Painting of Saint Tran

PAINTING INFORMATION

SAINT TRAN

Material: Engraved lacquer - Dimensions: 102 x 142 cm. Adapted from a Hang Trong folk painting. The crown of Saint Tran is inlaid with a natural six-pointed ruby. Saint Tran, also known as Tran Trieu or Quan Tran Trieu, whose real name was Tran Quoc Tuan, was a brilliant general of Vietnam and the world , excelling in both military and literary arts, and possessing outstanding intelligence. He was the most instrumental in defeating the Mongol army three times. He is commonly known as Hung Dao Dai Vuong. After the great victory over the Mongol army (1258-1288), Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan was regarded by people everywhere as a saint who helped them escape suffering. Later, even after his death, his name continued to resonate not only in Vietnam but also throughout the world (he is one of the 10 most brilliant generals in the world, along with figures like Napoleon and Genghis Khan, who had immense significance in world history), and he was revered as Saint Tran. In the Vietnamese spiritual symbolism system, many real figures have been mythologized by the people, revered as saints, and become supremely powerful beings who influence the daily lives and spirituality of each individual. Among them, Saint Tran (Tran Quoc Tuan) is a figure who joined the Four Palaces and became a deity helping people escape suffering and misfortune. According to legend, Saint Tran was the son of the Dragon King Bat Hai Dai Vuong, who ruled the waterways. Due to the people's misfortunes, he was reincarnated as Tran Quoc Tuan to save them from foreign invaders who were killing and robbing them. Saint Tran "was given his own Tran Dynasty shrine. In terms of hierarchy, at times he was identified with the Father King in comparison to the Mother Goddess; his death anniversary and accompanying festivals were also identical to the Father King's death anniversary, "the eighth month is the Father King's death anniversary," along with the Eight Seas Great King. His shrine is located in Kiep Bac, with a mountain spreading out to embrace the valley in front of the temple, which is the Nam Tao and Bac Dau mountain. Thus, in the folk consciousness, he is naturally considered as the Jade Emperor, a higher Father King, above even the Holy Mother. However, unlike the Jade Emperor or the Eight Seas Father King, who only reside in the divine palace and do not descend to the mediumship, and the Mother Goddess Saints who only descend but do not possess mediums, Saint Tran and some of his subordinates descend to the mediumship specifically to exorcise evil spirits and heal the sick, creating a distinct lineage of mediumship, different from the spirit possession rituals of the Mother Goddess worship. In the order of mediumship for those with a Tran Dynasty connection, it is usually after the Mother Goddess descends, and before the high-ranking Saints. This is without even mentioning the image." "The ritual of spirit possession to ward off evil spirits often takes place during the festivals of Saint Tran at his main places of worship." In folk belief, Saint Tran is seen as an incarnation of the Jade Emperor, thus he possesses a great source of positive energy, capable of curing evil spirits, invigorating weak beings, and giving them strength to overcome illness. This explains why Saint Tran's healing abilities are particularly effective for women and children, as these individuals often carry a lot of negative energy. According to folklore, when they are given positive energy, the yin and yang are balanced, evil spirits can no longer harm them, and illness will subside. In addition, hanging a painting of Saint Tran in the home or office brings good luck and success in career and is very beneficial for those in business. Hung Dao Vuong is not only famous for his intelligence and courage, but he is also known as a meritorious official whose career has always been stable and prosperous. In particular, the majestic appearance of the statue of Saint Tran will help the homeowner avoid slander and envy from malicious people. This will help attract wealth and good fortune to the homeowner.