Religion in Vietnam
Unsurprisingly, given its multicultural history
, Vietnam follows a number of different religions.
Today, the majority of people will say that they are not religious, but most will visit a temple or shrine at least once a year. Like many people in SE Asia, the attitude to religions is fairly laissez-faire and people are happy to mix aspects of different religions together as it suits them.
As throughout this part of the world, the principle religion is Buddhism and it is claimed that up to 85% of Vietnamese identify with Buddhism, although most don't practice.
Every city and town in Vietnam will have at least one Buddhist temple, but some are especially interesting for visitors.
In Hanoi, travellers can see the famous 1,000 year old "One Pillar Pagoda" and should also visit the Perfume Pagoda, a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains, near Hanoi. This is the site of Vietnam's longest lasting festival, held every year between January and March, every year. The festival traditionally attracts many young people hoping to find everlasting love!
The ancient Imperial Capital in Hue in Central Vietnam boasts a number of Buddhist temples. Bao Quoc Pagoda, located on a small hill, was one of the three national pagodas of the city during the time of the Nguyen Dynasty. Famous throughout Vietnam, Tu Dam Pagoda is the most important in terms of the spread of Buddhism.
Another import from China is the Dao (Tao) religion which has some supporters. Again, here, as in China, Buddhism and Daoism intertwine and sometimes you can't be sure what kind of temple you are visiting.
Two recent, local religions have arisen. Cao Dai emerged in the city of Ty Ninh, southern Vietnam, in 1926. It is essential a mixture of Daoism and Buddhism with a few Christian elements thrown in.- Jesus is regarded as a Buddha and Son of God.
The other is Hoa Hao, founded in 1939 by Huynh Phu So, a native of the Mekong River Delta region of southern Vietnam. Followers believe Hunh is a prophet. The religion is basically a modified version of Buddhism.
Christian Catholicism was introduced by French missionaries in the 16th Century and grew when Vietnam was a French colony. Christian Protestantism, introduced by Americans during the war, has a small following in the south.
Vietnam's main cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Notre Dame Cathedral, was completed in 1883, though it wasn't consecrated until 1959. Le Place Pigneau de Behaine, the square in front of the cathedral, holds a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary.
In the North, Phat_Diem Cathedral lies 130 kilometres South of Hanoi. This cathedral is unusual in that it is built in a Chinese style. The Cathedral is surrounded by four Chapels, three artificial grottos and a stone Shrine On a tiny islet in the middle of the rectangular lake stands a tall white statue of Christ the King.
The Cham ethnic minority, who mainly live in central Vietnam and around Ho Chi Minh City are followers of Islam.
The Mariamman Temple of Ho Chi Minh City is a Hindu temple, built in the 19th by traders from Tamil Nadu in southern India. Today, it remains active with a small Hindu congregation. There are two other smaller Hindu temples nearby.
My Son is a Hindu temple complex, located in the village of Duy Phu, near the historic town of Tra Kieu. It comprises many abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples Champa temples, in a valley roughly two kilometres wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. It was the site of religious ceremony of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost temple complexes of Hinduism in South East Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. You can visit http://www.indochinaodysseytours.com to get more information about this.
Religion in Vietnam
By: Vincent Ruan
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