On the symbolism of phytonyms and floronyms in Vietnamese folk poetry (ca dao)

The article is devoted to the images and symbols of Vietnamese folk poetry associated with the plant world. Among them, there are autochthonous Vietnamese ones, such as the pair symbol ‘betel and areca’, which is associated with love and marriage. In addition, there is a strong tradition of plant symbolism in the Far Eastern cultural region, which is evident in various art forms such as painting and poetry. Many plants sung in Vietnamese folk poetry made their way into folk songs from Chinese classical literature. These include bamboo, plum, peach, pomegranate, willow, pear, and lotus. These borrowed symbols are perceived as having an elevated connotation. At the same time, some plants growing in Vietnam but not sung in Chinese poetry are perceived as more down-to-earth and can be synonymous with simplicity, such as carambola, water spinach, water caltrop and others. Aromatic plants and herbs such as cinnamon, jasmine, ginger, star anise, red hot pepper, and sugar cane constitute a special category. Floronyms or phytonyms in folk poetry can also be combined with elements from the animal or material world (e.g., banyan tree and boat, butterfly and flower, etc.).