Indigenous Religions in Southern Vietnam and the Issue of Preserving Traditional Culture: A Case Study of Caodaism and Hòa Hảo Buddhism

Abstract

From the second half of the nineteenth century to the first half of the twentieth century in southern Vietnam, numerous religious groups, including particularly the domestic religious ones such as Caodaism and Hòa Hảo Buddhism, exerted their substantial influence on the region’s historical trajectories, cultural life, and political landscape. Despite having certain differences in doctrine, disciplinary codes, and orientations of religious practice, these religions share a salient commonality: their steadfast spirit in preserving the traditional national cultural values. This spirit is expressed through the use of traditional poetic genres in spreading scriptures and performing religious texts according to the style of traditional folk melodies of Nam Ai and Nam Xuan; the adoption of traditional costume like“áo dài” and “áo bà ba” for their distinctive religious attire; the rejection of superstition; the veneration of national heroes and war martyrs; and the continuation of long-standing cultural values such as respect for women, harmony with the Three Teachings and philosophy of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. Drawing on document analysis and synthesis, along with the method of in- depth interviews, the article examines the spirit and principles of Caodaism and Hòa Hảo Buddhism in attempts to preserve traditional national cultural values.