The Irreplaceable Water Buffalo
The water buffalo is the traditional symbol of Việt Nam, representing bravery, happiness, and prosperity.
The water buffalo’s place in the region’s daily life, thoughts, and hearts is likewise deeply rooted within this context. While mechanical tractors have mostly supplanted buffalo in the lowlands, buffalo are still preferred for plowing in the higher elevations in the country’s north. They are thought to be more efficient under local agronomic conditions because they are less expensive and natural fertilizers.
Water buffalo are still respected as a crucial part of local working culture and economic survival. Farmers adore buffalo because they are thought to have personalities and recognize their owners. Beyond the mechanical, emotional ties can be formed with these animals. As a result, buffalo are still regarded as family members by many farmers.
The water buffalo also played an important role in the victory of Việt Nam’s revolution over foreign invaders. They were not only employed to draw carts of supplies for soldiers during combat, but also to carry burdens for farmers. Buffalos were considered an “undercover” mode of transportation since they could walk on bad roads, cross rivers and bridges, and climb steep slopes. They have many characteristics that Vietnamese people admire, such as diligence, gentleness, and loyalty, yet they can also represent fierce warriors.
The proverbs “Con trâu là đầu cơ nghiệp” (The buffalo is a prerequisite for starting a business), “Ruộng sâu, trâu nái” (The large rice field, the fat buffalo), “Tậu trâu – cưới vợ – làm nhà” (Buying a buffalo, finding a wife, and building a home) expressed the position and importance of the water buffalo in farmers’ lives. Just as the animal runs deep in Vietnamese culture, so do related festivals like, “Lễ hội đâm trâu” (buffalo-stabbing festival) which aims to pray for rich crops and enormous wealth, and “Lễ hội chọi trâu Đồ Sơn” (buffalo-fighting festival) which shows the incredible strength of this seemingly kind animal that is celebrated across the country.
The Lu ethnic group in Lai Châu is a province in the Northwest region of Việt Nam that recognizes the value of buffalos to farmers by holding a buffalo worship ceremony every year after harvest to honor the buffalo for assisting farmers with their job.
Aside from its many abilities, buffalo can also provide meat and other parts of its body for various industries. Buffalo meat is becoming increasingly popular among foodies, and its skin and bones may be utilized to manufacture jackets, high-end helmets, shoes, and other products and fashion items. The existence of the buffalo has brought certain economic benefits for Việt Nam.
As Việt Nam has progressed, the buffalo has become a common sight in daily life, art, and spiritual culture. As a result, the buffalo has long been and continues to be an integral part of Vietnamese culture, encompassing economy, culture, history, and spiritual beliefs.