Religion

Vietnam, a land adorned with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, holds a spiritual tapestry that weaves together the threads of ancient traditions and profound faith. In this journey of discovery, we embark on an exploration of the major religions that have shaped the hearts and minds of its people for centuries. From the serene temples adorned with graceful pagodas to the grand cathedrals resonating with echoes of history, Vietnam embraces a diverse religious landscape that reflects its rich heritage.

Major Religions in Vietnam

Buddhism in Vietnam

Buddhism in Vietnam, known as Đạo Phật 道佛 or Phật Giáo 佛教 in Vietnamese, is the predominant religion in the country. It encompasses the Mahayana tradition and combines elements of Pure Land and Zen (Thiền) Buddhism. The origins of Buddhism in Vietnam can be traced back to as early as the 3rd or 2nd century BCE, either from the Indian subcontinent or through China in the 1st or 2nd century CE. Vietnamese Buddhism has developed a syncretic relationship with Taoism, Chinese spirituality, and Vietnamese folk religion. In addition to the Mahayana tradition, there are also Theravada Buddhism and indigenous forms of Vietnamese Buddhism, such as Bửu Sơn Kỳ Hương and Hòa Hảo.

Integration of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian Traditions

Vietnamese Buddhism harmoniously incorporates elements of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. The religion encompasses the rituals, beliefs, and principles of all three faiths in a balanced manner. While some may argue that the diverse schools of Buddhism are incompatible and cannot coexist, Vietnamese practitioners seamlessly integrate them without conflicts.

Buddhist Practices in Vietnam

In Vietnamese Buddhism, the pursuit of merit holds significant importance. Practitioners believe that self-liberation is achieved with the assistance of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Buddhist monks commonly engage in chanting sutras and reciting the names of Buddhas.

Catholicism in Vietnam

Catholicism, also known as Christianity in Vietnam, was introduced during the 16th century by missionaries from France, Spain, and Portugal. Alexandre de Rhodes, a French Jesuit, played a significant role in the early establishment of Catholic missions in Hanoi, Danang, and Hoi An, impressing the ruling Trinh lords at the time [5].

Expulsion and Re-establishment

Despite Alexandre de Rhodes' contributions to the Romanized Vietnamese script and modern Vietnam, he, along with other Christians, was expelled when the Trinh lords perceived Catholicism as a threat to their power. However, Catholicism regained its footing in Vietnam and experienced rapid growth.

Oppression under Minh Mang

In the early 19th century, Vietnam had a substantial Catholic population. However, Catholicism's belief in the equality of all individuals before God clashed with the feudal Confucian system, leading to oppression under King Minh Mang. Churches were destroyed, and both Vietnamese and foreign believers who refused to renounce their faith were executed.

French Influence and Post-war Years

Minh Mang's actions provided the French with a pretext for their invasion, which resulted in the reinstatement of Catholicism. During the colonial period, the Catholic Church thrived with the support of the French, establishing missions, schools, and hospitals throughout Vietnam. Vietnamese Catholics enjoyed privileges and became an educated elite.

After the country's reunification, the communist government imposed restrictions on the Catholic Church, leading to the imprisonment of several Catholic leaders who opposed the new regime. Over time, relations between Vietnam and the Vatican have improved, and restrictions have eased. However, a papal visit to Southeast Asia's second-largest Catholic population is still anticipated.

Protestantism in Vietnam

Protestantism gained a significant following in Vietnam, primarily introduced by American missionaries in the southern region, with approximately half a million adherents. Many Protestant communities are found among the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. However, there have been instances of unrest in the area, with some American evangelical organizations using religious freedom as a political tool rather than solely focusing on religious aspects.

Protestantism in Vietnam

Protestantism, a significant branch of Christianity, has found its place in Vietnam. The arrival of Robert A. Jaffray, a Canadian missionary, in 1911 marked the introduction of Protestantism to the country, leading to the rapid establishment of a church in Da Nang.

A considerable number of Protestants in Vietnam today belong to the Hmong, Thai, and Dao ethnic minorities residing in the northwest highlands. Additionally, Da Lat serves as a prominent location with a substantial following of Protestant believers.

