal; its appearance at royalpalaces, pagodas, temples, communal houses; and statues of nghe createdrecently by modern artisans.
“The exhibition is the result of cooperation between many individuals andorganisations to bring a panoramic and authentic view of nghe💛, theVietnamese sacred symbol,” said Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Temple ofLiterature’s Culture and Science Centre.
Nghe༒ statues were used widely in the past with various facialexpressions – happy, joyful, faithful, respectful and serious. It reflects therichness of traditional Vietnamese culture as well as the skill of thecraftsmen.
But due to the domination of foreign symbols, many people nowadays do not knowmuch about the nghe and confuse it with other mascots.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued regulation No 2662 in2014 that bans foreign-style symbols, sculptures and worship objects unsuitablefor Vietnamese culture.
Since then, organisations, experts and authorities actively worked torestore the ngheꦚ to its worthy and sacred position. The exhibitionwill run until February 15, next year at the Temple of Literature.-VNA
An exhibition themed Vietnamese Sacred Animals is showcasing over 200 images and objects in Hanoi to mark the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23).
Statues of traditional sacred animals guarding the gates of temples, pagodas and relics are gradually replacing fiercer looking animals designed in China, but made in Vietnam.
Some 200 images and artifacts related to “Nghe” – a sacred animal in the ancient culture of Vietnam – are on display at an exhibition that opened in the central city of Da Nang on August 15.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
A statue of a nghe displayed at the exhibition (Photo: VNA) 
