The trance ritual was performed to conclude a Mother Goddess worship festival last year. (Photo: VNA)Nam Dinh (VNA) – The practice of Mother Goddess worship in the modern society was the topic of an international symposium held in the northern province of Nam Dinh on January 6.
The event gathered 11 foreign scholars from the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the US, Russia and France, who provided an insight into the practice of the belief among Vietnamese expatriates.
Their discussions revolved around research methods, major practices, preservation measures and relevant State policies.
Some notable theses presented at the seminar included those on “hau dong” (trance ritual) in Vietnam’s northern delta and Mother Goddess worship in South California.
Participants paid special attention to research and management work to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values.
The Mother Goddess worship was created during the Tran dynasty (1225-1400) and has become part of the Vietnamese spiritual life as a reminder of national history and the great contributions of predecessors and national heroes.
The ritual combines music, singing, dancing, martial arts, cooking and fashion. During an associated trance ritual, mediums serve as ambassadors connecting the material world with the genies.
Nam Dinh is among Mother Goddess worship centres nationwide, possessing 287 temples and vestiges relating to the belief.-VNA
