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Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country, where local people hold traditions and customs in high regard, and interestingly how some of their beliefs have been with history for so long that many Vietnameses cannot explain the origin. Get curious? Let’s learn about some folk religions in Vietnam in this article!

What is the difference between religions and folk religions?

Even though both worship and venerate sacred beings that never appear in the flesh and seed people positive things, religions and folk religions are different. Religions are more systematic and operate largely in many countries with 4 elements: leader, doctrine, canon law, and followers. On the other hand, folk religions or folk beliefs do not include all these four components but simply traditional beliefs and activities have existed since ancient times. In addition, if religious believers at a particular time can only have one religion, a person can simultaneously practice many different folk religions.

Vietnamese five-color flags

During Vietnamese festivals and religious events, it is customary to display flags with five colors. These flags are made up of five concentric squares in the colors red, green, yellow, and blue, which symbolize the five elements (ngũ hành). The arrangement of the colors may differ.

Photo: 123RF

1. Worshipping Gods

Worshipping Gods, Spirits, and Deities has been one of the most common folk beliefs in Vietnam for thousands of years to pay homage and help locals expel evils as well as wish for blessings. Vietnamese deities are either fictional characters or actual individuals who have owned supernaturals and helped people to fight against dark powers, therefore leaving significant historical or educational teachings in Vietnamese culture. 

The Four Immortals are the four main deities revered by the Vietnamese in the Red River Delta, which includes Mountain God of Tan Vien, the Heavenly General of Phu Dong, Saint Chu Dong Tu, and Holy Mother Lieu Hanh. Each figure has their own legend but they all symbolize strength, courage, kindness, and sacrifice themselves for the peace and prosperity of Vietnameses. 

International visitors can pay a visit to these high regard of Vietnamese culture at temples and statues in many provinces and cities across the country. Annually, there will be religious festivals organized to dedicate to Vietnamese Gods, for example, Giong Festival (Soc Temple, Soc Son, Hanoi) was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.  

2. Worshipping ancestors

Influenced heavily by Chinese rule in a thousand years, Vietnamese families have been practicing rituals towards their deceased family members and ancestors to show their “filial piety”, which is one of the main values of Confucianism. 

If you have a chance to visit any Vietnamese household, you can easily find an ancestral altar at a solemn place, adorned with images of ancestors, as well as an incense burner in the middle and candles positioned on both sides of the altar. No matter how rich or poor the family is, they always set up the altar in the most proper way to show deep appreciation and remind them of their roots. 

Photo: Internet

In such significant events as the commemoration of ancestors' passing, new and full moon days, festivals, etc, younger generations in the family will prepare meals, fruits, alcohol, and especially a bowl of rice grains and a bowl of salt to place neatly in the altar. They then ignite candles, offer burning incense and pray in front of their ancestors for good luck and prosperity as one of Vietnamese ideologies believes that the deceased have an ongoing existence and can potentially impact the fate of the living. 

3. The betel and areca are must-have things at weddings

The betel and areca can be seen a lot among individuals from various backgrounds in many Vietnamese ceremonies as they are the offerings themselves and betel chewing is one of the most cherished aspects of traditional culture. 

The betel and areca hold a special place in Vietnamese wedding ceremonies, and are essential elements in the planning of any wedding, regardless of location. The Tay and Nung ethnic groups incorporate betel in the ritual of "tying the thread around the wrists of the bride and groom. One famous betel quid professional said “Before talking with the bride’s family, we offer them betel and areca nuts. Betel and areca are used to start a conversation and help people become closer and more open with each other”. 

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In Vietnamese culture, the areca trees are seen as a symbol of boys due to their strong and circular shape, while the betel leaves, with their soft and triangular form, represent girls. Together, these two items are viewed as inseparable and symbolize everlasting love and joy in marriage. 

4. Temple-hopping in the Lunar New Year

The tradition of “going to pagodas” has become a custom of many Vietnamese people at the beginning of Lunar New Year since Buddhism is the most dominant religion in Vietnam. As the new year approaches, numerous people are excited to go to pagodas and offer prayers for themselves or their loved ones. Each individual has their own intentions, with some seeking good fortune or expressing wishes for well-being, joy, and other blessings. Others hope to acquire skills, achieve success, or even find a life partner.

