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This page contains spoilers.
Artifacts / Objects
Amulet (Lá Bùa)
The amulet shown by Thanh Tung in Chapter 2 is deeply rooted in the beliefs of the Đại Việt people, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Vietnamese folklore and religious practices. In Vietnamese culture, amulets (bùa chú) are considered powerful objects used to protect against evil, bring good fortune, and ensure safety. These beliefs have been influenced by a blend of indigenous traditions, Buddhism, Taoism, and folk practices.
Amulets in Vietnamese culture have a long history, often linked to ancient practices and rituals. One significant aspect is the "Việt vu kê bốc" tradition, where the divination using chicken feet played a crucial role in spiritual practices. This form of divination and the associated amulets were believed to bridge the physical world with the spiritual, offering guidance and protection. Over time, these practices incorporated elements from Taoism and Buddhism, particularly esoteric Buddhism (Mật Tông), to enhance their spiritual significance.
The Role of Amulets
Amulets are often inscribed with mystical symbols, chants, or invocations, believed to harness spiritual power. They are used for various purposes, including warding off evil spirits, healing, and ensuring personal safety. In the novel, the amulet held by Thanh Tung symbolizes his connection to these ancient beliefs, reflecting his cultural heritage and the protective role these objects play in Vietnamese society.
Modern Usage
Despite the advances in modern society, the use of amulets remains prevalent in Vietnam. They are commonly found in homes, worn as jewelry, or placed in significant locations to ensure protection and good fortune. The continued use of amulets highlights the enduring nature of these cultural practices and their deep-seated importance in Vietnamese life.
For more detailed insights into the history and cultural significance of Vietnamese amulets, you can read further on the topic: https://nguoidothi.net.vn/mo-canh-cua-an-mat-ve-lich-su-ma-thuat-va-bua-chu-viet-39881.html
Apricot Blossom (Ochna Integerrima, hoa mai)
The apricot blossom, known scientifically as Ochna integerrima, holds a place of prominence in the novel "Who Murdered My Empress?". In Vietnamese, this flower is called Hoa Mai, which is also the first name of the protagonist, Mai. The apricot blossom symbolizes not only the character's identity but also the complex emotions and inner monologues of Vu Huyen, reflecting his feelings towards her.
Botanical Description
Ochna integerrima, commonly known as the Vietnamese mickey-mouse plant, is a small tree or shrub native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its vibrant yellow flowers, which bloom primarily during the Lunar New Year, making it a significant symbol of spring and renewal in Vietnamese culture.
Cultural Significance
In Vietnam, the apricot blossom is an iconic symbol of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It represents prosperity, good fortune, and the renewal of life. Families often decorate their homes with branches of Hoa Mai, believing that the blossoms will bring luck and happiness for the coming year. This deep cultural significance is interwoven into the fabric of Vietnamese traditions and daily life.
Symbolism in the Novel
In "Who Murdered My Empress?", the apricot blossom serves as a powerful metaphor. The character of Mai embodies the qualities associated with Hoa Mai—resilience, beauty, and hope. For Vu Huyen, the flower symbolizes his deep, complex feelings for Mai, encapsulating both his admiration and the bittersweet nature of their relationship. The recurring imagery of the apricot blossom throughout the novel underscores the themes of love, longing, and hope.
For more detailed information about the apricot blossom and its cultural importance, you can read further on the [Wikipedia page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochna_integerrima).
Gourd Crab Prawn (Bầu Cua Cá Cọp)
Gourd Crab Prawn Fish (Bầu Cua Cá Cọp) is a traditional Vietnamese board game often played during the Lunar New Year (Tết). The game involves a board with six pictures: a gourd, crab, prawn, fish, rooster, and deer. Players place bets on these images, and three dice featuring the same pictures are rolled. Payouts are made based on the dice results.
Hair pin (Trâm cài)
The hairpin that appears in the novel in the Prologue and Chapter 28 of the main story is inspired by a collection of hairpins from the Nguyen Dynasty. This collection, known as the "Bộ trâm hoa," consists of twelve pins, each measuring between 9.4 cm and 12 cm in length and designed to resemble flower petals.
