TITLE “TIẾT PHỤ” “TIẾT HẠNH KHẢ PHONG” FEUDAL ERA

Abstract

In Vietnam’s feudal society, women are not educated through books and in school, but they are educated on Confucian moral concepts imbued with deeply thought of “three obediences, four virtues” from family and clan, to accept the status of being a wife with a shallow position in the family and society. Many women are unfortunately widowed at a young age. They adhere to the motto “be virtuous and worship their husbands” and suffer a lot of disadvantages for the rest of their lives. Since the Le dynasty, the feudal state has honoured these women, bestowing them with the titles of “Virtuous wives” and “Virtuous Conduct” with the money and material system according to different levels. Based on old historical and field documents, the article clarifies the origin and nature of the title “Virtuous wives”, thereby clarifying women’s position and social status in feudal society.