Dragon Tattoos in Vietnam: Exploring Tradition, Culture, and Identity.
Explore the deep-rooted history of dragon tattoos in Vietnam and their connection to Vietnamese national identity. Discover how ancient art and culture inspire modern tattooing trends.
Adam D
9/7/202417 min read
The roots of tattoo culture in Vietnam.
The origins of tattooing in Vietnam can be traced back around 4,000 years ago to the time of the Hung Kings, according to the Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư (Complete Annals of Đại Việt).
Regarding the reason for this custom, the Lĩnh Nam chích quái (Marvelous Records of the Lĩnh Nam Region) records: "At that time, people who lived in the mountains and fished in the water were often harmed by water dragons. They reported this to the King. The King said, 'Creatures on land are different from those in the water. Water creatures only like things similar to themselves and hate things different from themselves, which is why you are being harmed.' So, the King ordered everyone to have the image of a water monster tattooed on their bodies. From then on, they were no longer harmed by water dragons. The custom of tattooing among the Bách Việt people began from that time."
(in that time people was spotting crocodile or other big fish so they may misunderstand them with some kind of monster or dragon then called them Giao Long...)
Thus, ancient Vietnamese people got tattoos to blend in with nature and avoid being attacked by beasts.
At that time, tattoos of the Giao Long (a mythical water dragon-like creature) were highly revered. Many ancient Vietnamese people worshiped the Giao Long according to "totemism," one of the oldest forms of religion in Vietnam. Followers of totemism worshiped "totems," believing in a sacred spiritual connection between members of the same clan and animals or plants in nature.
Over time, as sea levels receded and rivers became less violent, totemism gradually faded into legend. However, tattooing persisted, and the choice of tattoos expanded beyond the Giao Long to include the noble dragon, symbolizing Lạc Long Quân, the legendary father of the Vietnamese people.
When we delve deeper into this aspect, we see that Vietnam and Southeast Asia are regions with dense river systems, where people's livelihoods heavily relied on water. It is therefore understandable that the people revered the "water dragon." Coupled with the legend of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, people began to get dragon tattoos to ward off water dragons instead of tattooing dragon scales to blend in with them.
"When the country was first founded, soldiers liked to have dragon tattoos on their stomachs, backs, and thighs. Chinese merchants who saw Vietnamese people with dragon tattoos believed that sea dragons feared dragon images, so if they encountered storms and shipwrecks, sea dragons would not dare to harm them, and thus they called it 'drawing dragons'."
The power of dragon tattoos: Tattooing during the Tran and Ly dynasties.
The practice of tattooing in Vietnam continued to develop during the Lý and Trần dynasties (and then gradually declined in 1323). The Lĩnh Ngoại đại đáp records that during the Lý dynasty, "tattoos were like the patterns on bronze drums," indicating that Vietnamese tattoos had similar patterns to those found on bronze drums. There was even a period when the Lý dynasty rulers issued decrees prohibiting slaves from having dragon tattoos to protect the dragon's role as a symbol of royal power.
The Đại Việt Sử ký Toàn thư (Complete Annals of Đại Việt) records that during the reign of Lý Thánh Tông, "it was forbidden for servants in the household to have dragon tattoos on their bodies." During the reign of Lý Anh Tông, it was also mentioned that "slaves of the nobility were not allowed to have dragon tattoos on their chests." And during the reign of Lý Nhân Tông, it was recorded that "slaves of households inside and outside the capital were prohibited from having ink tattoos on their chests or legs, and soldiers were also prohibited from having dragon tattoos. Anyone who violated this rule would be made a slave."
During the Trần dynasty, it was recorded: "The Emperor said, 'Our family is originally from the lowlands (coastal areas), and we have always valued bravery. We often have dragon tattoos on our thighs; our family has a tradition of martial arts, so we have dragon tattoos on our thighs to show that we do not forget our roots.'"
