Apr 13, 2016 | Ancestral Worship, Burial, Culture
PRAY FOR VIETNAM THANH MINH The father, mother, and son are on the side of the mountain where the grandfather was buried several years ago. The family is celebrating the spring worship ritual called “Thanh Minh” or the time of Pure Brightness”. They...
May 24, 2015 | Ancestral Worship, Family, Religion, Story
PRAY FOR VIETNAM COMMEMORATING LOST LOVED ONES Hao* welcomes waves of people into his home today. Friends crowd his sitting room sipping on the hot green tea his wife prepared for them. He smiles and nods at the turn out, feeling honored that so many have come to...
May 20, 2015 | Ancestral Worship, Idols, Religion
PRAY FOR VIETNAM A CULTURE OF IDOLS Idols and altars abound throughout the country of Vietnam. Small bowls filled with food and burning incense sit outside the entrance to most restaurants. Larger shrines with photos of deceased ancestors and their daily offerings are...
May 17, 2015 | Ancestral Worship, Animism, Religion
PRAY FOR VIETNAM SPIRITS ALL AROUND Throughout Vietnam, the fear and worship of spirits grips the hearts of many. Mirrors or strips of cloth above doorways ward off evil spirits. Sacrifices and rituals invite the spirits of trees, houses, harvests, etc. to bless the...
May 13, 2015 | Ancestral Worship, Burial, Family
PRAY FOR VIETNAM BONES OF THE DEAD For many Vietnamese people, the place of burial and position of the deceased’s body is of utmost importance. While many loved ones are laid to rest in cemeteries these days, single graves on mountainsides, in rice paddies, or even...
May 10, 2015 | Ancestral Worship, Religion, Syncretism
PRAY FOR VIETNAM RELIGIOUS BLENDING Common to Vietnamese religious life is the mixing of multiple religions or belief systems into one religion. This practice is often called “syncretism.” Syncretism is especially prevalent in Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism,...