The heads of these pins feature clusters of gold flowers and leaves, adorned with jade-colored gemstones. The collection showcases four types of flowers, two of which have been identified as apricot blossoms (scientific name: Ochna integerrima - Also known as Mai in Vietnamese) and chrysanthemums. The shafts of the twelve hairpins, intended to be secured in the hair, are made of silver.
Source: https://baotanglichsu.vn/vi/Articles/3101/18895/bo-trang-suc-cua-mot-vuong-phi-thoi-chua-nguyen.html
Magical Feather (Sợi lông ngỗng thần kì)
The magical feather in the novel takes inspiration from the goose feather coat mentioned in the famous Vietnamese mythical story of Mỵ Châu and Trọng Thủy. In the novel, this story is reimagined as the tale of Mỵ Tiên and Văn Hiếu. The feather serves as a significant symbol within the narrative. In the story, the magical feather represents an object of great power, tied to the doppelgänger curse that affects the characters. This feather is used to pin the heart of the doppelgänger, preventing them from falling in love.
Inspiration from Vietnamese Mythology
The inspiration for the magical feather comes from the myth of Mỵ Châu and Trọng Thủy, a tale deeply rooted in Vietnamese folklore. In the original myth, Mỵ Châu uses goose feathers to leave a trail for Trọng Thủy, her lover. This act leads to a tragic betrayal and loss, themes that resonate with the novel's use of the feather as a symbol of unfulfilled love and cursed fate.
Myth of Mỵ Châu and Trọng Thủy
The story of Mỵ Châu and Trọng Thủy is a poignant Vietnamese legend. Mỵ Châu, the daughter of King An Dương Vương, falls in love with Trọng Thủy, the son of her father's rival. Trọng Thủy marries Mỵ Châu as part of a plot to discover the secret of her father's invincible crossbow. Mỵ Châu, unaware of the deceit, helps Trọng Thủy by marking their escape route with goose feathers. This ultimately leads to the downfall of her father's kingdom and her own tragic end.
Read more about the myth here: https://vietnamese.fandom.com/wiki/Story_of_Tr%E1%BB%8Dng_Th%E1%BB%A7y_%26_M%E1%BB%B5_Ch%C3%A2u
Nicotine Bowl (Điếu Bát)
In "Who Murdered My Empress?" the nicotine bowl (Điếu Bát) used by Mai (and later by Vu Huyen during his time working in the Theater District) for smoking is a culturally significant artifact that adds depth to the story's historical setting. The Điếu Bát is a traditional Vietnamese pipe used for smoking tobacco, particularly thuốc lào (a type of strong Vietnamese tobacco).
Structure and Design
The Điếu Bát typically consists of several parts:
- Bowl (Bát Điếu): Usually made of ceramic, this is the main body that holds water.
- Stem (Nõ Điếu): A bamboo or wooden stem inserted into the bowl.
- Pipe (Xe Điếu): The part through which the smoker inhales, often made from bamboo or metal.
The design often features intricate patterns and decorations, reflecting traditional Vietnamese artistry.
Historical Context
The Điếu Bát has been a common smoking tool in Vietnam for centuries, used across different social classes. Historically, it was particularly prevalent among scholars and the nobility, symbolizing a leisurely and refined lifestyle. The Bát Tràng village is renowned for producing high-quality ceramic Điếu Bát, with designs ranging from simple to highly ornate.
Significance in the Novel
In the novel, the Điếu Bát that Mai uses serves as a symbol of traditional Vietnamese culture and adds an authentic historical flavor to the narrative. Mai's use of the pipe underscores her connection to her cultural roots and adds a layer of complexity to her character.
Pearl Engraved/Inlay Box (Hộp khảm trai)
The pearl engraved box, a cherished possession of Vu Huyen, appears throughout the story as a symbol of heritage and artistry. This artifact represents the exquisite craftsmanship and rich cultural history of Vietnam, particularly the traditional art of mother-of-pearl inlay.