From common people to the Trần royal family, everyone liked tattoos, especially those serving in the royal court. The Thánh Dực army, which protected the royal carriage, had three characters "Thiên Tử Quân" (Heavenly Emperor's Army) tattooed on their foreheads. All soldiers at that time had the two characters "Sát Thát" (meaning "kill the Mongols") tattooed on them during the war against the Mongol invasion (1258-1288).
This indomitable spirit further enhanced the spirit of protecting the country, bravery, courage, and the iron will to fight. Thus, the ancient Vietnamese people got tattoos for survival, while during the Lý and Trần dynasties, tattoos represented cultural origins and the will to protect the country's independence.
Decline and Revival of Tattooing in Vietnam
The decline of tattooing as a common practice among the general population began during the Trần dynasty, around the 13th century. King Trần Anh Tông, despite being a descendant of the Trần dynasty, rejected the tradition of dragon tattoos, marking a turning point in the cultural significance of tattoos.
During the Trần Minh Tông era (1323), soldiers were no longer required to have tattoos, and the practice gradually faded away among the general population. Tattoos eventually became stigmatized as a mark of slaves or criminals.
However, the resurgence of tattooing in Vietnam can be traced back to the post-colonial period, particularly during the Vietnam War. Tattoos were often used as symbols of resistance and patriotism among soldiers and civilians.
Modern-Day Tattoos in Vietnam
In recent decades, tattoos have experienced a significant revival in Vietnam, influenced by Western culture and the growing acceptance of body art. Today, tattoos are seen as a form of self-expression, a way to commemorate important life events, or simply as an aesthetic enhancement.
With advancements in technology and techniques, modern tattoos are now highly detailed and aesthetically pleasing. Tattoo artists in Vietnam offer a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Challenges and Stigma
Despite the growing popularity of tattoos, there are still some lingering stigmas associated with them. In certain conservative communities, tattoos may be viewed negatively as a sign of rebellion or lack of respect for traditional values. However, as society becomes more open and accepting, these attitudes are gradually changing.
Conclusion
The history of tattooing in Vietnam is a fascinating journey that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and evolving social norms. From its ancient roots as a religious and cultural symbol to its modern-day revival as a form of self-expression, tattoos have played a significant role in shaping Vietnamese identity.
As Vietnam continues to embrace globalization and cultural diversity, it is likely that the popularity of tattoos will only continue to grow.
Many people believe that tattoos are a recent cultural import into Vietnam, primarily adopted by young people to express their individuality. There's also a common misconception that tattoos are associated with gangs, criminals, and "tough guys." However, the reality is that tattooing has a long-standing and sacred tradition in Vietnam, deeply rooted in the nation's ancient beliefs and serving as a testament to the glorious civilization of ancient Vietnam.
A statue of a heavily tattooed Vietnamese man from From 771 to 476 BC (now Zhejiang province, China), featuring a characteristic short hairstyle.
"A visual representation of the 'Con Rong Chau Tien' myth (Descendants of the dragon and immortal), featuring a dragon tattoo and long feathers to represent the 'chau tien' as a symbol of ancient Vietnamese people.
Picture from a cartoon on Vietnamese channel
From the "Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái"
Dong Son drum
Kings or Royals getting tattoos!
Dragon in Ly & Tran time
Dong Son drum Tattoo made in Vietnam!
From Pinterest
The roots of tattoo culture in Vietnam.
The origins of tattooing in Vietnam can be traced back around 4,000 years ago to the time of the Hung Kings, according to the Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư (Complete Annals of Đại Việt).
Regarding the reason for this custom, the Lĩnh Nam chích quái (Marvelous Records of the Lĩnh Nam Region) records: "At that time, people who lived in the mountains and fished in the water were often harmed by water dragons. They reported this to the King. The King said, 'Creatures on land are different from those in the water. Water creatures only like things similar to themselves and hate things different from themselves, which is why you are being harmed.' So, the King ordered everyone to have the image of a water monster tattooed on their bodies. From then on, they were no longer harmed by water dragons. The custom of tattooing among the Bách Việt people began from that time."
(in that time people was spotting crocodile or other big fish so they may misunderstand them with some kind of monster or dragon then called them Giao Long...)
