Here are the souvenirs for the "Vietnam Stuff Giveaway" at Charlie's Place

Wooden Turtle with Zodiac and Compass

This little wooden turtle is actually pretty darn cool, and if I didn’t already have a stone turtle for myself (also bought on this same trip), I probably would have kept this one. Unlike the previous gifts showcased in this gallery, the turtle is not made of Bamboo, and is instead made of wood. It features Chinese zodiac around the outside of the shell, surrounding more artwork at the top of the shell.
Turtles have special significance in Vietnam, traditionally. They are the symbol of longevity, and with their long lives comes the wisdom that old age pairs with. I’ll be covering the significance of the turtle in a later article, including a legend about them from Hanoi. For now, just know that they are lucky because of their longevity and they are a symbol of wisdom in Northern Vietnam.

The shell of this turtle rotates about the tail end of it, revealing more Chinese symbols within, and a compass in the middle. It’s important to note here that the compass doesn’t really work, but it’s a nifty little addition on the inside that does tend to add to the aesthetic of the piece. It’s fairly lightweight, but feels like good handmade quality nevertheless.
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