Culture
International Photographer Captures Spirit of Đạo Mẫu
in Vibrant New Photo Book by Dana Filek-Gibson . Photos by Tewfic El-Sawy
Tewfic El-Sawy ’ s introduction to Đạo Mẫu , also known as the Mother Goddess religion , began with music .
Traveling through Sapa in 2014 , a strange sound captured the attention of the New York-based travel photographer . El-Sawy hung around the building where he ’ d heard the music , chatted in sign language with a woman inside , and was later allowed to stay for the hầu đồng ceremony which took place that morning .
“ This is how my journey into the world of Đạo Mẫu … started ,” El-Sawy tells Saigoneer via email . “ Totally by accident .”
Fast forward 18 months and the photographer has put the finishing touches on his new photo book , Hau Dong : The Spirit Mediums of Viet Nam . The large format publication features over 100 color photographs of Vietnam ’ s lively hầu đồng ceremonies , in which Đạo Mẫu practitioners dress as specific deities or historical figures and act as spirit mediums , channeling the essence of individual deities in their performance .
Practiced mainly in northern Vietnam , followers of the Mother Goddess religion worship four main goddesses : Heaven , Mountains and Forests , Water and Earth . These deities are believed to control all aspects of daily life and are especially helpful for those confronted with issues related to marriage and fertility . When faced with problems , Đạo Mẫu believers will consult a spirit medium by way of the hầu đồng ceremony , in which the medium is able to channel a given spirit , giving followers one-on-one time with a particular deity .
16 The MAG Vung Tau