Photo: Internet

If you happen to be in Vietnam during the Tet holiday, you can observe a procession of individuals journeying to the Buddhist temples all across the nation such as Perfume Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Yen Tu, Tay Phuong, etc to wish for prosperity as spring arrives. Others may also visit the Temple of Literature to pray for their offspring to excel in their studies.  

Even in our highly modern and civilized society, the custom of visiting pagodas at the start of the new year has been passed down through generations. The aroma of burning incense, the lively hues of lights and flowers, and the tranquil atmosphere of the sacred site will bring peace to people's hearts.

Photo: Collected

Folk music is an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture as some of it can be dated back thousands of years. To Vietnamese people, not only does traditional music prove the talent and creativity of their ancestors but it also nurtures the Vietnamese rich and long-standing history. In this article, we would like to introduce five Vietnamese intangible cultural heritage to help you get a good glimpse into our people, history, and heritage. 

1. Quan ho Folk Singing

Originating from the northern province of Bac Ninh, specifically on the riverside of Cau River, Quan ho is a kind of Vietnamese folk music that involves two groups (male and female) singing back and forth. You can imagine Quan ho as a melodic and rhythmic dialogue about the emotions of love and sentimentality as encountered by young individuals, which is the prevalent subject of this kind of music. 

When performing Quan ho, “liền chị” a group of female singers will wear traditional Vietnamese garments, including nón quai thao (headpiece), khăn mỏ quạ (scarf), and vibrant dresses with multiple layers, whereas “liền anh” male artists’ outfit includes the iconic black umbrella, the head turban known as khăn xếp, and long dresses.  

Photo: HAHANA

This cultural activity, which derived from the singing hobbies of Vietnamese rustic farmers to help mollify tiredness and hardship in labor in the 13th century, was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage practice in 2009. 

2. Nha Nhac (Hue Royal Refined Music)

UNESCO recognized Hue Royal Refined Music as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

First introduced in the Ly Dynasty and reached to its peak in the Nguyen Dynasty, Nha Nhac was often performed on important, solemn occasions such as coronations, funerals, or welcoming envoys from other countries with elegant lyrics, splendid costumes, and a manner of respect.

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Therefore, royal court music is considered a symbol of the longevity and prosperity of the feudal monarchy. Musical instruments are sculpted carefully and constructed more sophisticated than folk instruments, including the moon lute, the Chinese four-chord lute, the Vietnamese two-chord fiddle, the bamboo flute combined with the percussion, etc, creating pure sounds rich in emotion.

King Bao Dai stepped down from his throne, signifying the conclusion of the feudal rule in Vietnam and the end of The Royal Refined Music. However, it continued to live forever with the national culture when we still hear the singing on the Huong River, in ancient Duyet Thi Duong, and in the hearts of every Vietnamese citizen. 

3. Ca tru

Ca tru is another folk music from Northern Vietnam, which like numerous other Vietnamese arts, emerged as a source of amusement for the royal court. The material covers a wide range of genres, including romantic poetry, epics, philosophies, and teachings. As a result, those who participate in Ca tru art are typically skilled in writing, intellectualism, poetry, and music.

The name “ca tru” (tally card songs) is said to originate from the scene: the men presented their purchased cards to the woman they chose so she would sing what was written, and then she could receive payment based on the number of cards she performed.

Photo: Internet

This singing form is special because only a female singer is on stage with a lute player and a spectator. The female singer sings and plays with small wooden sticks on a small bamboo bar (phách). She is joined by a man playing a 3-string lute with a long neck. The performance member strikes a drum to show their support or disapproval at each part of the song, following the rhythm of the singer's percussion.

Thanks to its traditional values and the ongoing effort of Vietnamese generations to preserve it, Ca tru was finally inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009 after many ups and downs in history.

4. Hat xoan (Xoan Singing)

Hat xoan, hat xuan (spring singing), or hat cua dinh (singing in front of communal houses) has its roots in a type of vocal performance that was used to honor the Hung Kings among the inhabitants of Phu Tho. Through years of development, hat xoan has expanded its forms to three purposes: one dedicated to honoring Hùng kings and Thanh Hoang (Village guardian gods); another to express wishes for bountiful harvests, good health, and good fortune; and a third that features alternating male and female voices in celebratory courtship songs. 

