Hanoi’s lotus cultural space highlights humanistic values of “The Tale of Kieu”

THE HANOI TIMES — An exhibition titled "Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space" is underway at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi until June 15 to honor the nation's literary giant Nguyen Du and the enduring symbolism of the lotus in Vietnamese culture.

The exhibition features 32 calligraphic artworks depicting exquisite verses from The Tale of Kieu, a masterpiece by the renowned Vietnamese poet Nguyen Du (1766–1820). The lotus flower is a recurring metaphor in the poem, representing the resilience, purity, and strength of the Vietnamese people.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a portrait of Nguyen Du crafted from dried lotus leaves. Visitors can also admire a selection of intricately designed, lotus-inspired handicrafts reflecting the deep-rooted presence of "lotus culture" in everyday Vietnamese life.

Hong Nhung, a tourist from the southern city of Vung Tau, told The Hanoi Times that she was interested in the exhibition because it uniquely combines two iconic elements. “The lotus and The Tale of Kieu are both significant on their own, yet they are combined here to offer a fresh cultural perspective,” Nhung said.

The "Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space" exhibition also showcases special ao dai (traditional long dress) collections entitled "Ha Thanh Lotus Hues" by designer Lan Huong. Representing the four seasons and phases in Kieu’s life, the designs incorporate Vietnamese silk, lotus motifs, and poetic storytelling.

"My designs tell the story of Kieu from Nguyen Du’s epic poem. They portray her youthful beauty in full bloom and her soul drifting among lotus blossoms. I hope to honor the beauty of nature, womanhood, and Kieu through these designs,” said Huong.

“The first thing that caught my attention was the fragrance of lotus, and then I saw how beautiful the ao dai on display were," Xavier Perraudo, a 29-year-old tourist from England, shared with The Hanoi Times.

The lotus, serving as the national flower, holds a revered position in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing purity, elegance, and strength.

Despite growing in muddy ponds, it rises above the water to catch the sunshine without being tarnished. The lotus has both fragrance and color, but its fragrance is gentle, evoking a noble spirit. Its color is modest, with white petals tinged with pink and yellow buds.

The lotus also symbolizes the nobility and fortitude of a righteous person who remains firm against the temptation of fame while maintaining his purity in a corrupt world. Because of its spiritual significance, the lotus has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture, influencing architecture, sculpture, art, literature, and cuisine.

For centuries, lotus has been deeply embedded in the hearts of Vietnamese people, as well as in their daily life and culture. When international friends come to Vietnam, the first image they encounter is the yellow lotus on flights of Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier. It symbolizes the courageous and resilient but open-minded Vietnamese people.

The Tale of Kieu, a 3,254-line poem from the 18th century by great poet Nguyen Du, recounts the life and trials of Thuy Kieu, a beautiful and talented young woman who sacrificed herself to save her father and younger brother from prison. She sold herself into marriage with a middle-aged man, unaware of his profession as a pimp. He later forced her into prostitution, marking the start of a series of tragic events in her life. Throughout the poem, Nguyen Du depicts the beauty of true love, loyalty, and unyielding hope for justice. 

Through the changes of history, The tale of Kieu remains a shining gem of Vietnamese literature. With more than two centuries of enduring vitality, it is not only a literary masterpiece but also a symbol of national identity and pride. The masterpiece has been translated into 22 different languages.