SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIEN HAU (MAZU) BELIEF IN THE SOUTHERN VIETNAM

Abstract

The Thiên Hậu belief is a folk belief of the Chinese communities in the Southern Vietnam in particular and the whole country in general. Over nearly 400 years of being introduced to the Southern Vietnam, this belief has been preserved and promoted through the annual religious activities of the Chinese communities. This article explores the social functions of the Thiên Hậu belief in the South through annual religious activities as well as the festival of Thiên Hậu palanquin procession. The social functions of the Thiên Hậu worship include enhancing social cohesion, building social faith and normative behavior, educating the moral, tourist culture, and social welfare. This folk belief has become a driving force for social stability and promoted its social role in many aspects of life.