Symbolism of the Vovinam Emblem
Vovinam emblem is a powerful representation of the martial art's principles, philosophy, and cultural identity. This blog post delves into the various elements of the emblem and their symbolic significance, shedding light on the essence of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao.
The Vovinam Emblem
At the core of the Vovinam emblem is a yellow shield, embodying the harmonious union of hard and soft techniques. Imprinted on the shield are the red text "Vovinam" and the blue text "Việt Võ Đạo," signifying the name and the philosophy of the martial art.
Yin-Yang Symbol and Map of Vietnam
Located beneath the text, a red and blue yin-yang symbol emphasizes the importance of balance between opposing forces in Vovinam. It represents the harmony of Yin and Yang energies and their interplay in martial arts and life. Adjacent to it is a yellow map of Vietnam, symbolizing the art's national identity and origin.
The White Circle and the Dao
Encircling the emblem is a white circle, embodying the concept of Dao—the fundamental principle or path that governs the universe. The Dao serves as a guide for practitioners, emphasizing harmony, balance, and natural order. It encourages the harmonization, control, and tolerance between Yin and Yang, fostering the eternal life of all species.
Early Version of the Emblem
In the early versions of the Vovinam emblem, particularly the one believed to be created by the founder Grand Master Nguyen Loc himself, the inclusion of the Vietnam map was absent.
Color Symbolism
The Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao tradition employs four main colors, each carrying specific meanings and symbolism.
- Blue: Symbolizing Yin, the color blue represents the sea and hope. It alludes to the vastness of the sea and the mission of spreading Vovinam martial arts far and wide.
- Red: Signifying Yang, red represents the fierce and resolute vitality of the Vietnamese lineage, reflecting the country's enduring spirit throughout its history.
- Yellow: Associated with royalty in East Asia and the skin tone of the Vietnamese people, yellow represents glorious glory and cultural heritage.
- White: Reflecting purity, prosperity, and sublimity, white points to the formless and colorless Dao body, representing the essence and generosity of Vovinam. It represents artistic essence and represents the bone marrow, signifying great permanence.
The S-shaped White Border
An intriguing element of the emblem is the white border separating the two extremes of Yin and Yang in an S-shaped curve that can be found on some emblems. This departure from the traditional interaction of Yin and Yang elements raises questions regarding its significance.
The Symbolic Interpretation
The white border signifies a crucial principle of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao: the discipline's commitment to using martial arts solely for self-defense, warning, and converting others. The border serves as a reminder to practitioners to restrain their actions and prevent excessive harm. When the Yin and Yang extremes are closely connected in the emblem, it represents the destruction of an opponent without mercy.
Conclusion
The Vovinam emblem encapsulates the essence of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao, representing the harmony of hard and soft, the balance of Yin and Yang, and the principles of self-defense and mercy. It serves as a source of inspiration and identity for Vovinam practitioners, reflecting their vitality, spirit, will, and honor.