The soul of the nation in early-spring rituals

Amid the fresh colors of early spring, traditional rituals practiced by faith communities appear like golden threads woven into the nation’s cultural tapestry. From incense offered to the Mother Goddess, prayers for peace at pagoda gates, the sound of church bells during Mass, to the gentle melodies of then singing, each carries an aspiration toward goodness, preservation of ancestral traditions and respect for the law.

People’s Artist Nguyen Thi Nho of Hung Yen, who has long been devoted to the Mother Goddess worship of the Three Realms, shared that each early-year ritual is both a spiritual activity and a way for communities to express love for national culture.

“The Mother Goddess heritage has been honored by UNESCO. That recognition makes us even more conscious of practicing in accordance with proper tradition and the law,” she said.

Her simple words echo the shared sentiment of many religious communities across the country. Policies guaranteeing freedom of belief and religion have been implemented consistently over the years, creating space for religions to develop in a healthy manner while maintaining a spirit of companionship with the nation.

Professor Thuong Mai Thanh, a Standing Committee member of the Cao Dai Ban Chinh Dao Church, noted that favorable conditions provided to religious organizations have helped stabilize religious life.

“After the provincial merger, our Church was approved by Quang Ngai authorities to establish two new places of worship. It is a great encouragement for us to continue accompanying the government and contributing to the dissemination of policies and guidelines,” he said.

When religion and life move in unison

Spring brings warmth, much like the way faith spreads compassion within each community. In mountainous regions, Protestant and Catholic believers diligently cultivate their fields and build peaceful villages. In urban areas, monks, priests and pastors work alongside authorities to encourage law observance and maintain social order.

Meritorious Artist Vu Xuan Thang, head custodian of Tien La Temple and the mausoleum and worship complex dedicated to the Tran kings in Hung Yen, observed: “Faith communities, as well as parishioners and Buddhists, all contribute to revitalizing their hometowns. It is not only about spiritual life, but also about responsibility to the community.”

Such vibrant religious life contributes to stability in every hamlet and neighborhood. Models such as “peaceful parishes” and “cultural residential areas” have blossomed like spring flowers within the broader movement of building new-style rural areas.

Major General Bui Thanh Ha, former Director of the Department of Internal Security under the Ministry of Public Security and former Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, assessed that religious life in Vietnam is diverse, dynamic and positively contributive.

“When faith is tied to civic responsibility, it becomes an important driving force for social development,” he said.

According to Vu Hoai Bac, Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, religious life continued to develop in a stable and healthy direction over the past year. Improvements in the legal framework, along with strengthened dialogue and listening, have reinforced trust among religious organizations and enabled believers to practice their faith equally while respecting the law.

“The positive values of religion are being awakened and spread, becoming spiritual pillars and resources that help build a humane and progressive society,” he emphasized.

In the sounds of wooden fish drums, then melodies and church bells of the new spring, one can clearly sense the bond between religion and everyday life. Spaces of worship are not only places to seek inner peace, but also where awareness of community and responsibility toward the homeland are nurtured.

Sy Hao