Thus, ancient Vietnamese people got tattoos to blend in with nature and avoid being attacked by beasts.
At that time, tattoos of the Giao Long (a mythical water dragon-like creature) were highly revered. Many ancient Vietnamese people worshiped the Giao Long according to "totemism," one of the oldest forms of religion in Vietnam. Followers of totemism worshiped "totems," believing in a sacred spiritual connection between members of the same clan and animals or plants in nature.
Over time, as sea levels receded and rivers became less violent, totemism gradually faded into legend. However, tattooing persisted, and the choice of tattoos expanded beyond the Giao Long to include the noble dragon, symbolizing Lạc Long Quân, the legendary father of the Vietnamese people.
When we delve deeper into this aspect, we see that Vietnam and Southeast Asia are regions with dense river systems, where people's livelihoods heavily relied on water. It is therefore understandable that the people revered the "water dragon." Coupled with the legend of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, people began to get dragon tattoos to ward off water dragons instead of tattooing dragon scales to blend in with them.
"When the country was first founded, soldiers liked to have dragon tattoos on their stomachs, backs, and thighs. Chinese merchants who saw Vietnamese people with dragon tattoos believed that sea dragons feared dragon images, so if they encountered storms and shipwrecks, sea dragons would not dare to harm them, and thus they called it 'drawing dragons'."
The power of dragon tattoos: Tattooing during the Tran and Ly dynasties.
The practice of tattooing in Vietnam continued to develop during the Lý and Trần dynasties (and then gradually declined in 1323). The Lĩnh Ngoại đại đáp records that during the Lý dynasty, "tattoos were like the patterns on bronze drums," indicating that Vietnamese tattoos had similar patterns to those found on bronze drums. There was even a period when the Lý dynasty rulers issued decrees prohibiting slaves from having dragon tattoos to protect the dragon's role as a symbol of royal power.
The Đại Việt Sử ký Toàn thư (Complete Annals of Đại Việt) records that during the reign of Lý Thánh Tông, "it was forbidden for servants in the household to have dragon tattoos on their bodies." During the reign of Lý Anh Tông, it was also mentioned that "slaves of the nobility were not allowed to have dragon tattoos on their chests." And during the reign of Lý Nhân Tông, it was recorded that "slaves of households inside and outside the capital were prohibited from having ink tattoos on their chests or legs, and soldiers were also prohibited from having dragon tattoos. Anyone who violated this rule would be made a slave."
During the Trần dynasty, it was recorded: "The Emperor said, 'Our family is originally from the lowlands (coastal areas), and we have always valued bravery. We often have dragon tattoos on our thighs; our family has a tradition of martial arts, so we have dragon tattoos on our thighs to show that we do not forget our roots.'"
From common people to the Trần royal family, everyone liked tattoos, especially those serving in the royal court. The Thánh Dực army, which protected the royal carriage, had three characters "Thiên Tử Quân" (Heavenly Emperor's Army) tattooed on their foreheads. All soldiers at that time had the two characters "Sát Thát" (meaning "kill the Mongols") tattooed on them during the war against the Mongol invasion (1258-1288).
This indomitable spirit further enhanced the spirit of protecting the country, bravery, courage, and the iron will to fight. Thus, the ancient Vietnamese people got tattoos for survival, while during the Lý and Trần dynasties, tattoos represented cultural origins and the will to protect the country's independence.
Decline and Revival of Tattooing in Vietnam
The decline of tattooing as a common practice among the general population began during the Trần dynasty, around the 13th century. King Trần Anh Tông, despite being a descendant of the Trần dynasty, rejected the tradition of dragon tattoos, marking a turning point in the cultural significance of tattoos.
During the Trần Minh Tông era (1323), soldiers were no longer required to have tattoos, and the practice gradually faded away among the general population. Tattoos eventually became stigmatized as a mark of slaves or criminals.
However, the resurgence of tattooing in Vietnam can be traced back to the post-colonial period, particularly during the Vietnam War. Tattoos were often used as symbols of resistance and patriotism among soldiers and civilians.
