Several characteristics of the culture and the spirituality of the floating people

Abstract

The floating people catch aquatic products for living. This article is based on the project “Understanding of and basic services for coastal population” among the floating people in 6 communes and one town in Van Don district, Quang Ninh province, and Phu Vang district, Thua Thien – Hue province. The author indicates that most of the floating people live in poverty so their spiritual lives are poor. In each village, only some households have TV and radio; books and newspapers are almost absent. They believe in supernatural powers because they usually face risks on the sea. Hence, they have the taboos and make ceremonial offerings that affect their living and household economic development.