Transcript Beliefs, Values and Lifestyle in Vietnam

Beliefs,
Values and
Lifestyle in
Vietnam
A detailed study
BELIEFS
Beliefs in Vietnam
Freedom of worship is guaranteed under the
Vietnamese constitution which states that “all religions
are equal before the law”
There are still tensions between the government and
religious groups, particularly if the government feels
the religion is entering political areas, but overall the
last 20 years has seen considerable easing of
attempted controls on people’s beliefs.
Beliefs in Vietnam
In Vietnam there is a common acceptance of the
existence of heaven, called ‘Ong Troi’, which is the
keeper of human fate.
The Vietnamese people believe that deities and spirits
deserve specific recognition. Small shrines are common
throughout Vietnam for worshipping the spirits of their
local area.
Beliefs in Vietnam
Buddhism is the most popular belief system in Vietnam
with over 60% of the population claiming adherence.
Other belief systems that attract significant following
include Confucianism (which signifies the traditional
cultural links to China), Taoism, Catholicism (from the
time of French colonisation), Hindu, Islam and animists
(spirit worshippers).
Beliefs in Vietnam
The sect of Cao Dai is a Vietnamese belief system that
blends elements from Buddhism, Daoism,
Confucianism, Islam and Christianity.
It has several million followers and holds its daily
services at the spectacular temple at Tay Ninh. Many
tourists also attend these services.
Beliefs in Vietnam
The Perfume Pagoda is a significant Buddhist site in Vietnam,
also known as the mountain cave of Chua Huong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4ZSclIOFeM
It is located in the south-west of Hanoi and is accessed by
boat then a 4km hike up the mountain. It is the site of an
annual festival in March, and dates back to the 13th century
when Indian monks used it for meditation. IT became the
main northern Vietnamese centre of Buddhism after a 16th
century royal visit which proclaimed it the “first cave under
the sky”.
VALUES
Values in Vietnam
Above all, the Vietnamese value their sense of national
identity.
As a review of its history will show, Vietnam has been
obsessed with maintaining its independent nationhood.
It has resisted Chinese cultural domination, French
economic domination and American military domination
due to their unwavering loyalty to their national identity
and the high value they place on independence.
Values in Vietnam
Vietnamese people value patience because it
reflects the Buddhist idea of accepting your fate.
Tourist guidebooks warn visitors to be prepared
to wait for bureaucracy to work slowly. Many
Vietnamese are said to show patient resignation
while waiting for decisions to be made.
Values in Vietnam
Vietnamese society values determination very
highly, as demonstrated by their on-going drive
to achieve national targets.
The Vietnamese have a strong history of
determination which has enabled them to
undertake challenging, long-term tasks in their
struggle for independence.
Values in Vietnam
In Vietnamese society, prestige is gained by having face,
and saving face is critical in relationships within society.
One result is that Vietnamese families will often
overcommit themselves in order to gain face. For
example, families often enter into elaborate and
financially draining weddings to enhance their prestige
within their society. The result can be financial ruin, but
‘face’ is gained, which is regarded as more important.
LIFESTYLE
Lifestyle in Vietnam
The festivals in Vietnam draw together a range of social and
culture elements that reflect life in Vietnam then and now.
Festivals in Vietnam play a range of roles. They may connect
a village to real or imagined events or people from the past;
they may be associated with the continuation of the natural
cycle enabling agricultural success; and they provide people
with a vital link to the history, culture and spiritual life of
their village, region or country.
Lifestyle in Vietnam
The most significant festival in Vietnam is Tet,
which celebrates the lunar new year.
It is directly linked to the Chinese New Year, and
each year is given the attribute of an animal such
as snake, dragon or water buffalo. It is a time of
renewal, and Tet sees a break from work and
people returning home to spend time with
family.
Lifestyle in Vietnam
Tet is an example of continuity and change in Vietnam
lifestyle, as it represents a coming together of tradition
and modern interpretations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_xmnt_N4aE
Cultural continuity can be found in the Tet traditions such
as settling debt before the new year, and avoiding
sweeping, breaking chinaware and crying in the first three
days after new year. These are all long held superstitions
that are followed today. Cultural change can be see in the
integration of tourism and globalisation into the festival
such as specialty Tet coke cans.
Lifestyle in Vietnam
There are hundreds of local festivals held
throughout the year, which are organised and
run by each individual village.
Villages hold their own local festivals in the two
months are Tet. These are often characterised by
elaborate costumes, dragon dancing and beating
drums.
Lifestyle in Vietnam
Each Vietnamese city and area has distinctive aspects of its own
lifestyle that has been developed over time and through the
influences of tradition, foreign occupation and globalisation.
Many ‘traditional’ aspects of Vietnamese culture have been
formed by the influence of foreign powers. As the combination of
globalisation and doi moi see Vietnam emerging as a tourist
destination, there will be many changes to what have been
traditional ways of life. The Vietnamese population is currently
around 70% rural and 30% urban, but that this is likely to change.
The rise of the internet has seen many aspects of western culture
become common in Vietnam such as international movies, music
and food.
Textbook Activity
• Page 197-199
• Read the case study
• Identify the continuities and changes in
Vietnamese beliefs, values and lifestyle
• Give specific examples
Continuities & Changes
• Change: Economic growth is the 2nd highest in
Asia
• Change: multicultural influences in regards to
food, bars/social life
• Continuity: male entitlement – etiquette of
police and expectations