Mother-of-pearl inlay, known as "khảm trai" in Vietnamese, is a high-end craft that involves embedding delicate pieces of shell into wood, creating intricate designs and patterns. The craft has a long history in Vietnam, dating back to the period of the Ly Dynasty (11th-13th centuries). Traditionally, this art was used to adorn furniture, religious artifacts, and personal items for the elite, showcasing scenes from folklore, nature, and historical events.
The process of creating a mother-of-pearl inlaid object is labor-intensive and requires meticulous skill. It begins with designing and sketching the desired pattern, followed by selecting the appropriate shells. These shells are then cut, shaped, and polished to fit the design. The next step involves carving the wooden base to accommodate the shell pieces, which are carefully glued and polished to create a seamless surface. The final product is a stunning work of art that combines the natural luster of mother-of-pearl with the elegance of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Reference: https://www.blusaigon.vn/pages/lang-nghe-kham-trai
Phoenix Stamp
The Phoenix Stamp is inspired by the Dragon Seal traditionally used by Vietnamese emperors. In historical Vietnamese culture, the dragon was a symbol of the emperor's authority and divine right to rule. Similarly, the phoenix symbolizes the empress's power and grace. The Phoenix Stamp would likely be used for important decrees and documents by the empress, signifying her regal status and governance.
Porcelain Glass (Chén sứ)
In "Who Murdered My Empress?", the porcelain items that appear throughout the story are inspired by the intricate art forms of Vietnam, particularly those from the Nguyen Dynasty. This era is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in porcelain, which were often used in royal courts and among the nobility.
Historical Context
During the Nguyen Dynasty, porcelain items were highly valued not only for their functionality but also for their artistic and cultural significance. The dynasty's reign saw the production of finely crafted items such as tea sets, wine bottles, and decorative plates. These artifacts often featured detailed designs and were made from high-quality materials, reflecting the dynasty's wealth and aesthetic preferences. Early in the dynasty, under Emperor Gia Long, porcelain production was relatively modest. However, as the dynasty progressed, especially during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, there was a notable increase in both the variety and the sophistication of porcelain items due to increased interactions with Western countries. By the time of Emperor Thieu Tri, the porcelain had reached a high level of artistic refinement, showcasing intricate designs and innovative forms.
The porcelain items often featured motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, and floral patterns, symbolizing power, prosperity, and beauty. These items were not only used domestically but also served as diplomatic gifts, showcasing the cultural sophistication of the Nguyen Dynasty to the world.
Zither (Đàn Tranh)
The zither we see Vu Huyen play in the novel is inspired by the Vietnamese plucked instrument called the Đàn Tranh. This traditional Vietnamese zither, often compared to the Chinese guzheng or the Japanese koto, is a significant part of Vietnam's musical heritage. The Đàn Tranh typically features between 17 and 21 strings, although historical versions had fewer. The strings are made from metal and are stretched over a wooden body. The instrument's body is often elaborately decorated, showcasing traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Players use their fingers or plectra attached to their fingers to pluck the strings. The right hand is used for plucking, while the left hand manipulates the strings to create vibrato, bending notes, and other effects. This technique allows for a wide range of expressive sounds, from gentle and melodic to bright and percussive.
The Đàn Tranh has been part of Vietnamese culture for centuries and is often played in both solo and ensemble settings. Historically, it was associated with the royal court and used in traditional Vietnamese music genres such as Nhã Nhạc (elegant music) and Ca Trù (ceremonial singing). Today, it continues to be an important instrument in both traditional and contemporary Vietnamese music.
Significance in the Novel
In "Who Murdered My Empress?", the zither and its music symbolize Vu Huyen's character and inner emotions. Mai describes the music as both "seductive and sorrowful," reflecting Vu Huyen's complexity. Additionally, the zither symbolizes Mai's attraction to both the music and Vu Huyen, as she frequently likens their relationship to the melodies he creates.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%C3%A0n_tranh