Elements of “rivers and water” in Mother Goddess worship in Thua Thien Hue - A case study of “Thanh” ritual

Abstract

Vietnamese people created their customs, rituals, and festivals that were closely
associated with rivers and water besides their wet rice civilization and aquaculture. Water deities
are common and popular in the local community’s life. Mother-Goddess worship by Hue people
is a typical example of the belief. Out of rituals and practices of Mother Goddess worship of
the Four Palaces by Hue people, “Thành” rite is one of the outstanding rituals aimed at praying
for peace to women. The article focuses on analyzing “Thành” ritual by Hue people, thereby,
discussing unique features on the Hue’s distinctive culture and their Mother Goddess worship.