The Sacred Legend of Lady Thiên Hậu
According to folklore, Lady Thiên Hậu, also known as Mẫu Tổ, whose real name was Lâm Mặc Nương, was born in the late 10th century in Fujian province, China. From a young age, she showed intelligence, kindness, and especially extraordinary spiritual abilities. Legend has it that she could walk on water, her sleeves flapping to create wind and clouds, and she even rescued fishermen in distress at sea.
After her death, the coastal people of Fujian built temples to commemorate her merits and pray for her continued protection. Since then, the belief in Lady Thiên Hậu has spread throughout China and followed the Chinese diaspora to many other countries, including Vietnam.
The Mark of Lady Thiên Hậu Temples in Vietnam
The presence of Lady Thiên Hậu Temples in Vietnam is closely linked to the history of settlement and trade of the Chinese community. From the 17th and 18th centuries, many Chinese merchants and immigrants came to Vietnam to live and brought with them the belief in Lady Thiên Hậu. They built temples as a spiritual center, a place for cultural exchange, and also a testament to their presence and integration into the local culture.
Unique Architecture & Artistic Value
Lady Thiên Hậu Temples in Vietnam are often built in the traditional Chinese architectural style, with curved yin-yang tile roofs, winding dragon shapes, and elaborate and vibrant decorations. Inside the temple is a sacred and solemn space with the main altar dedicated to Lady Thiên Hậu, flanked by other deities.
Distinctive Cultural Features
Not only a place of worship, Lady Thiên Hậu Temples are also cultural and religious centers for the Chinese community. The Lady Thiên Hậu Festival, which takes place on the 23rd day of the third lunar month every year, is one of the biggest traditional festivals, attracting a large number of people with many unique cultural activities such as processions, lion and dragon dances, and traditional opera.
Famous Lady Thiên Hậu Temples
Stretching from North to South, there are many Lady Thiên Hậu Temples built and preserved to this day, contributing to the diverse cultural identity of Vietnam.
Lady Thiên Hậu Pagoda (Binh Duong)
Located in the center of Thủ Dầu Một city, Binh Duong province, this temple is over 300 years old and is one of the oldest Lady Thiên Hậu Temples in Vietnam. Every year, the Lady Thiên Hậu Festival here attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country.
Lady Thiên Hậu Pagoda (Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City)
Located in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, this temple was built in the 19th century and is notable for its unique architecture and sacred space. This is also one of the famous spiritual tourist destinations of the city.
Lady Thiên Hậu Pagoda (Bien Hoa, Dong Nai)
Located in Bien Hoa City, this temple has a history of over 200 years and is recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. Every year, the Lady Thiên Hậu Festival here takes place solemnly, attracting a large number of people and tourists from all over the country.
Preserving & Promoting Cultural Values
Lady Thiên Hậu Temples are not only unique architectural and cultural heritages but also a testament to the cultural exchange, religious harmony, and rich spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Preserving and promoting the cultural values of these temples is important in preserving national cultural identity, while contributing to tourism attraction and socio-economic development.