This banner is part of the museum's Community Banners project, 'Memories and Dreams'. It is symbolic of Vietnamese immigrants' experiences in South Australia.
The Vietnamese people are children of the Dragon and the Fairy, which is symbolised by the crane. They honour artistic endeavours (Chua Mot Cot, the One-Pillar Pagoda) and achievements of the mind (Van Mieu, the Temple of the Learned Ones). They cherish values such as purity (the lotus flower) and integrity (the bamboo).
Their tragic sea journeys from persecution are represented by a man looking for friendly shores, while his wife nurses their young child. The Vietnamese refugees finally find freedom (the blue sky) in their new country (the colour of desert), where they fulfil their dreams (the fans).
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.