Vietnam religion

Buddhism

Introduced in Vietnam in the 2nd century, Buddhism reached its apogee during the Ly Dynasty (11th century) and was considered as the official ideology. Its influence also left marks in various areas of traditional literature and architecture. Many pagodas and temples were built during this time.

At the end of the 14th century, Buddhism began to show signs of decline. Yet, the ideological influence of Buddhism remained very strong in social and cultural life. Now, over 70% of the population of Vietnam are either Buddhist or strongly influenced by Buddhist practices.

Confucianism

Confucianism originated from China and propagated to Vietnam in the early Chinese domination period. It is a moral doctrine advising people that they have a part of responsibility in their fate, that they must love one another, and must not think of abstract things of the next world.

A solution (set by Confucianism) for saving people from misfortunes is to create a peaceful, stable society arranged as a family in which members get along with each other.

Most Vietnamese feudal dynasties chose Confucianism as the national religion. During the Ly Dynasty, the Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) and Quoc Tu Giam (Imperial College) were built in 1070 and 1076 respectively. In 1076, the first exam, which was a milestone of the Confucian era, was held. Winners of examinations have been appointed to key positions since the 15th century.

Due to the influence of Confucianism, Vietnamese feudal dynasties paid much attention to the education, seeking talent, looking for and compiling books. The Vietnamese, therefore, became more hard working and venerated teachers, scholars with knowledge.

Taoism

Taoism is a philosophy founded by Lao Tseu (Lao Tu), a Chinese contemporary of Confucius. The ideas and doctrines of his religion are explained in his book entitled Dao Duc Kinh (The Book of Morality). The central idea of this philosophical wisdom is to live purely and simply. It relies on harmony between Man, Nature and a Universal Order.

Taoism has progressively been enriched by mysteries and superstitions linked to witch-craft and to ways of unveiling the secrets of the universe.

According to the intellectual classes, Taoism nourishes laziness, freedom of speech and pessimism. As far as the popular classes are concerned, it maily gave birth to superstitions as evocations, prophecies and sorcery.

Most of the times, spirits of Taoism are worshipped on the same altars as the other Vietnamese genies. Taoism had a significant influence on the formation of different beliefs in Vietnam.

Ancestor Worship

A very popular custom among Vietnamese is the cult of the ancestors. In every household, an ancestor altar is installed in the most solemn location. Vietnamese believe that the soul of a dead person, even if dead for many generations, still rests along with its descendants on earth. The dead and living persons still have spiritual communion, in everyday life, people must not forget that what they enjoy and how they feel is the same as it is for their dead relatives.

On the last day of every lunar year, and announcing cult, cung tien thuong, is performed to invite the dead forefathers to return home to celebrate the Tet holiday with their families. During the last days before Tet, all family members visit their ancestors’ graves, they clean and decorate the graves in the same manner that they clean and decorate their houses to welcome the New Year.

On the anniversary of an ancestor’s death, descendants and relatives gather and prepare a feast to worship the dead, and to ask for health and happiness for themselves. From generation to generation, ancestor worship customs have always been preserved. There are some small variations in those customs among the many Vietnamese ethnic groups, but a common theme of fidelity and gratitude towards the ancestors persists.

Caodaism

The Cao Dai religion was first introduced in Vietnam in 1926 by header of district named Ngo Van Chieu, a civil servant from Phu Quoc island, in South Vietnam. It is also known as Tam Ky Pho Do, a name that insists on the importance of the cult of the three supreme beings, Buddha, Jesus Christ and the Spirit of Cao Dai.

With the authorization of the French governor of Cochin China, Caodaism was officially recognized in 1926. The Eye is the sacred symbol of that religion.

The Church in Tay Ninh is the central point where are located settlements of Cao Dai followers in South Vietnam. Now followers can also be found in Central Vietnam, Central Highlands, and even in the North of the country.

Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in Vietnam in the 17th century by missionaries from Portugal, Spain, and France. Pope Alexander 11 assigned the first bishops to Vietnamin 1659. Nine years later, the first Vietnam priests were ordained.

During the French Domination period, many churches were built in Vietnam. Nowadays, over 5 millions people are considered to be catholic. The most densely populated catholic areas are Bui Chu-Phat Diem, in Ninh Binh Province, and Ho Nai – Bien Hoa in Dong Nai Province.