The change in spiritual belief of the fishermen on the Perfume River in Hue city

Abstract

The Perfume River in Hue city is one of the popular scenery sites of Vietnam. Due to the historical and socio-economic circumstances, this river has been the residential area of fishermen for many centuries. Floating lifestyles and fishing livelihoods have encouraged a customary belief in worshiping Lady Water (Bà Thủy) together with some taboo customs. This belief informs their life cycle and yearly family and community activities. Since the floating fishermen were settled in Hue city, their beliefs have faded and changed. The Lady Water worshiping is only practiced in the areas where fishing extraction and other water related activities exist. In the areas where the livelihoods are changed, they follow the beliefs of land-based communities. Therefore, preserving the traditional beliefs of the fishermen on the Perfume River is not only for the preservation of vulnerable groups but also contributes to the development of Hue tourism.