If in the West, the turtle is often seen as a symbol of patience, slow movement and wisdom, in Eastern cultures, the turtle is a symbol of stability and steadiness. In Vietnamese culture, being associated with wet rice culture, turtle is one of the four sacred animals worshiped. The turtle appears in mythology with the divine character as seen as Golden Turtle Spirit (Thần Kim Quy). In folk beliefs, the turtle embodies as a guardian and patron spirit for the Viet people, and is worshiped by the Viet in temples, shrines and communal houses. Moreover, the turtle is also carved on statues as pedestals for doctoral epitaphs, enrolling doctors in the feudal periods of Vietnam. This article will study more deeply about the meanings of the symbol of the mythical turtle on two negative and positive aspects, and will clarify the influence of the sacred turtle in the culture and art of the Viet people in Viet Nam.

Keywords: Sacred turtle, Viet people, culture, symbol, spirit