The meaning of the mascot symbol on Ngo boat

Ghe Ngo is a traditional boat of the Khmer people in the South, usually appearing only once a year during the Ok Om Bok festival (moon worship), which takes place on the full moon day of the 10th lunar month every year. This is not only a means of sports competition but also a spiritual symbol, closely associated with the beliefs, art and identity of the Khmer people.

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The dragon image is a very familiar symbol on the Ngo boat.

The body of a Ngo boat is usually from 25 to more than 30 meters long. Each boat is considered a guardian deity of the village. Therefore, the decoration of the boat is deeply sacred and symbolic. On the head and body of the Ngo boat are often carved and painted images of mythical animals in Khmer culture. Each animal has its own meaning, representing strength, intelligence and spiritual beliefs.

Each Khmer Ngo boat has mascots with distinct meanings.

The body of a Ngo boat looks like a long dragon, each boat has a different mascot at the bow; among them, the Naga snake symbol is very popular. The Khmer believe that the Naga helps the boat glide quickly on the river, avoids evil spirits and brings luck to the racing team.

Each symbol on the Ngo boat is considered a mascot symbolizing strength when participating in the race. (In the photo: The Ngo boat of the Four-Faced Pagoda ( Can Tho ) bears the symbol of the sacred bird krud)

Besides the Naga symbol, each Ngo boat also uses symbols such as: white horse, tiger, elephant, krud... Krud is a half-human, half-bird mascot, the eternal rival of Naga in Indian - Khmer mythology.

The krud mascot symbolizes strength, courage and the will to overcome all difficulties. The symbol of Kkrud spreading its wings and flying represents the community's desire for freedom and winning spirit.

The gilded crane symbol of the Ngo boat at Bang Kro Chap Chac pagoda (Can Tho).

The carving and decoration of mascots on Khmer Ngo boats is not only a folk art but also a ritual for praying for safety. Each Ngo boat is considered a “living god”, and a ceremony is held to “call the boat’s soul” and “open the boat’s eyes” before launching.

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Source: https://baocamau.vn/y-nghia-bieu-tuong-linh-vat-tren-ghe-ngo--a123802.html