Women’s Museum Goddess

The tradition of worshipping the Mother Goddess in Việt Nam dates back to the 16th century.

In this tradition there are three realms, namely Heaven, Water and Mountains-Forests. The Mother Goddess is a nymph who descended to Earth, lived as a human and became a Buddhist nun referred to as the Mother of the World. There are also many other spirits considered legendary heroes.

Passed down through generations, the tradition continues to be practiced by communities today as a response to their environment, providing them with a sense of identity and continuity.

The practice of shared values and strong beliefs in the compassion and grace of the Mother Goddess provides a basis for social relations, connecting members of participating communities.

Belief in the deity originated in various regions of the country and among different ethnic groups, reflecting the nation’s cultural diversity as well as cultural exchange between different communities. Worship of the Mother Goddess also contributes to the appreciation of women and their role in society.

The ancient Vietnamese tradition of worshipping the Mother Goddess has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2016.Read more