With a steady growth over the course of about 120 years, Vietnam's official government statistics on religion reveal that Protestantism has garnered approximately 1.5 million followers, accounting for around 2% of the population. Moreover, there are now 400 places of worship dedicated to this faith throughout Vietnam.

Islam in Vietnam

Islam made its way to Southeast Asia during the 11th and 12th centuries, including Vietnam. The ethnic Cham people in Southern Vietnam predominantly practice this religion.

Presently, there are two branches of Islam in Vietnam. The first branch is known as Cham Bani, a blend of Islam and Brahmin faith that previously held prominence in the Champa civilization. The second branch, Cham Islam, bears similarities to the worldwide practice of Islam. While Cham Bani believers are primarily concentrated in Central Vietnam, followers of Cham Islam are found mainly in the southern part of the country.

Cao Dai in Vietnam

Originating in South Vietnam during the 20th century, Cao Dai is a local religion with a monotheistic belief system. Rather than tracing its roots to a specific prophet or Buddha, Cao Dai attributes its origin to God. The religion's core objective is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Adherents of Cao Dai observe nonviolence, practice vegetarianism, engage in ancestral worship, and participate in prayer sessions.

A distinctive aspect of Cao Dai is its faith in "priests" who serve as divine intermediaries, connecting adherents to God and providing them with guidance. Vietnam is home to approximately 8 million Cao Dai followers, while another 30,000 or so can be found in Australia, America, and Europe.

Hoa Hao in Vietnam

Hoa Hao, also referred to as Hoahaoism, is another significant religion indigenous to Vietnam. It represents a reformed branch of Buddhism, primarily followed by laypeople, particularly those engaged in farming. Hoahaoism emphasizes the practice of Buddhism at home.

In Vietnam, the Mekong Delta region holds the majority of Hoa Hao followers, with over 90% of the population embracing this faith. Hoahaoist families engage in daily prayers at a modest altar adorned with brown cloth. Worship ceremonies involve the use of freshwater, flowers, and incense, without the inclusion of bells or gongs.

Additionally, Hoa Hao followers actively participate in communal services on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, as well as on other sacred Buddhist occasions.

Cao Dai in Vietnam

Originating in South Vietnam during the 20th century, Cao Dai is a local religion with a monotheistic belief system. Rather than tracing its roots to a specific prophet or Buddha, Cao Dai attributes its origin to God. The religion's core objective is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Adherents of Cao Dai observe nonviolence, practice vegetarianism, engage in ancestral worship, and participate in prayer sessions.

A distinctive aspect of Cao Dai is its faith in "priests" who serve as divine intermediaries, connecting adherents to God and providing them with guidance. Vietnam is home to approximately 8 million Cao Dai followers, while another 30,000 or so can be found in Australia, America, and Europe.

Hoa Hao in Vietnam

Hoa Hao, also referred to as Hoahaoism, is another significant religion indigenous to Vietnam. It represents a reformed branch of Buddhism, primarily followed by laypeople, particularly those engaged in farming. Hoahaoism emphasizes the practice of Buddhism at home.

In Vietnam, the Mekong Delta region holds the majority of Hoa Hao followers, with over 90% of the population embracing this faith. Hoahaoist families engage in daily prayers at a modest altar adorned with brown cloth. Worship ceremonies involve the use of freshwater, flowers, and incense, without the inclusion of bells or gongs.

Additionally, Hoa Hao followers actively participate in communal services on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, as well as on other sacred Buddhist occasions.

Folk Beliefs in Vietnam

Beyond formal religions, Vietnamese people also hold steadfast to a tapestry of captivating folk beliefs.

Gods

An integral part of Vietnamese spirituality lies in the profound worship of gods. Ancient Vietnamese society was rooted in the belief that everything possessed a soul, leading them to pay homage to a plethora of gods associated with different aspects of life. These deities were intricately linked to agricultural activities, symbolizing the intimate connection between the Vietnamese people and the land that sustains them. From the gods of the sun, moon, earth, river, and sea to those of thunder and rain, each deity played a crucial role in the agricultural cycle. Vietnamese communities fervently worshipped Shennong, the overseer of fields, along with the revered Rice God and Corn God, symbolizing their desire for bountiful harvests and abundant sustenance.

