Having grown up in Vietnam, I would like to share some valuable insights about the significance of bamboo in my country. From its deep-rooted cultural symbolism to its countless practical uses, bamboo plays a pivotal role in shaping the essence of Vietnam’s heritage.
Join me on this journey as we explore the wonders of this versatile and cherished plant that holds a special place in the hearts of every Vietnamese. Let’s dive into the world of bamboo together!
Bamboo in Vietnam’s History
Bamboo has been an integral part of Vietnam’s history, serving as a building material, a tool for daily life, and even a means of defense. Its abundance and durability made it a valuable resource for constructing homes, bridges, and boats.
Bamboo’s flexibility also allowed it to withstand natural disasters, making it an essential element in traditional Vietnamese architecture. Additionally, bamboo played a vital role in the construction of the legendary Vietnamese longbows, used by warriors throughout history.
the Legend of Saint Giong (Vietnamese mythology)
During the reign of the sixth Hung Vuong, in the village of Giong, there lived an elderly couple who were hardworking and virtuous but had no children. One day, the wife stepped on a large footprint in the field and became pregnant. Twelve months later, she gave birth to a baby boy named Giong. However, by the age of three, the boy could neither walk nor speak.
When the country was invaded, the king sent messengers everywhere to find talented individuals who could save the nation. Upon hearing the news, the young boy suddenly spoke and said, “Mother, please invite the messenger in.” The messenger entered, and the boy said, “Tell the king to provide me with an iron horse, an iron whip, and an iron suit of armor, and I will defeat these invaders.” The messenger happily returned to the king with the news.
Another strange thing happened: since the day he met the messenger, the boy became healthy and grew rapidly. The whole village had to contribute rice to feed him.
When the enemy arrived, the boy rose up and transformed into a valiant warrior, clad in iron armor, riding an iron horse, and wielding an iron whip. He fiercely attacked the invaders, breaking their formations. When the iron whip broke, he uprooted the bamboo clusters to defeat the enemy.
After defeating the enemy, the warrior rode on his horse alone to the top of a mountain. There, he took off his iron armor and ascended to the sky on his horse. In gratitude, The people remember and honor him as Saint Giong, establishing a shrine in the village of Phu Dong.
Bamboo symbolizes the strength of unity in Vietnam
Bamboo symbolizes the strength of unity in Vietnam. With its slender yet resilient nature, bamboo embodies the spirit of coming together and standing strong as a collective. Just as the individual bamboo stalks interconnect and support one another, the Vietnamese people value the power of unity and solidarity.
The bundle of chopsticks (Vietnamese folktales)
Once upon a time, there was a family with two siblings. When they were young, they got along well. As they grew up and got married, each living in their own household, they started to clash with each other.
Seeing their lack of affection for one another, the father felt saddened. One day, he placed a bundle of chopsticks and a bag of money on the table, then called all the children, including sons, daughters, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law, and said:
“Whoever can break this bundle of chopsticks will be rewarded with the bag of money.”
One by one, the four children tried their best to break the chopsticks but couldn’t succeed. The father then untied the bundle and effortlessly broke each chopstick individually.
Witnessing this, the four children said:
“Dad, it’s easy to break them one by one!”
The father replied:
“Exactly. Through this, you all realize that divided, you are weak, but together, you are strong. Therefore, you must learn to love and support each other. It is through unity that strength is found.”
Bamboo in everyday life
Bamboo has permeated every aspect of everyday life for the Vietnamese people, acting as a versatile and essential resource. From household items to culinary tools, here are some ways in which bamboo is woven into the fabric of Vietnamese daily life:
Furniture and crafts
Vietnamese artisans skillfully craft bamboo into a wide range of furniture and household items. Bamboo chairs, tables, shelves, and baskets are common fixtures in Vietnamese homes, showcasing the elegance and practicality of this sustainable material. Intricate bamboo weaving techniques are also employed to create decorative items such as lampshades, fans, and traditional conical hats (nón lá).
Culinary tools
Bamboo finds its way into the kitchen, serving as indispensable culinary tools. Bamboo chopsticks are widely used for enjoying meals, while bamboo steamers are employed for cooking traditional dishes like banh cuon (rice rolls) and banh gio (pyramid-shaped rice dumplings). Bamboo skewers are also popular for grilling meats and vegetables, adding a distinct flavor to barbecued delights.
Utensils and containers
Bamboo is used to make a variety of utensils and containers in Vietnamese households. Bowls, plates, cups, and spoons made from bamboo are lightweight, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic or ceramic. They are commonly used for picnics, street food, and traditional festivals, contributing to the country’s zero-waste culture.
Traditional crafts and musical instruments
Bamboo is the foundation of many traditional Vietnamese crafts and musical instruments. Artisans skillfully transform bamboo into delicate handmade toys, intricate carvings, and decorative lanterns. Traditional musical instruments such as the bamboo flute (Sáo) and the bamboo xylophone (Đàn T’rưng) produce enchanting melodies that resonate with the country’s cultural heritage.
Household implements
Vietnamese households often rely on bamboo for everyday implements. Brooms and brushes made from bamboo are commonly used for sweeping floors and cleaning. Bamboo curtains, mats, and blinds are employed for privacy, shade, and ventilation, offering a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
Bamboo bridges
The Vietnam bamboo bridge is a remarkable architectural feat that showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. These bridges, crafted entirely from bamboo, span across rivers, streams, and other water bodies, connecting communities and facilitating transportation.
The Vietnam bamboo bridges not only serve as functional infrastructure but also stand as cultural symbols, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and close relationship between the Vietnamese people and their natural environment.
Bamboo basket boats
The bamboo basket boat, also known as “thuyen thung” in Vietnamese, is a unique and traditional watercraft commonly found in Vietnam’s coastal regions. Crafted entirely from bamboo and coated with a waterproof resin, these boats are incredibly lightweight and buoyant, allowing skilled local fishermen to navigate easily through narrow waterways and shallow marshes.
Beyond its functional attributes, the bamboo basket boat has become a symbol of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, embodying the resourcefulness and harmony with nature deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese way of life.
Final thoughts
Bamboo’s rich history, cultural symbolism, and sustainable qualities make it a cherished and enduring element in Vietnam’s heritage. From its practical applications in life to its representation of resilience and solidarity, bamboo has shaped Vietnamese traditions and continues to inspire artisans and innovators. As we appreciate the beauty and significance of bamboo, let us also recognize its potential as an eco-friendly resource for a sustainable future.