Introduction
Vietnam holds a unique place in history as a nation with a deep connection to the spiritual world. Amidst its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, an intriguing aspect of Vietnamese belief endures—the belief in benevolent and malevolent spirits, gods, and the presence of ghosts. This essay explores the complex relationship between the collective memory of adversities, the enduring belief in spirits, and the contemporary significance of these beliefs throughout Vietnam.
I. Vietnamese Beliefs and Fears about Ghosts and Spirits
A. Good Spirits and Gods
Vietnamese spirituality includes a pantheon of benevolent spirits and gods that are integral to daily life:
- Kitchen Gods (Táo Quân): Revered for protecting the household and ensuring prosperity. Families perform rituals to send the Kitchen Gods to Heaven to report on the family’s affairs. The ritual involves burning paper effigies of the Kitchen Gods along with offerings of food, often accompanied by a ceremonial release of carps into rivers or lakes, symbolizing the gods’ journey to the celestial realm.
- Ông Địa (Earth God): Depicted as a jovial, plump figure who ensures the fertility of the land and the well-being of the family. He is often worshipped in small shrines placed at the entrance of homes or in gardens, where people offer fruits, flowers, and incense to seek his protection and blessings.
- Ông Thánh Tây: Revered for his protective powers, often invoked during times of trouble or when seeking guidance. Statues or images of Ông Thánh Tây are commonly placed on family altars, and special prayers are recited to ask for his intercession in matters of health, safety, and fortune.
B. Ancestor Worship
Ancestor worship is central to Vietnamese spirituality. Families maintain altars with photographs and offerings for deceased relatives, believing that ancestors continue to watch over and influence the lives of the living. Rituals and offerings are made to honor ancestors and ensure their spirits remain benevolent. During significant events like Tết (Lunar New Year), special ceremonies are held to invite the ancestors to join the family celebrations, where elaborate meals and symbolic items such as paper money and clothing are offered to honor their memory.
C. Harmful Spirits and Protection Measures
Vietnamese beliefs also encompass fears of harmful and fierce spirits, known as “ma quỷ” (ghosts). To protect against these malevolent entities, various measures are taken:
- Mirrors at Entrances: Believed to deter ghosts by frightening them with their own reflections. This practice is often complemented by placing thorny plants like cacti near doorways, as it is thought that the sharp thorns can prevent spirits from entering.
- Avoiding Praise for Newborns: To prevent attracting the attention of jealous spirits. Families also avoid taking newborns outside after sunset and cover their faces with red cloth to protect them from malevolent forces.
- Offerings and Rituals: Regular offerings of food, incense, and small items of value are made to placate spirits. During the Ghost Festival which occurs on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, families prepare lavish feasts and burn incense to honor wandering spirits and ensure they are satiated and do not cause harm.
- Garlic and Salt: Placed at doorways to ward off evil spirits. Salt is also thrown over the shoulder when entering a house after a funeral to cleanse oneself of any lingering spirits.
- Burning Incense: Daily incense burning on family altars to keep harmful spirits at bay. Incense is also used during rituals to communicate with the spiritual realm and seek guidance from ancestors.
- Placing Lime: Scattered around the house or placed at entrances to prevent malevolent spirits from entering. Lime water is also sprinkled in rooms and on household items to purify the space.
- Hanging Protective Amulets: Amulets and talismans are often hung in homes for protection. These include red strings, Buddha images, and inscriptions of sacred texts, which are believed to have the power to repel evil spirits.
- Avoiding Certain Activities at Night: Activities like whistling, cutting nails, or calling out names are believed to attract ghosts. It is also customary to avoid sleeping with mirrors facing the bed, as it is thought that mirrors can serve as portals for spirits.
D. Tales and Legends
Vietnamese culture is rich with tales and legends about spirits and supernatural beings. These stories are passed down through generations, often serving as moral lessons and cultural touchstones. Some notable tales and legends include:
- The Legend of the Trung Sisters: This tale recounts the bravery of the Trung sisters, Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, who led a rebellion against Chinese rule in the first century AD. After their defeat, it is believed their spirits continued to protect and inspire the Vietnamese people, embodying the spirit of resistance and patriotism.