In addition to gods connected to material life, the Vietnamese people also worshipped deities associated with their spiritual well-being. Among them were the Thanh Hoang gods, believed to govern villages, as well as national heroes and gods of the Mother Religion. These revered figures were acknowledged for their significant contributions to the nation and local communities. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese tradition, the Vietnamese also offered their devotion to Fortune and the Earth God. A testament to the enduring practice of god worship in Vietnam, it was common for households to have an altar dedicated to a deity, often placed in front of the house.

Ancestral Worship

At the core of Vietnamese culture lies the profound veneration of ancestors. Ancestor worship holds deep significance in the lives of the Vietnamese people, as they firmly believe that the spirits of their forefathers continue to guide and bless their descendants. Every Vietnamese family maintains an ancestor altar, carefully positioned in the most sacred area of the house. In this hallowed space, timeless rituals take place, ensuring the spiritual connection between the living and the departed.

Observances such as lighting incense in the evenings and offering tea water every morning serve as acts of reverence. Special occasions, such as the first day of the lunar month and the full moon, are marked by the display of fresh fruit on the altar—a respectful offering to the ancestors. Moreover, grand ceremonies are held during death anniversaries and the Lunar New Year, serving as moments of profound homage and remembrance for the ancestral spirits. One particularly renowned event is the death anniversary of King Hung Vuong, celebrated on the 10th of March according to the lunar calendar. This shared death anniversary carries immense significance for the Vietnamese people, underscoring the profound importance they attribute to ancestral worship.

Superstitions in Vietnam

These deeply ingrained beliefs revolve around behaviors that are thought to bring good fortune or attract bad luck and malevolent spirits.

'Ghost Money' for Ancestors

Vietnamese culture places great importance on honoring ancestors, and one way to pay homage is through the use of "ghost money." These symbolic offerings consist of imitation bills made from bamboo paper, resembling various currencies such as Chinese yen, Vietnamese dong, Thai baht, or even U.S. dollars. The ghost money is burned as an offering to the deceased ancestors, with some believing that the spirits can use this money in the afterlife or as payment for granting the wishes of the living family.

Pregnancy Taboos

Pregnant women in Vietnam encounter a plethora of superstitions surrounding their condition. They are advised not to attend weddings, as they are considered to bring "bad luck" to the newly married couple. It is believed that pregnant women attending funerals may result in their child becoming excessively emotional. Stepping over a hammock during pregnancy is said to lead to a "lazy" baby, and visiting temples or pagodas is avoided to prevent angering the spirits residing there. Additionally, after the baby is born, the new mother and family members must resist coddling the child, as jealous spirits may attempt to steal the newborn. Consequently, many Vietnamese refrain from lavishing excessive adoration or compliments upon a newborn.

Reverse Bad Luck with a Fertilized Duck Egg

Known as "hột vịt lộn" in Vietnamese, a fertilized duck embryo is not only a popular beer snack but is also believed to have the power to reverse bad luck. The term "lộn" loosely translates to "reverse," implying that consuming the egg can flip one's fortune. However, it is crucial to consume these potent eggs in odd numbers. Eating two eggs would result in the bad luck reversing twice, nullifying any change in fortune and leaving one with the taste of two baby ducks in vain.

Mirror Faux-Pas

Vietnamese families hold a strong belief in Feng Shui, known as "phong thuỷ" in Vietnamese. This ancient practice involves meticulous placement of objects, furniture, and even entire homes to optimize the flow of energy, known as chi, and create a harmonious environment. In Vietnam, it is discouraged to place a mirror directly opposite a doorway. The rationale behind this superstition is that upon entering the home, individuals may startle themselves with their own reflection, inviting feelings of paranoia. Similarly, placing a mirror at the foot of the bed is considered unwise, as it can lead to nightmares and amplify the energy directed toward the bed, creating a disruption in chi. However, mirrors are often strategically placed on front doors to frighten away dragons and evil spirits, as these entities will be startled by their own reflection and choose to leave the house undisturbed.

