Impact of Religion in Vietnam

Religion is one of the most debatable topics in the world, but in some countries like Vietnam, religion is a binding force. People of all religions happily coexist in Vietnam, making it one of the most peaceful nations in the world. There is a strong religion in Vietnamese culture, but seldom are any communal problems caused by it. In this article, we explore the various ways in which the different regions impact the lifestyles of the people in Vietnam. Planning an adventure like this often involves considering all aspects of your journey, including securing reliable International Travel Insurance for peace of mind.

such an enriching journey, securing comprehensive Travel Insurance for Vietnam is highly recommended to ensure a worry-free exploration of its cultural tapestry.

Religions followed in Vietnam

As mentioned above, different religions are practised in Vietnam. A large percentage of the citizens of Vietnam follow folk religions, which have come down from generations. Here’s a detailed look at the main religions found in Vietnam:

1. Folk religions

People in Vietnam predominantly follow a folk religion. This is an unorganised religion which worships several powers including deities, Gods, spirits and ancestors. Their religious beliefs and traditions have been handed down from the past generations. The fold religion has special places of worship where idols of their deities are worshipped with reverence.

2. Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the most important religions in Vietnam. It is practised by many people. Buddhism is also one of the oldest religions here, as it was introduced to the country around the 2nd Century AD. It reached Vietnam from India via the Chinese monks who travelled here at the time. Since Buddhism is a very prevalent religion in Vietnam, many people have the notion that it is a predominantly Buddhist country. However, this is not completely correct, as only a percentage of the people here follow Buddhism.

3. Christianity

Christianity is also widely practised in Vietnam. You find different variants of Christianity, such as Catholicism, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Christianity is practised by about 8% of the Vietnamese population. You will see many churches in the various towns and cities. The practices of the different forms of Christianity adhere to global standards and people practise their faith peacefully.

Impact of religion across regions in the country

Religion has an impact on the various aspects of life in Vietnam. From the traditions to the food to the choice of clothing, you get to see the impact of religion in Vietnam practically everywhere you go. Here are a few instances:

1. Impact of religion on society and traditions

You can find a large impact of religion on the societal practices in Vietnam. Here are some examples:

• Integration of society - Religion plays a very large role in integrating societies in Vietnam. It is because of religion that people come together and live in harmony. Since every religion followed in Vietnam preaches tolerance and coexistence, the society is very well-knit.

• Preservation of traditions - Vietnam is one of the few countries in the world that still is very closely connected to its ancient roots. You even find cities and towns that have been preserved in their ancient forms. This is another impact of religion that has helped the country keep its history alive.

• Support among the locals - Since there is a lot of harmony and coexistence in Vietnamese society due to religion, there is tremendous support among the people, which is a wonderful aspect of Vietnamese society.

2. Impact of religion on food

Every religion has had an impact on food over the ages. Since there are a variety of religions practised in Vietnam, the food there is also greatly influenced by it:

• Different flavours and cuisines - The existence of different religions has brought a lot of variety to Vietnamese food. For example, the Buddhist community prefers having vegetarian meals. The traditional dishes of the country like Pho, therefore have delicious vegetarian versions. Similarly, the existence of Christianity in the country has opened the doors for foods like cakes and roasts. Hence, religion has had a significant impact on the food in Vietnam.

• Festive food - If you visit Vietnam during Christmas, you will find some of the finest plum cakes in the world. Rice porridges such as congee have been made popular by the Buddhists and are widely available in Vietnam, especially during the festivals.

• Dining practices - You can find several religious impacts on the food in Vietnam. For example, on the 1st and the 15th of every month, Buddhists don’t consume any meat and so, most restaurants also serve vegetarian food.

3. Impact of religion on clothing

The folk religions have had the most impact on the clothing of Vietnam. The traditional Vietnamese attires are inspired by the religions like Cao Dai. Colourful silk tunics with black pants are worn by both genders and proudly flaunted during festivals and special events.

These are the main ways in which religion has impacted the way of life in Vietnam. When you visit the country, you should look out for these impacts and try to learn more about them, as the facts are quite fascinating!

Tips for tourists

Religion is very predominant in Vietnam and the local people there are very particular about their practices, though they are very tolerant. As a tourist, you must respect the religious ideas and adhere to their expectations which include:

1. Dress modestly

Vietnam is quite a conservative country and people dress in traditional attire. However, modern western wear is also quite commonly used. It is advisable for you to dress modestly when you visit the country. Do not bear your skin too much, especially when you visit religious places. It is alright to wear swimwear when you are at a beach or to dress up when you go clubbing at night. However, when you go sightseeing or enter a cafe or a restaurant, avoid wearing revealing clothes. Also, do not comment on any local attire, as that may offend the people there.

2. Speak with caution

Be cautious when you speak with the locals, especially about religion. It is perfectly alright for you to ask questions about the history of religious practices in an effort to learn more. The locals would be very happy to tell you that. But do not make any comments about it, especially any derogatory comment or do not save any controversial fact that you may know about the religion. It is best to avoid religious talk when you visit the country as a tourist. The locals are very friendly. So speak to them about their general traditions and they will happily speak to you for hours.

3. Enjoy the religious festivities.

Many religious festivals are celebrated in Vietnam all around the year. Partake in the festivities and enjoy the time with the locals. Dress up in traditional clothes, eat the festive food and sing and dance with the locals, who are always very welcoming towards the tourists. This will help you to have a great time and understand the religious practices in a better and clearer manner.