CHARACTERISTICS AND CHANGING TRENDS OF THE TUTELARY DEITIES BELIEF OF THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN VIETNAM TODAY

Abstract

The history of formation and development of Vietnamese coastal communities is closely linked to the migration to the South. The awareness and adaptation to the sea have created cultural characteristics of coastal and island areas compared to other regions across the country. In marine ecological conditions, the polytheistic mindset and diversity of religious practices of Vietnamese coastal communities have been clearly shown. Beside the maintenance of traditional beliefs, these communities have also created new deities with specific ritual/festival systems and ritual performances. Coastal tutelary deities belief with its vitality and universality is an important testament to the history of ‘facing the sea” of many residents generations, “spiritual milestones” marking the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the country. Based on the approach to religious studies and cultural zoning, this article focuses on analyzing the characteristics of the Tutelary deities belief of the Vietnamese coastal communities in terms of sacred objects, worship facilities, rituals/festivals. It also points out some changing trends of this belief in the current context. The article uses documents of previous studies and actual survey documents in some localities in Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Ca Mau provinces during the period from 2022 to 2023.