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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
The Betel and Areca symbol in Vietnamese Literature
Authors
Hoang Thi Mai
Abstract
Artistic symbols serve as an essential means
in literary creation, enabling writers to express their thoughts, emotions, and
worldviews through images rich in implicit and multilayered meanings. Within
the diverse system of symbols in Vietnamese literature, betel and areca stand
out as a representative cultural symbol closely associated with traditional
customs, social life, and collective consciousness. Using qualitative methods,
including analysis and synthesis from an interdisciplinary perspective of literature
and culture, this study examines typical works from folk to modern literature
such as folktales, folk songs, and poetry. The findings reveal that the
betel–areca symbol embodies multiple layers of meaning: it represents faithful
love, strong familial bonds, and brotherhood; it functions as a medium for
social connection, strengthening community relationships; and it serves as a
bridge for romantic relationships in Vietnamese spiritual life. Notably, in Ho
Xuan Huong’s poetry, this symbol also becomes a means of expressing individual
consciousness and women’s aspiration for happiness, thereby reflecting
humanistic values and feminist awareness. The study affirms the enduring
vitality and profound cultural significance of the betel–areca symbol, while
emphasizing the role of literature in preserving and promoting national
identity and enriching human spiritual life in contemporary contexts.
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Pages:224-227
How to cite this article:
Hoang Thi Mai "The Betel and Areca symbol in Vietnamese Literature". International Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 224-227
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