Anthropology and Religious Studies

Contributions of Buddhism And Catholicism To Vietnam’s August Revolution Of 1945: Historical Lessons And Contemporary Significance

Chu Văn Tuấn — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Based on documentary research, this article presents the contributions of certain Buddhist and Catholic organizations and individuals to Vietnam’s August Revolution of 1945. From these historical accounts, the study draws lessons with both historical and contemporary relevance, including respect for and protection of religious freedom, promotion of inter-religious and national solidarity, and the mobilization of religious roles, values, and resources. The support and contributions of religious communities played a significant role in the success of the August Revolution, offering important historical lessons. These lessons remain highly relevant today, as Vietnam enters a new phase of development whereall societal resources, including those of religious communities, are essential for national progress.

Situation And Characteristics Of Catholic Communities In Vietnam’s Land Border Areas

Ngô Quốc Đông — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study focuses on two major aspects. Firstly, it provides updated data (as of 2024) on
Catholicism in several land border areas of Vietnam, primarily drawing on two sources: reports issued by relevant local authorities and findings from fieldwork interviews and surveys. Secondly, the article analyzes key characteristics of Catholic communities in these regions. Based on historical and religious studies approaches, the data reveal significant differences in the origins, belief patterns, and religious practices of these communities. Such variations are shaped by diverse missionary histories, migration processes, and the socio-economic contexts of each locality.

Traditional Beliefs Of The Khmer In Southern Vietnam: Characteristics And Classification

Phạm Thị Thủy Chung — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The Khmer community in Southern Vietnam possesses a rich and distinctive system of religious and beliefs. While Theravada Buddhism is regarded as the dominant religion with profound influence on social life, in practice, traditional beliefs occupy an essential position and are frequently interwoven with Buddhist practices. Drawing on Clifford Geertz’s interpretive approach to culture, along with documentary analysis and field research, this article examines the characteristic forms of traditional beliefs among the Khmer in Southern Vietnam. It then proposes a classification and interpretation of their salient features, providing a more systematic and in-depth understanding of the community’s religious and beliefs culture.

Malaysia’s Response To The Influence Of “The Islamic State”

Nguyễn Bình — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines Malaysia’s responses to the rise of the so-called Islamic State (IS) and its implications for national security. Although Malaysia has not been a primary target of IS operations, the country faces significant challenges such as the radicalization of its citizens, recruitment for conflicts in Syria and Iraq, and the spread of extremist ideologies that inspire domestic terrorist plots. Through document analysis and policy review, the study highlights Malaysia’s multidimensional approach to countering IS as a non-traditional security threat. It focuses on preventive strategies, legal measures,
enforcement mechanisms, and international cooperation. The article contributes to clarifying Malaysia’s efforts to balance national security protection with the maintenance of social stability, while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of combating transnational terrorism.

Human Resources In Community-Based Tourism In Ethnic Minority Areas Of Nghệ An Province

Đoàn Việt — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The development of community-based tourism is an important orientation that mobilizes and promotes local human resources, contributing to increased income and improved quality of life for local residents, particularly in ethnic minority communities. In the western region of Nghe An province, Hmong and Thai communities (in the former Ky Son district) have been actively participating in community-based tourism activities. Although several initial results have been achieved, there remain significant limitations concerning the human resources serving tourism. Based on the synthesis and analysis of secondary data, along with field surveys conducted in Muong Long and My Ly communes, this article aims to provide scientific evidence to support management agencies and policymakers in formulating community-based tourism development policies that align with practical conditions and the orientation of sustainable socio-economic development.

The Role Of Social Relationships Among Migrant Ethnic Minority Workers In Some Industrial Zones Of Bac Ninh Province

Trần Thị Mai Lan — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Community-based tourism has become a development orientation increasingly adopted by ethnic minority communities in recent years. By capitalizing on natural landscapes and ethnic cultural heritage, these communities have created new livelihood opportunities that yield dual benefits: increasing household income and local revenue while contributing to the preservation of traditional ethnic culture. Sin Suoi Ho Village in Sin Suoi Ho Commune is a notable example of community-based tourism development in Lai Chau Province. Here, the Hmong have successfully established a model of community-based tourism for the province, achieving the title of a three-star tourism village and gaining recognition both nationally and within the ASEAN region. However, alongside these achievements, community-based tourism in Sin Suoi Ho also presents challenges in the way traditional ethnic culture is utilized for tourism purposes. Through an examination of tourism activities in Sin Suoi Ho, this article highlights both the accomplishments and the challenges currently faced by the Hmong community. From
this, it proposes several solutions aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage to ensure the sustainable development of community-based tourism

