The Longma, a mythical creature that translates to dragon horse, is a powerful and fitting symbol for Quoc Hoc Hue High School for the Gifted. This legendary beast, which has deep roots in Chinese and Vietnamese culture, stands proudly on the school grounds, embodying the school’s mission and the aspirations of its students. Its presence in front of the school is a daily reminder of the values it represents.
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The History of the Longma on the School Campus’s Trấn Phong
The school’s trấn phong — a decorative stone screen common in traditional Vietnamese architecture, believed to protect against negative energy — is home to a Longma. This trấn phong was built in 1896, the same year that Quoc Hoc was established.
Engraved on the trấn phong are classical Chinese characters, which read from right to left: 成傣捌年拾壹月吉日造. This translates to Constructed on an auspicious day in November, in the 8th year of the Thành Thái reign (1896).
A Symbol of Intellect and Success
The Longma is a harmonious fusion of the dragon and the horse, two animals with profound cultural significance. The dragon represents divine power, wisdom, and good fortune, while the horse symbolizes strength, vitality, perseverance, and speed.
By combining these two creatures, the Longma becomes a powerful symbol for an individual who possesses not only great intellect and wisdom but also the vigor and determination needed to achieve their goals. This idea is further reinforced by the school’s motto: Hiền tài là nguyên khí quốc gia (Talents and Virtues are the nation’s sap). Together, the Longma and the motto express the school’s commitment to cultivating the nation’s brightest minds.
Cultural Significance in the Modern Age
The Longma on Quoc Hoc’s trấn phong is more than a historical artifact; its styling is a nod to the logo of the Hue Festival. This connection symbolizes the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Hue, Vietnam’s ancient capital. The Longma thus serves as a timeless bridge between the past and the present, carrying the cultural legacy of the region forward.