Drifting along the course of history, the symbolic boat both adorns and reveals an image of the meaning, value, and stature of each historical period. Each nation and each cultural figure has its own system of symbols. With this perspective, Colonel, Associate Professor, and Doctor Nguyen Thanh Tu wrote the book " Ho Chi Minh and the Traditional Cultural and Human Symbols" (People's Army Publishing House, 2024).

The book cover.

The scientific purpose of this work is to contribute to highlighting how President Ho Chi Minh used symbols to convey revolutionary meanings quickly, concisely, and easily understandable. He used symbols as a weapon in the struggle against evil, wickedness, and reactionary forces; to propagate, encourage, and call for unity... in an extremely effective way.

The book is divided into three parts: "Symbols of Cultural Traditions"; "Symbols of Culturally Rich People"; and "Symbols of Human Body Parts". In Part 1, the author explores ancestral symbols; heroic figures, mythological and historical characters; and cultural figures. From familiar ancestral symbols, through President Ho Chi Minh's usage, four aspects of meaning emerge: They are linked to a sense of pride and determination to protect the nation; they are linked to the symbol of "compatriots"—love and unity; they radiate righteous ideology, condemning and attacking invaders and traitors; and they are linked to language. Among mythological figures, President Ho Chi Minh often mentions Saint Giong, a symbol of patriotism and the aspiration for freedom. Among heroes, he often speaks of the Trung Sisters, Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quoc Toan, Quang Trung... glorious examples recorded in history as people who sacrificed themselves for a great cause, demonstrating the will to save the country and possessing outstanding military talents.

In conducting research on "cultural human beings," the work focuses on the image of the people, the most general symbol for the "foundation" of the "building of victory." Specifically, it represents: the symbol of great sources of strength; the symbol of righteousness, conscience, justice, protection, and care; the symbol of greatness, grandeur, and nobility; the symbol of invincible strength; the revolutionary must serve the people unconditionally; and the people's responsibility to assist the government.

The goal of symbolic research is to discover the mechanisms and principles of meaning creation. The larger the symbol, the more diverse the meanings it can offer. Through specific, thorough, and systematic research, the author shows that the symbols used by President Ho Chi Minh were consistent, vivid, and engaging. In Part 3, specifically regarding the symbol of the hand/arm, the author systematizes three types of meaning: symbols of willpower and self-discipline; symbols of unity, solidarity, and friendship; and symbols of situation, strategy, and tactics. Besides familiar images, such as: "Even five fingers have short and long ones...", the book systematically presents a fairly complete range of symbols, including many new and interesting ones with new meanings. For example, to depict the proactive situation of our army forcing the French army to disperse their forces, President Ho Chi Minh spread his hand, each finger pointing in a different direction...

The systematic and comprehensive perspective of the book has contributed to shaping the portrait of the great Uncle Ho in many aspects: revolutionary, politician, writer, educator... In the symbolic representation of the parts of the human body, Uncle Ho often uses the image of prescriptions and remedies to treat negative illnesses, emphasizing the need for perseverance, not just a quick fix, but also the need for a "sufficient dose": "Just like a doctor's treatment, one must use bitter medicine and take enough days to cure the disease."

As a great cultural figure, through his assimilation, learning, and even new creations, Uncle Ho mastered an entire world of symbols. This book contributes to a deeper study of the symbols Uncle Ho used, and also serves as a way to further clarify the symbolism of Uncle Ho—a cultural figure respected and admired by the world!

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/sach/nghien-cuu-ho-chi-minh-tu-goc-do-bieu-tuong-1040184