Introduction to the Whale Worship Belief
The whale worship belief, also known as worshipping the whale, is a distinctive spiritual cultural trait of coastal residents in Vietnam, especially popular in central and southern provinces. Fishermen believe that whales are guardian deities who have repeatedly helped them escape dangers at sea. This belief not only shows gratitude but also reflects the close relationship between humans and the sea, where they live and make a living.
Origins and Legends
The origin of the whale worship belief is linked to folk stories about the miraculous help of whales for fishermen in distress at sea. According to the elders, many fishing families were brought safely to shore by the whale when their boats encountered storms. For instance, Mr. Le Cang (80 years old, Dien Thinh commune, Nghe An) recounted that in 1982, during a stormy night at sea, the raft of his father and him was in danger, with big waves breaking the side of the raft. In the critical moment, a whale about 8 meters long appeared, swam alongside, and helped balance their raft, bringing them safely to shore. Since then, he has believed more in the protection of the whale.
Many places also tell stories of whale graves built after a dead whale drifted ashore. Locals consider it a good omen, organize a solemn burial, and establish a shrine for worship. The history of the Nghinh Ong Festival in Tran De commune, Can Tho, dates back to 1955, when locals discovered the carcass of a large whale washed ashore at Bai Gia and built a temporary shrine of bamboo and leaves to show gratitude.
Concepts about the Whale and Related Rituals
Role of the Whale in Fishermen's Lives
The whale is regarded as a deity governing the sea, with the power to save fishermen from storms and bring them safely back to shore. Fishermen believe that when in trouble at sea, if they sincerely pray, the whale will appear to help. Therefore, before each fishing trip, they often visit the whale's tomb or shrine to burn incense and pray for a safe journey and a good catch.
Burial and Worship Customs for the Whale
When a dead whale is found drifting ashore, fishermen consider it a significant event. They organize a solemn burial as for a relative, and some places even observe mourning. Whale graves are often built solidly, shaped like a ship's bow facing the sea, expressing the desire to conquer the sea. Incense offering and tomb maintenance are carried out regularly, especially during the early spring.
In Dien Chau district, Nghe An, along the coast there are about 10 large and small whale graves, well-built and cared for by fishermen. Mr. Hoang Nguyen (85 years old) recounted that in February 1997, a 7-meter-long, 5-ton whale drifted ashore at the former hamlet 9 (now hamlet 5, Dien Trung commune), and fishermen buried and worshipped it very solemnly. Strangely, whenever the tide rises at the whale grave area, the water surface is calm, as if this sea area is always protected by the whale.
Taboos and Folk Beliefs
Fishermen have certain taboos regarding the whale. They never hunt or harm whales. If they accidentally encounter a whale at sea, they often pray and avoid making loud noises. When a whale dies, they are not allowed to discard it but must bury it properly. Building the whale's grave facing the sea is also a way to express the wish that the whale continues to govern the sea and protect fishermen.
The Nghinh Ong Festival: A Typical Cultural Feature
Origin and Meaning
The Nghinh Ong Festival is one of the most important festivals for coastal fishermen, held annually to honor the whale's merits and pray for a favorable new fishing season. The festival usually takes place at the beginning of the lunar year or according to the local calendar. It is an occasion for the fishing community to show reverence and strengthen neighborhood bonds.
Main Rituals in the Festival
The Nghinh Ong Festival typically has two main parts: the ritual part and the festive part.
The ritual part includes the following ceremonies:
- Procession of the Whale at Sea: Fishermen's boats are colorfully decorated, and together they go to the sea mouth to welcome the whale ashore. This ritual usually takes place early in the morning, with the sound of drums and gongs echoing across the harbor area.
- Traditional Offering Ceremony at the Whale Tomb: At the Nam Hai Whale Tomb, rituals such as inviting the Lady, offering the Main Sacrifice, offering to the Ancestors, and the Royal Ceremony are performed solemnly.
- Incense and Gift Offering: The management board and fishermen offer incense and gifts to the whale to express gratitude.
The festive part is lively with cultural, artistic, sports activities, folk games, amateur southern music, and traditional opera, creating a joyful and community-binding atmosphere.
Typical Nghinh Ong Festivals in Some Localities
Nghinh Ong Festival in Tran De, Can Tho: Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2019. The festival is held from the 21st to the 23rd of the third lunar month annually, with the participation of many fishermen and tourists. The Nam Hai Whale Tomb here preserves more than 10 whale skeletons and is a provincial historical and revolutionary relic.
Nghinh Ong Festival in Song Doc, Ca Mau: The festival has a history of over 100 years and is an indispensable part of the spiritual life of coastal residents in Ca Mau.
Nghinh Ong Festival in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City: This is a national intangible cultural heritage festival, held in the eighth lunar month annually, attracting thousands of participants.
Role of the Nghinh Ong Festival in Modern Life
Cultural and Spiritual Values
The Nghinh Ong Festival is not only an occasion for fishermen to express gratitude to the sea deity but also a place to preserve and transmit traditional cultural values. Through the festival, the younger generation understands more about the history and customs of their ancestors, thereby loving their homeland and seas more.
Tourism Development Potential
Many localities have recognized the value of the Nghinh Ong Festival for tourism development. The festival attracts not only domestic but also international tourists, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam's seas and people. Therefore, local governments have focused on investing and organizing the festival more professionally, combining with sea tourism and community tourism activities.
Conclusion
The whale worship belief and the Nghinh Ong Festival are precious cultural heritages of Vietnamese coastal fishermen. Despite their spiritual nature, they reflect the harmonious relationship between humans and the sea, while also expressing the desire to conquer the ocean and faith in the protection of supernatural forces. Preserving and promoting the value of this belief not only contributes to maintaining national cultural identity but also serves as a basis for sustainable tourism development for coastal areas.
