Ancestor Worship in Contemporary Vietnam: A Study of Filial Piety

Ancestor worship is a crucial element in shaping Vietnam's culture and society. It has emerged as an important scholarly topic considering that the influencing factors, such as family bonds, ancestral rituals, and methods of disposing of the final remains, have noticeably changed today. This study is based on relevant data from fieldwork conducted in Ho Chi Minh City over seven months during 2013 to 2015, covering fifteen households in Ward X, three cemeteries, seven pagodas, and three churches with columbaria storing cremated remains of the dead ancestors, as well as data published from various sources. This study aims to examine the concept of filial piety linked with the ideology of lineage to clarify the nature, continuity, and changes of ancestor worship in contemporary Vietnam. This study argues that the deep-rooted value of preserving one's lineage offers a plausible answer to the unsolved questions regarding the nature of Vietnamese ancestor worship. The findings highlight the significance of the perception of lineage, demonstrating a continuing influence. For instance, the patriarchal value of ancestor worship is substantially intertwined with issues such as gender bias and domestic violence stemming from preference for a male child in Vietnam today. However, recent social changes have led to a fading perception of lineage, the emergence of digitized virtual forms of rituals, and the involvement of outsiders such as pagoda monks. These changes mark fundamental shifts in Vietnamese ancestor worship.