Ancient spirit possession ritual debuts in West Lake

From the 16th century, based on the ritual to worship the Goddesses, it has developed into the worshipping of the Three (or Four) Mother Goddesses with Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh being in the ancestral tablet.

Pictured are some of the hundreds of people who attend the joyous premiere of the ritual in West Lake.

During the morning, the organizers hold a scientific seminar explaining the significance of the spiritual worship attracting scientists, cultural studies students and governmental cultural officials.

Hau dong, a spirit possession ritual of the Mother Goddess religion, is a folk religious ritual that holds both spiritual and folk artistic meanings that has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Above: The female spirit medium is covered with a yellow scarf to wait for the spirit to incarnate into.

Based on goddess worship, this is a form of worship of the mother in the domain incarnation sun, rivers and forests.

From the 16th century, the practice of religion has become a religious and cultural activity that has a profound impact in the life of society and people's consciousness.

All body movements are performed in such a skillful way that the audience feels the spirit is on the stage in front of them, in the body of the medium.

The practice worship triangle form of the Vietnamese government is a mixture of the indigenous religions of Vietnam combined with many other sacred elements.

In addition to the body performance, the literary value of the Hau dong is reflected through the songs, dances, tales and verses rich in philosophy, music and humanity.

The rituals to worship Mother, or the Mother Goddess Religion, are held in many places throughout Vietnam including the North West, North East, North, North Central and Ho Chi Minh City.