This kind of worship grew and has remained strong because of Vietnam’s history of invasions. Among the Kinh – the main ethnic group in Vietnam – Buddhism, Daoism and Christianity have co-existed alongside traditional religions and beliefs that often involve hero cults.Ĭao Dai temple in Tay Ninh, Vietnam.
Vietnam differs from other Southeast Asian countries in that there’s a particular devotion to heroes in its political culture and religious system. Tensions over religion arose during communist rule but, since 1986 (along with economic and political reforms), the government has enhanced its legitimacy and power by approving popular cults, in the same way dynasties in the past did. Government controls on religion have existed throughout Vietnamese history. The worship of Trần Hưng Đạo, a legendary warrior-turned-saint, is a good example of the way the Vietnamese authorities use religious figures to push their nationalistic agenda.
The move illustrates the government’s control over private cults and how it uses them for its own benefit. The Vietnamese government is trying to pass a new law on religion that will separate the nation’s many cults authorised and unauthorised.
