Every year, as scheduled, localities across the country spend money to hire people to design and display mascot models based on the 12 zodiac animals.
And every year, the creation of Tet mascots in localities always brings about mixed opinions in public opinion.
This year's reality shows that many snake mascots are loved by the public because of their gentleness, playfulness, "healing" nature and easy sympathy.
The most noticeable are the snake versions in Hue, Quang Tri, Nghe An... which even create a good effect thanks to the harmonious design, bright colors but not ostentatious.
These works make many people feel lucky and peaceful, in the context of the new year when everyone wishes for a smooth start.
On the contrary, there are still many snake mascots in some places that are complained about being too realistic and ferocious, making viewers shy and scared.
In fact, the Tet mascot, no matter which of the 12 zodiac animals it is, must possess at least two basic elements: aspirations and local identity.
Wishes are the common desires of people when entering the new year, from happiness, reunion to peace, prosperity and development.
Therefore, the mascot must exude brightness and joy, not have fierce colors or create a heavy atmosphere.
Furthermore, Tet mascots, regardless of the country, serve as symbols of good luck for the new year and ward off evil from the old year. Therefore, a gentle and friendly temperament is essential for mascots.
The second element that many mascots have lacked for many years is local identity. One of the highly appreciated designs in Hue this year is a pair of pythons and snakes inspired by the patterns on the Nine Dynastic Urns, combined with traditional five colors.
This has created a distinct mark, integrating the quintessence of Hue culture into the image of the zodiac animal. Looking at it, people not only see a common snake mascot, but also feel the quiet, ancient shadow of Hue.
Meanwhile, many snake models in other localities mainly focus on visual impressions with their large size and colorful colors, but lack cultural depth and do not reflect local and regional identity.
Above all, mascot design always requires meticulous research on proportions, details, and expressions. Only when the mascot harmonizes the two elements of “spiritual life” - aspirations and “local identity”, with a design that is both familiar and unique, will the work truly become a beautiful and memorable highlight in the community’s consciousness.
On the contrary, superficial, trendy, and perfunctory designs will not only waste local time and money, but can also have a negative impact on spring aspirations, which need to be aroused in a positive and humane way.
