5 Surprising Ways Chinese Cultural Traditions Influence Vietnamese Society

5 Surprising Ways Chinese Cultural Traditions Influence Vietnamese Society

Vietnam is often referred to as a cultural melting pot, which has been shaped by various influences over the centuries. From indigenous cultures to foreign invasions and waves of migration, the country has adopted and adapted numerous traditions and practices. One of the most significant influences on Vietnamese society is from China, which has not only been a neighbor for centuries but also a significant contributor to Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five surprising ways that Chinese cultural traditions have influenced Vietnamese society, from daily life to religious practices and beyond.

1. Language: The Chinese and Vietnamese languages share some similarities due to the former’s historical influence on the latter. Some estimate that up to 60% of Vietnamese vocabulary has its roots in Chinese. For example, the Vietnamese word for “rice” is “gạo,” while the Mandarin word is “mi,” but both are written using the same Chinese character.

2. Food: Chinese cuisine has influenced Vietnamese cuisine in numerous ways. Noodle dishes like phở and bún bò huế are thought to be inspired by Chinese noodle soups. The cha gio, a Vietnamese fried spring roll, has Chinese origins, while the banh bao, a Vietnamese steamed bun, is similar to Chinese baozi.

3. Literature: The literary tradition in Vietnam has been deeply influenced by Chinese literature since the Han dynasty. Chinese classics such as the Book of Changes, the Tao Te Ching, and the Analects of Confucius have been widely read and studied in Vietnam for centuries. The Vietnamese language also uses Chinese characters in many of its literary works.

4. Religion: Mahayana Buddhism, a major branch of Buddhism, is prevalent in both China and Vietnam. As such, many Buddhist traditions, such as important holidays and practices like ancestor worship, have been adopted by Vietnamese society from China. Confucianism and Taoism have also influenced Vietnamese culture and society over the years.

5. Architecture: Chinese architecture has had a significant impact on the design of Vietnamese buildings throughout history. From prominent pagodas to bustling marketplaces and ancient temples, Chinese elements can often be seen in Vietnamese architectural design.

In conclusion, Chinese cultural traditions have had a lasting and significant impact on Vietnamese society. From language to food, literature, religion, and architecture, their influence can be seen in many aspects of daily life. The relationship between China and Vietnam is one that has always been complex, but the enduring influence of Chinese culture in Vietnam cannot be denied.