The performance is organized by a group known as a guild, with a leader called a "Trùm". The guild is made up of male musicians called "Kép" and female vocalists known as "Đào". Along with singing, xoan incorporates elements of acting, chanting, dancing, and drumming.

Photo: baochinhphu.vn

Hat xoan possesses all the essential qualifications to be acknowledged by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is an age-old musical tradition that encompasses cultural, historical, and artistic components, distinguished by its distinct lyrics and melody. Not only that, this art form has also been safeguarded by the community for centuries, remaining prevalent in modern times. 

5. Cong chieng Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands Gongs) 

Central Highlands - The mountainous region of Vietnam includes five provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, and Kon Tum within the Space of Gong culture which was recognized as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2005.

Regarding ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands such as Ede and Ba Na, gongs and the practice of Cong chieng Tay Nguyen serve as a way to confirm the group's sense of belonging and cultural heritage. The special musical instrument called Gongs is a sacred means of communication between humans and the spirit realm. They are crafted from a combination of bronze and silver, with unique attributes. The resonance of gongs, mostly performed by male groups, can be described as profound or powerful, as it blends harmoniously with the natural elements of streams, wind, and human emotions. 

Photo: Internet

Each year, the Central Highlands Gong Festival is organized in these five provinces. The festival grounds will be transformed to reflect the vibrant colors and traditional customs of the various ethnic groups, showcasing and celebrating their inherent cultural values.

Photo: Collected

Each year, Hanoi welcomes more than millions of inbound tourism flock to experience Vietnamese traditional culture, along with its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Along with other famous ancient cultural sites such as the Old Quarter and Bat Trang Pottery Village, Van Phuc or Ha Dong Silk Village - one of the most long-standing and well-known silk weaving villages in Vietnam has gradually become a tourist attraction for international visitors in recent years.

1. How to get to Van Phuc Silk Village?

Located on the riverside of Nhue River in Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, more than 10 kilometers away from the Hanoi Old Quarter, the gentle and steady flow has nurtured generations of artisans and their unique creations here. If you are a fan of local craft villages, remember to follow an easy route of Nguyen Trai - Le Van Luong - To Huu by any transportation or catch Bus 02 or 21 to visit Van Phuc Silk Village. 

Entering Van Phuc Silk Village, this old place will captivate you immediately by the ancient typical features of northern villages, which are still preserved and honored after thousands of years with banyan trees, wells, communal houses, and so on. Therefore, a journey to Van Phuc Silk Village is considered one of the most must-have experiences for foreigners when traveling to Vietnam.

Photo: UBND Phuong Van Phuc

2. What is the history of Van Phuc Silk Village?

Van Phuc Silk Village can be dated back more than 1.000 years ago. At that time, Van Phuc silk was highly valued for a significant duration and sophisticated process, being seen as a top-notch craft for creating garments for members of the Royal family and the upper class in the Nguyen Dynasty. On a global scale, it was brought at international expositions for the first time in Marseille (1931) and later in Paris (1932). French people highly praised the aesthetic and top quality of this textile and between 1958 and 1988, the primary destination for Van Phuc silk exports was the Eastern European market. In 1990, it gained global recognition and became popular in various countries worldwide. 

Photo: toluavietnam.net

After many ups and downs in history, Van Phuc silk is still a pride of Vietnam’s textile industry with the same values as before: soft yet durable, unique and stunningly elegant. Nowadays, artisans in Van Phuc Village have also updated themselves with modern patterns and styles to satisfy the diverse demand.  

3. How to produce premium quality silk in Van Phuc Silk Village?

Van Phuc Silk Village is home to more than 800 Vietnamese households who have established their own stores along the primary road of the village, resulting in the development of a "silk town" where attractive and superior silk items are sold.

The most prominent kind of silk in Van Phuc is Van silk, especially known for its unique ability to keep individuals cool during warmer months and warm during colder months. Additionally, this fabric entails glimmering silk threads that make Van silk perfect for crafting “ao dai” (Vietnamese traditional garment). 

Photo: tuoitrethudo.com.vn

Most craft families now use mechanical weaving for increased efficiency, but foreigners can still appreciate the authentic Vietnamese method of producing silk with manual looms in some village homes.