Modern-Day Tattoos in Vietnam
In recent decades, tattoos have experienced a significant revival in Vietnam, influenced by Western culture and the growing acceptance of body art. Today, tattoos are seen as a form of self-expression, a way to commemorate important life events, or simply as an aesthetic enhancement.
With advancements in technology and techniques, modern tattoos are now highly detailed and aesthetically pleasing. Tattoo artists in Vietnam offer a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Challenges and Stigma
Despite the growing popularity of tattoos, there are still some lingering stigmas associated with them. In certain conservative communities, tattoos may be viewed negatively as a sign of rebellion or lack of respect for traditional values. However, as society becomes more open and accepting, these attitudes are gradually changing.
Conclusion
The history of tattooing in Vietnam is a fascinating journey that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and evolving social norms. From its ancient roots as a religious and cultural symbol to its modern-day revival as a form of self-expression, tattoos have played a significant role in shaping Vietnamese identity.
As Vietnam continues to embrace globalization and cultural diversity, it is likely that the popularity of tattoos will only continue to grow.
Many people believe that tattoos are a recent cultural import into Vietnam, primarily adopted by young people to express their individuality. There's also a common misconception that tattoos are associated with gangs, criminals, and "tough guys." However, the reality is that tattooing has a long-standing and sacred tradition in Vietnam, deeply rooted in the nation's ancient beliefs and serving as a testament to the glorious civilization of ancient Vietnam.
A statue of a heavily tattooed Vietnamese man from From 771 to 476 BC (now Zhejiang province, China), featuring a characteristic short hairstyle.
"A visual representation of the 'Con Rong Chau Tien' myth (Descendants of the dragon and immortal), featuring a dragon tattoo and long feathers to represent the 'chau tien' as a symbol of ancient Vietnamese people.
Picture from a cartoon on Vietnamese channel
From the "Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái"
Dong Son drum
Kings or Royals getting tattoos!
Dragon in Ly & Tran time
Dong Son drum Tattoo made in Vietnam!
From Pinterest
The roots of tattoo culture in Vietnam.
The origins of tattooing in Vietnam can be traced back around 4,000 years ago to the time of the Hung Kings, according to the Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư (Complete Annals of Đại Việt).
Regarding the reason for this custom, the Lĩnh Nam chích quái (Marvelous Records of the Lĩnh Nam Region) records: "At that time, people who lived in the mountains and fished in the water were often harmed by water dragons. They reported this to the King. The King said, 'Creatures on land are different from those in the water. Water creatures only like things similar to themselves and hate things different from themselves, which is why you are being harmed.' So, the King ordered everyone to have the image of a water monster tattooed on their bodies. From then on, they were no longer harmed by water dragons. The custom of tattooing among the Bách Việt people began from that time."
(in that time people was spotting crocodile or other big fish so they may misunderstand them with some kind of monster or dragon then called them Giao Long...)
Thus, ancient Vietnamese people got tattoos to blend in with nature and avoid being attacked by beasts.
At that time, tattoos of the Giao Long (a mythical water dragon-like creature) were highly revered. Many ancient Vietnamese people worshiped the Giao Long according to "totemism," one of the oldest forms of religion in Vietnam. Followers of totemism worshiped "totems," believing in a sacred spiritual connection between members of the same clan and animals or plants in nature.
Over time, as sea levels receded and rivers became less violent, totemism gradually faded into legend. However, tattooing persisted, and the choice of tattoos expanded beyond the Giao Long to include the noble dragon, symbolizing Lạc Long Quân, the legendary father of the Vietnamese people.
When we delve deeper into this aspect, we see that Vietnam and Southeast Asia are regions with dense river systems, where people's livelihoods heavily relied on water. It is therefore understandable that the people revered the "water dragon." Coupled with the legend of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, people began to get dragon tattoos to ward off water dragons instead of tattooing dragon scales to blend in with them.
