Culture
While Vietnam has no shortage of homegrown religions , the unique intersection of theater , spirituality , music , fashion , dance and poetry in a Đạo Mẫu hầu đồng ceremony helps this particular cultural practice to stand out from the rest .
“ I think the multitude of these elements in the hầu đồng ceremonies is what makes this spiritual tradition so unique ,” El-Sawy says . “ In contrast with other religious traditions which are , by and large , somber , dour , severe and joyless , intimidating and even menacing if believers do not abide by certain strictures , hầu đồng ceremonies are welcoming and are largely happy events . I have not seen a single scowling face in the audience in all the ceremonies I ’ ve attended . The tradition is certainly about doing good and abstaining from evil , but it conveys the message differently .”
As Vietnamese officials are pushing for the Mother Goddess religion ’ s hầu đồng ceremony to receive UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage , El-Sawy ’ s book aims to introduce people beyond Vietnam ’ s borders to the tradition .
Tewfic El-Sawy will be giving a series of photo talks in Hanoi from November 5-12 regarding his book project . Hau Dong : The Spirit Mediums of Viet Nam is available for purchase online via Blurb and Amazon . You can view more of El-Sawy ’ s hầu đồng photographs here .
Photos courtesy of Tewfic El-Sawy
18 The MAG Vung Tau