Hue, February 5, 2026 – At Vien Co Mat/Tam Toa space, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center officially opened the specialized exhibition titled “Horses and Dragon-Horses in Nguyen Dynasty Royal Culture.” This event marks the start of a series of activities organized to welcome the Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) 2026 at the Hue Heritage site.
Honoring Royal Symbols
The exhibition aims to introduce and honor the images of Horses and Dragon-Horses, symbols that hold a prestigious position in:
The Legend of the Dragon-Horse (Long Ma)
In Eastern culture, the Dragon-Horse is viewed as a unique transformation, a special combination, or an incarnation of the dragon, unicorn, and horse.
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Ancient Origins: According to legend, the Dragon-Horse appeared on the Yellow River during the reign of Fu Xi.
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Visual Representation: It is often depicted galloping across waves with its head held high, carrying the Ha Do (He Tu / Pre-heaven Eight Trigrams) or Ma Do on its back. This symbolizes the book "bestowed by heaven upon the king to control the waters."
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Religious Significance: Within Buddhism, the Dragon-Horse is revered as a sacred creature carrying the Vinaya Pitaka (Book of Laws)—one of the three core components of the Tripitaka scriptures.
Exhibition details
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Time: 8:00 AM, February 5, 2026
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Location: Co Mat Vien – Tam Toa, 33 Tong Duy Tan Street, Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City.
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Admission: Free entry to the exhibition.