"When the country was first founded, soldiers liked to have dragon tattoos on their stomachs, backs, and thighs. Chinese merchants who saw Vietnamese people with dragon tattoos believed that sea dragons feared dragon images, so if they encountered storms and shipwrecks, sea dragons would not dare to harm them, and thus they called it 'drawing dragons'."
The power of dragon tattoos: Tattooing during the Tran and Ly dynasties.
The practice of tattooing in Vietnam continued to develop during the Lý and Trần dynasties (and then gradually declined in 1323). The Lĩnh Ngoại đại đáp records that during the Lý dynasty, "tattoos were like the patterns on bronze drums," indicating that Vietnamese tattoos had similar patterns to those found on bronze drums. There was even a period when the Lý dynasty rulers issued decrees prohibiting slaves from having dragon tattoos to protect the dragon's role as a symbol of royal power.
The Đại Việt Sử ký Toàn thư (Complete Annals of Đại Việt) records that during the reign of Lý Thánh Tông, "it was forbidden for servants in the household to have dragon tattoos on their bodies." During the reign of Lý Anh Tông, it was also mentioned that "slaves of the nobility were not allowed to have dragon tattoos on their chests." And during the reign of Lý Nhân Tông, it was recorded that "slaves of households inside and outside the capital were prohibited from having ink tattoos on their chests or legs, and soldiers were also prohibited from having dragon tattoos. Anyone who violated this rule would be made a slave."
During the Trần dynasty, it was recorded: "The Emperor said, 'Our family is originally from the lowlands (coastal areas), and we have always valued bravery. We often have dragon tattoos on our thighs; our family has a tradition of martial arts, so we have dragon tattoos on our thighs to show that we do not forget our roots.'"
From common people to the Trần royal family, everyone liked tattoos, especially those serving in the royal court. The Thánh Dực army, which protected the royal carriage, had three characters "Thiên Tử Quân" (Heavenly Emperor's Army) tattooed on their foreheads. All soldiers at that time had the two characters "Sát Thát" (meaning "kill the Mongols") tattooed on them during the war against the Mongol invasion (1258-1288).
This indomitable spirit further enhanced the spirit of protecting the country, bravery, courage, and the iron will to fight. Thus, the ancient Vietnamese people got tattoos for survival, while during the Lý and Trần dynasties, tattoos represented cultural origins and the will to protect the country's independence.
Decline and Revival of Tattooing in Vietnam
The decline of tattooing as a common practice among the general population began during the Trần dynasty, around the 13th century. King Trần Anh Tông, despite being a descendant of the Trần dynasty, rejected the tradition of dragon tattoos, marking a turning point in the cultural significance of tattoos.
During the Trần Minh Tông era (1323), soldiers were no longer required to have tattoos, and the practice gradually faded away among the general population. Tattoos eventually became stigmatized as a mark of slaves or criminals.
However, the resurgence of tattooing in Vietnam can be traced back to the post-colonial period, particularly during the Vietnam War. Tattoos were often used as symbols of resistance and patriotism among soldiers and civilians.
Modern-Day Tattoos in Vietnam
In recent decades, tattoos have experienced a significant revival in Vietnam, influenced by Western culture and the growing acceptance of body art. Today, tattoos are seen as a form of self-expression, a way to commemorate important life events, or simply as an aesthetic enhancement.
With advancements in technology and techniques, modern tattoos are now highly detailed and aesthetically pleasing. Tattoo artists in Vietnam offer a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Challenges and Stigma
Despite the growing popularity of tattoos, there are still some lingering stigmas associated with them. In certain conservative communities, tattoos may be viewed negatively as a sign of rebellion or lack of respect for traditional values. However, as society becomes more open and accepting, these attitudes are gradually changing.
Conclusion
The history of tattooing in Vietnam is a fascinating journey that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and evolving social norms. From its ancient roots as a religious and cultural symbol to its modern-day revival as a form of self-expression, tattoos have played a significant role in shaping Vietnamese identity.
As Vietnam continues to embrace globalization and cultural diversity, it is likely that the popularity of tattoos will only continue to grow.