Whale Worship Belief in the Coastal Area of Sam Son, Thanh Hoa Province in the Contemporary Context

Abstract

The belief in Whale Worship holds a particularly significant place in the spiritual life of fishing communities in the coastal area of Sam Son, Thanh Hoa Province, across multiple historical periods. This article examines the practices associated with this belief and analyzes the current condition of worship spaces as well as the institutional structures related to them. Drawing on empirical research, the study identifies several prominent challenges, including the shortage of successor generations, limitations in human resources and management funding, and the deterioration of worship facilities. Building on these findings, the article proposes solutions aimed at strengthening community cohesion, enhancing the cultural agency of local residents, and prioritizing the transmission of belief-based values while improving cultural management capacity within the context of contemporary socio-economic development.