ĐÓN DẦN

The Tiger ranks third in the cycle of the Twelve Zodiac Signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, yet it is essentially the true beginning. In the traditional lunar calendar, the first month is the Month of the Tiger, marking Tet, the New Year, and the onset of a new season where buds sprout and spring arrives. Thus begins the eternal rotation of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

As a creature and a sacred mascot, the Tiger symbolizes supreme power. At the gates of traditional communal houses and temples, relief sculptures of tigers lunging forward stand majestically as protective amulets against evil spirits. The gable walls of traditional architecture often feature the "Ho Phu" (Tiger Mask), which is also found on the four sides of altars, depicting a Tiger holding the character for "Longevity" (Thọ) in its mouth, lacquered in red and trimmed with gold. Indeed, the imagery of the Tiger in Vietnamese art is incredibly rich and diverse.

Launched in 2022, the Year of the Water Tiger (Nhâm Dần), 39 Concept collaborated with artist Le Thiet Cuong to release the "Đón Dần" (Welcoming the Tiger) collection to bid farewell to the Year of the Ox and welcome the New Year. Dần belongs to the Yang element, and Nhâm—ranking 9th among the Ten Heavenly Stems (Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu, Kỷ, Canh, Tân, Nhâm, Quý)—is also Yang. Therefore, 2022 represents a double dose of Yang energy, symbolizing double strength and a wish for everyone to have a healthy new year. The seven exclusive designs in the "Đón Dần" collection by 39 Concept x Le Thiet Cuong are a refined fusion of fine art, fashion, and graphic design.