The Mouse Wedding painting

INFORMATION ABOUT THE "MOUSE CARRYING A DRAGON" PAINTING Material: Lacquer carving - Size: 50 x 60 cm Adapted from Dong Ho folk paintings The painting is called "mouse carrying a lantern," and in some places "mouse carrying a dragon," but it's not to glorify dragons and phoenixes, but rather a joyful festival, a display of strength by mice, who are of lower status than dragons. Mice are naturally afraid of light, yet they still carry lanterns, subtly conveying the message of the mice's prosperity and confidence in celebrating the Lunar New Year. The image of mice in Dong Ho folk paintings is also shown in the painting "Mouse Dancing with a Dragon." This painting depicts folk humor, showing a group of Chinese mice carrying a dragon in a festival. In the past, the Chinese in Hanoi often organized fun activities such as dragon and lion dances during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival. Dragon dances were paraded through the streets. The dragons were made of paper or cloth attached to poles. The personified mice held the poles and danced, twisting and turning. The procession included rat-shaped figures carrying lanterns shaped like fish and fruits, groups carrying flags or emblems, and musicians playing trumpets and drums on carts, striking gongs, and setting off firecrackers. There were a total of 11 rats. Notably, the rats in this painting have very long tails. This may be because the artist wanted to depict a characteristic of the Chinese during the Qing Dynasty, who had a distinctive way of braiding their hair into long pigtails. The Dong Ho artist used the image of the rat to represent agility, eagerness to learn, and intelligence. The rat is the first animal in the 12 zodiac signs; therefore, it symbolizes abundance, prosperity, fertility, and enduring growth, representing wealth and plenty. For this reason, many families display rat statues or paintings in their homes to pray for good fortune, wealth, and prosperity.