Traditional production

Step 1: Sericulture (Silk farming)

People in the village plant “delicious” mulberry leaves to raise the silkworms, their secret is “the more you take care of the silkworms, the better quality of silk will be”. Then, silkworms will spin their cocoons when they are due, and only qualified cocoons are collected to make silk.

Step 2: Thread extraction

The chosen cocoons are immersed in hot water to break down and loosen the adhesive substance binding them together. Afterwards, every thread is meticulously extracted from the cocoon as separate and people will mostly take advantage of machines in this step to save time. The thread then will be straightened by a spinning wheel. 

Step 3: Weaving

The straightened silk threads are attached to the weaving machine and the artist must remain alert and cannot rest until additional silk thread is added to the machine. After 2-3 days, the process will be complete and result in 50m of silk. The most frequently used weaves for silk are satin, plain, and open weaves, and the final appearance of the silk will be determined by the chosen weave pattern.

Step 4: Dyeing

Before dyeing, silks need to be bleached and boiled to remove impurities entirely. The amount and exact rate of dye colors are also a secret of artists in Van Phuc Silk Village to create vibrant and unique final products. 

4. What to do in Van Phuc Silk Village?

4.1. Walking under the colorful umbrella road

First introduced in 2019, this 100-meter street filled with colorful silk shops along two sides and a hundred hanging umbrellas above has become a signature of Van Phuc Silk Village. During the culture week taking place in November annually, the umbrella road will be featured with lights and lanterns to create an even more magical atmosphere in the village.

Photo: Collected

4.2. Buying silk from stores

What a miss if you don’t bring home a piece of Ha Dong silk when paying a visit here. The shelves here are neatly arranged with a variety of colors and designs of Van Phuc silk, which is visually appealing. The price of the silk fabric ranges from 100.000 VND to 250.000 VND per square meter, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.

Photo: UBND Phuong Van Phuc

4.3. Check-in the mural village walls

The mural wall located in Van Phuc Village is a well-known location for tourists to take photos. The one-of-a-kind pictures displayed on the wall were created by instructors at Van Phuc Preschool and showcase the daily routines of the silk-weaving community through hand-painted artwork.

Photo: toquoc.vn

Photo: Eva.vn

It is interesting to see those Neu trees made of high steel poles with illuminating neon lights covered during Tet in the modern days, but do you know that the traditional version would require a fresh bamboo tree and many implications dated back thousands of years ago? Let’s find out in this article! 

Building Cay Neu in front of families’ houses is one of the Vietnamese customs when the Tet Holidays roll around. It is a tradition of expelling evils and wishing for good luck and prosperity in the New Year but has now been lost and less popular, especially in urban areas. 

Legend has it said humans in the past were oppressed by devils as the devils overly profited and invaded their land. The Buddha heard the tears of the humans and aided them in their battle against the devils. After being forced into the sea, the devils pleaded for the Buddha's compassion in order to return to the mainland and pay respects to their ancestors' burial sites for a few days each year. From then on, they only can come back during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. To protect the humans around that time, the Buddha taught them to erect Cay Neu to deter the devils from entering the houses.

Photo: Thanh Phuc

Cay Neu in Vietnamese Lunar New Year also has another deep meaning. Due to the temporary leave of Kitchen Gods (Tao Quan) from the Lunar December 23, the folk are scared that the devils will devastate again, so the Neu spiritual tree will protect them from the devils until the Lunar January 7 when these genies return. Therefore, the pole will be removed on the seventh day of the first lunar month to conclude the ceremony. 

First, the bamboo tree must be from the eastern side of the bamboo forest, and needs to have healthy green leaves, and a non-decaying top, and should not be home to any ant or bird nests. Additionally, its length must be either 5 or 7 meters, with an odd number measurement. 

Then, the chosen one’s leaves will be cut off except for a part on top to facilitate the application for decoration. Each region from the North to the South has its own symbolic objects to hang on Cay Neu. For example, chicken feathers represent holy birds with the hope of peace, pineapple leaves wish for prosperity, the circle of bamboo cards demonstrates happiness, and bells and bows drive away all the misfortune from the previous year. Besides, to prevent the presence of evil spirits, lime powder is spread around the base of Cay Neu in a bow shape facing outside the house. 

The traditional Vietnamese Tet tree serves as a symbol of hope for prosperity in the upcoming year, and it also holds sentimental value as it is a reminder of our ancestors' customs during Tet.