The Game Do Xam Huong
The game “Đổ
xăm hường” is a part of Vietnamese cultural heritage, reflecting
the spirit and aspirations of the scholarly class in achieving prestigious
academic titles. It is not just a recreational game but also a symbol of
academic effort and ambition in the Nguyen Dynasty society.
This game originated from the
Nguyen Dynasty’s inner court and gradually spread to officials, nobles, and the
wealthy in the capital. With the “xăm hường” card
set containing academic titles from “tú tài” to “trạng nguyên”, players would
draw these cards in hopes of reflecting their true life dreams - that is, to
pass the exams and become scholars, officials, bearing the responsibility of
serving the king, helping the country.
Each card in the “xăm
hường” set is made from elephant ivory, animal bones, precious
wood, or bamboo slats, and nowadays, there are also plastic cards. The cards
are meticulously carved with the card name in Chinese characters, and the card
size varies according to their point value.
This game is not only a form
of entertainment but also a way to educate about the history and academic
culture of Vietnam. It encourages studying and striving to achieve academic
accomplishments, reflecting the value of knowledge and dedication to society.
More info:
http://www.tapchisonghuong.com.vn/tap-chi/c424/n28732/Do-xam-huong.html