Sacred Animals in Traditional Vietnamese Culture

Abstract

According to major dictionaries in the world such as the Oxford and Merriam-Webster, sacred animal refers to animals used in animal worship, showing respect for the animal through its connection with a special god. The gods are incamated in animal form, but this does not mean that the animal as such is being worshipped. Instead, the divine power of a certain god is manifested in the animal as their incamation. For example, the Symbol of the Naga snake in Indian culture is considered to be the physical manifestation of Lord Shiva, while the monkey symbolizes Hanuman, etc.