No Haircuts Before Exams

One intriguing superstition prevalent in Vietnam is the belief that a poorly timed haircut can cause memory loss. This notion is of particular concern to students, as it is believed that getting a haircut just before an important test or exam may result in forgetting everything they have learned. Hence, it is advisable to schedule haircuts after the crucial examination has taken place.

The First Customer of the Day: A Precursor to Good Business

Many Vietnamese shop owners adhere to the belief that the first customer of the day serves as an indicator of how profitable the business will be for the rest of the day. A big-spending first customer is seen as an auspicious sign, suggesting a fortunate day ahead. Conversely, if the first customer does not make a purchase, it may be considered a harbinger of bad luck. For those seeking to buy souvenirs in Vietnam, it is advisable to make purchases earlier in the day, leaving the browsing for later, as entering a shop solely for browsing could be seen as an ill omen by superstitious shop owners.

The First Visitor of the Year: A Symbol of Luck

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time when superstition permeates Vietnamese households. Families eagerly seek good fortune for the upcoming year, and a significant factor in determining their luck is the first visitor of the year. To ensure that the first guest is deemed "desirable," some families employ clever strategies. They arrange for a family member to step outside and reenter the house moments after midnight strikes, or they invite a fortuitous friend to be the household's inaugural guest.

Sweeping Away Good Luck

Another Tet superstition dictates that sweeping on the Lunar New Year will sweep away the family's good luck for the entire year. In the days leading up to Tet, families engage in thorough deep-cleaning of their homes to prevent any temptation to clean on the most auspicious day of the year, inadvertently erasing their accumulated good fortune.

Helmets and the Hindrance of Children's Brain Development

One peculiar sight on the bustling streets of Vietnam is the number of young children riding motorbikes without wearing helmets. Although the government mandated helmets for motorbike drivers and passengers on all Vietnamese roads in 2007, it remains a common sight to witness helmet-less children clinging to their parents while navigating through the busy streets. This practice stems from the prevalent belief that helmets hinder children's brain development by preventing their brains from growing.

Religious Practices in Vietnam

Meditation

Meditation is gaining remarkable popularity in Vietnam as more and more people recognize its profound health benefits. In a country where Buddhism holds a prominent place, meditation has become ingrained in the culture, practiced by monks in serene temples and pagodas. The allure of this ancient practice has captivated individuals from all walks of life, drawing them into the transformative world of inner stillness and self-discovery.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and experience the benefits of meditation in Vietnam.

Types of Meditation

Vipassana Meditation

Vipassana, meaning "seeing things as they are," is an ancient meditation practice dating back to the time of Buddha. It involves observing the connection between the body and mind, leading to self-transformation.

By observing the changes in the mind that manifest as vibrations in the body, one can realize that inner improvement or negativity originates from the mind itself. Through this realization, individuals can learn to control their minds, leading to relaxation and freedom.

Participating in Vipassana meditation in Vietnam typically entails attending a 10-day course at a designated location, where participants are required to disconnect from phones and work commitments. The course involves intensive meditation practice and other activities. It is essential to prepare oneself to fully engage in the practice and derive the best possible results.

Buddhist Meditation in Pagodas and Temples

This particular form of meditation is unique to Vietnam and offers an intriguing experience worth exploring. It combines meditation practice with the teachings of Buddhism, which cover a wide range of subjects, all aiming for personal growth. By integrating meditation with Buddhist teachings, individuals find it easier to absorb the teachings while learning to focus their minds and let go of unnecessary distractions, leading to profound relaxation.

Buddhist meditation often takes place in sacred locations such as pagodas or temples, with teachings delivered by highly conscious monks. Engaging in this form of meditation in Vietnam provides a captivating and enlightening experience.

Meditation in Yoga Practice

In Vietnam, one of the easiest ways to engage in meditation is through yoga classes. Typically, these classes include brief meditation sessions at the beginning and end to help participants channel their focus into the practice and relax after engaging in intense movements. Teachers may utilize music, tools, or their voice to guide participants, with the primary focus being on breath awareness to cultivate focus and body awareness.

This type of meditation is easily accessible throughout Vietnam, although it may have a slightly lesser emphasis on the meditative aspect. It serves as an entry-level experience for those new to meditation in Vietnam.