Local Knowledge In Developing The Rattan And Bamboo Handicraft Production Model Of The Kho-Mu People In Nghe An

Nguyễn Thị Minh Tú, Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn, Vi Văn An — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article analyzes the rattan and bamboo handicraft production model of the Kho-mu people based on the current exploitation and promotion of local knowledge, as well as the opportunities and challenges in production to bring Kho-mu rattan and bamboo products to the market. On this basis, the article proposes solutions to contribute to the improvement of policy mechanisms, the development of the OCOP product value chain following modern trends while preserving cultural identity, the planning of sustainable raw material areas, and the promotion of the cooperative’s role in market linkage. This
research not only contributes to sustainable livelihoods for the Kho-mu people through the commercialization of woven products but also plays an important role in conserving and promoting the distinctive traditional cultural values of the ethnic minority community in western Nghe An.

The Social Welfare Assurance Model Of Buddhism In Contemporary Vietnam

Nguyễn Thị Trang — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Buddhism has long maintained a close and enduring relationship with the Vietnamese nation, embodying a strong spirit of social engagement. In contemporary Vietnam, Buddhism continues to play an important role as a social resource, particularly in supporting vulnerable groups. Grounded in Buddhist teachings and aligned with state policies, Buddhist communities have been developing a distinctive model of social welfare provision. This article offers a concise analysis of this model and highlights Buddhism’s
contributions to complementing the national social welfare system.

Deities And Ancestors: The Relationship Between Community And Lineage In The Grave-Offering Ritual Of The Dao Quần Chẹt In Yên Bái

Hoàng Thị Thu Hường, Bùi Thị Minh Phượng — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The grave-offering ritual (chảy chấu) of the Dao Quần Chẹt community in Yên Bái is an important ceremonial practice that reflects the interconnectedness between community, lineage, and individuals within their spiritual life. The ritual expresses gratitude toward ancestors and lineage founders, while simultaneously creating a sacred space where ancestral spirits, Ông cụ, and supreme deities coexist. Its structure reveals a three-dimensional relationship: ancestors receive offerings, deities witness, and descendants demonstrate filial piety and seek blessings. Particularly noteworthy is the mechanism of
“elevation,” from individuals to ancestors, Ông cụ, and deities. The ritual not only affirms the cultural identity of the Dao Quần Chẹt but also reflects the dynamic integration between indigenous beliefs, Taoism, and other religious elements, contributing to heritage preservation and strengthening community solidarity.

Changes In Offerings In The Cult Of Tutelary Deities In Contemporary Hanoi

Vũ Thanh Bằng — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Hanoi is Vietnam’s economic, political, and cultural center. Alongside major religions, the cult of Tutelary Deities, with its associated institutions such as communal houses, temples, and shrines, remains widespread in the city’s spiritual life. In the contemporary context, this belief system has undergone various transformations while still preserving many traditional customs, including the preparation and offering of ritual items. Offerings constitute an essential component of worship, expressing faith,reverence toward protective deities, and reinforcing communal norms and cohesion. This article provides an overview of offerings in religious and spiritual practices, and focuses on analyzing both traditional characteristics and current trends of change in offerings within the Cult of Tutelary Deities in Hanoi.

Transformations Of The Folk Beliefs Of The Chinese Community In Hanoi: The Case Of The Guangdong Assembly Hall

Phan Thị Hoa Lý — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article examines the transformation of folk-belief practices at a Chinese assembly hall in Hanoi, a topic that has received limited scholarly attention. Using ethnographic fieldwork methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, retrospective inquiry, and secondary source analysis, the study identifies key changes in these practices, analyzes the dynamics of Sino-Vietnamese cultural acculturation, and explains the underlying causes of such transformations. The article contributes a concrete case study to research on the transformation of folk beliefs among minority communities in
urban Vietnam, sheds light on mechanisms of cultural acculturation in multi-ethnic urban settings, and expands the theoretical framework for understanding the evolution of folk beliefs in the context of modernization and state policies on culture, religion, and folk belief.