Country Name - Quốc hiệu
Vietnam’s official name reflects its political system and ideological goals:
- Name: Vietnam
- System: Republic
- Political Goal: Socialism
The name “Vietnam” was first adopted in 1804 when Emperor Gia Long chose it as the official national title. Even during the late 19th to early 20th century, when the name was temporarily changed to “Đại Nam,” “Vietnam” continued to be used widely in historical and patriotic contexts.
In 1945, the name "Democratic Republic of Vietnam" was declared to the world. Later, in July 1976, at the first session of the National Assembly of a reunified Vietnam (VI), it was officially renamed: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The phrase “Independence - Freedom - Happiness” often follows the country’s name. This is Vietnam’s national motto; these are short and concise words that reflect the ideals, values, and spirits the country strives forward. It was inspired by Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People: national independence, civil liberties, and social well-being.
National Flag - Quốc kỳ
The red flag with a yellow star was first flown during the Cochinchina Uprising in 1940, and became Vietnam’s official national flag in 1945. It has stood as a symbol of unity for the nation for over 85 years.
- Red: represents the blood, willpower, and sacrifice of the people.
- Yellow star: symbolizes the revolutionary leadership and unity of five social classes: intellectuals, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, and soldiers.
National Emblem - Quốc huy
The national emblem functions much like a national “logo”. It appears on official documents, public buildings, and during state ceremonies.
It was created in a nationwide design competition in 1951. The winning designs came from painter Bùi Trang Chước, with the final official version refined by artist Trần Văn Cẩn due to Chước’s classified assignment at the time.
President Hồ Chí Minh signed the decree recognizing the emblem on January 14, 1956. Since then, the only modification was in 1976, when the national title changed from "Democratic Republic of Vietnam" to "Socialist Republic of Vietnam".
The emblem features:
- A circular design with two curved golden rice stalks, representing agriculture and the unity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
- A bright yellow cogwheel at the base, representing industry.
- A red ribbon carrying the national name.
- And in the center, the national flag with a bright yellow star on a deep red background.
National Anthem & Ceremonial Anthem - Quốc ca và Quốc thiều
Vietnam’s national anthem was composed in 1944 by musician Văn Cao, who was only 21 years old at the time. Though he had never held a weapon or been to the battlefield, he wrote “Tiến Quân Ca” ("The Marching Song”), being the anthem of the Việt Minh Front. In 1945, President Hồ Chí Minh selected it as the national anthem, and it was later ratified by the First National Assembly in the 1946 Constitution.
Over time, the lyrics have been slightly adjusted to better match Vietnam’s evolving historical context.
In official ceremonies, we often hear the instrumental version, called the "Ceremonial Anthem". It plays during flag-raising at public offices, schools, and when welcoming foreign dignitaries. It’s also a familiar sound at football matches when Vietnam wins, representing a moment of national unity.
National Day September 2 - Quốc khánh 2/9
Vietnam’s National Day, on September 2, marks the country’s official founding. It was on this day in 1945 that President Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square, ushering in a new era for a sovereign Vietnam with its own name, flag, emblem, and anthem.
The word "khánh" in "Quốc khánh" means joy or celebration, similar to its use in the term "khánh thành" (inauguration). So "Quốc khánh" simply means a joyful celebration of the country.
Every September, families proudly hang flags outside their homes. The streets turn red with fluttering national flags - a vibrant reminder of memory, pride, and deep gratitude for those who gave everything for today’s freedom.