Sacred Spatial Structure In The Goddess Worship Beliefs Of The Chinese Community In Bac Lieu

Abstract

Introduction:Throughout the long history of national construction and defense, Vietnamese culture has continually flourished, demonstrating strong spiritual values and enduring vitality. Within this cultural continuum, goddess worship has become an indispensable spiritual current in Vietnamese culture in general and in Southern Vietnamese culture in particular. The practice of goddess worship primarily serves to express gratitude toward deities and to seek their protection and blessing for human life. Goddess worship among the Chinese community in Bac Lieu is no exception. Notably, the sacred spatial structure manifested in the goddess worship practices of the Chinese community in Bac Lieu exhibits a number of distinctive characteristics. This article examines these features in order to contribute further insights into the local religious and cultural identity as reflected through the worship spaces of goddesses within the Chinese community of Bac Lieu