- The Legend of Thanh Giong: Thanh Giong is a mythical folk hero who, at the age of three, transformed into a giant warrior to repel invaders. After his victory, he ascended to the heavens, and his spirit is worshipped as a protector of the nation.
- The Tale of the Wandering Soul: This story involves a soldier who died in battle and, unable to find peace, his spirit wandered the battlefield. It highlights the importance of proper burial rites and the belief that unresolved matters can cause spirits to linger.
- The Legend of the Hoan Kiem Lake Turtle: According to legend, a giant turtle in Hoan Kiem Lake aided King Lê Lợi in his fight against the Ming dynasty by providing a magical sword. After the war, the turtle reclaimed the sword and disappeared, symbolizing divine intervention and the enduring presence of spiritual guardians.
II. Adversities and Ghost Stories
A. Unearthing the Past
- Historical Impact on the Country: Vietnam has faced numerous challenges, from conflicts to natural disasters, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of its people. The collective memory of wars, colonialism, and social upheaval has deeply influenced Vietnamese beliefs about the supernatural.
- The Enduring Scars of Adversity: Memories of these events, replete with loss, pain, and destruction, have shaped Vietnamese culture and beliefs. These adversities are often reflected in ghost stories that serve as a means of processing collective trauma.
- Oral Histories and Ghost Stories: These stories preserve the memory of past adversities and their impact on the community. Oral traditions ensure that the lessons and experiences of the past are passed down to future generations, reinforcing cultural identity and resilience.
B. The Ghosts of the Past
- Belief in the Spirits of the Deceased: Spirits of those who suffered tragic deaths, such as soldiers, suicide victims, and lonely individuals, are believed to wander the region. These spirits, often referred to as “hồn ma” (ghost souls), are thought to linger due to unfinished business or unresolved emotions.
- Stories of Wandering Souls and Unfinished Business: These narratives often depict souls unable to find peace, driven by unresolved issues or a desire for revenge. It is believed that performing rituals and offering prayers can help these souls find peace and move on to the afterlife.
- Hungry Ghosts: Spirits of individuals who died under unhappy circumstances or led immoral lives, believed to suffer from insatiable hunger. They are depicted with distended bellies and tiny mouths, symbolizing their eternal suffering. Rituals and offerings are made to appease these spirits and prevent them from causing harm.
- Wandering Souls: Spirits thought to be those who did not receive proper burial rites or whose deaths were particularly violent, believed to wander aimlessly, seeking resolution or revenge. Special ceremonies are held to provide these souls with the necessary rites and offerings to help them find peace.
- The Role of Ghost Stories in Preserving Memory: They serve as a means to remember and honor the past. These stories also act as cautionary tales, reminding people of the importance of living morally and the potential consequences of their actions in the afterlife.
III. The Contemporary Significance
A. Coping with Trauma
- The Psychological Impact of Loss: Belief in spirits provides a framework for understanding and coping with trauma. The idea that loved ones continue to exist in a spiritual form offers comfort and a sense of continuity.
- How Belief in Death Spirits Aids in Healing: These beliefs offer solace and a sense of connection to the past. Rituals and practices associated with ancestor worship and ghost appeasement provide a structured way for people to process grief and loss.
- Community Support and Resilience: Shared beliefs foster a sense of community and collective resilience. Communal rituals and festivals that honor the dead strengthen social bonds and provide opportunities for collective mourning and healing.
Conclusion
In Vietnam, the ghosts of the past continue to linger, both in the haunting memories of collective adversities and the enduring belief in death spirits. These intertwined elements of history, culture, and belief serve as a poignant reminder of the nation’s resilience in the face of challenges. As the country looks towards the future, it carries with it the lessons and stories of its past, preserving the memory of difficult times while seeking healing and growth in the present. Vietnam’s ghosts are not mere apparitions but powerful symbols of a community’s unwavering spirit.
Further Reading on Inoriza.org
Lễ Vu Lan (Filial Piety ceremony)