Worship the fish
The origin
Through localization, the custom of worshiping Ong fish became a belief of Vietnamese and Chinese people.
They believe that the god Nam Hai incarnates whales to save humanity, help fishermen at sea when there are big waves and winds, and overcome accidents.
Originated from the Cham people's custom of worshiping Fish Ong with the custom of worshiping the god Poriak or Po Riyak, the God of the Sea or the God of Ocean Waves.
Fish sacrifice ceremony
The origin of the Ca Ong worship ceremony
Special ceremonies
The meaning of the Ca Ong sacrifice ceremony
Accordingly, people believe that the whale is the predecessor of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The person transformed into a whale to help and protect coastal fishermen safely when encountering storms, big waves and strong winds.
Later, the whale died and drifted to shore. The villagers picked up the bones to keep and worship. From then on, the custom of worshiping Whales has become a unique cultural and religious feature of Vietnam.
Ca Ong is a type of gray whale, considered by fishermen to be the god of the sea.
Chief priest ceremony
Peace praying ceremony
To show the fishermen's gratitude and respect for the gods who have always blessed and protected the villagers.
Expressing wishes, hoping to go out to sea with "calm waves", have a new and prosperous fishing season, have smooth sailing, and everyone can return safely.
Held on the bad day (death day) of Ca Ong or the area where Ca Ong died.
Held on the first holiday in Ca Ong village.
Priests, elders and prestigious people will represent the fishing village to offer offerings and read orations expressing the people's respect and gratitude for his great merits.
The next midnight officially took place.
Among them, the most special is the folk art form Cheo Ba Troi,... The songs represent gratitude to Ca Ong for always accompanying and helping fishermen escape from trouble.
The main ceremony includes important rituals such as mining ceremonies, student teams offering incense, organizing cultural programs,...
Vocabulary and examples
Gratitude (v): Lòng biết ơn
Ex: She sent them a present to show/express her gratitude.
Transformed (adj): Chuyển đổi
Ex: Soldiers came home to a transformed country.
Fulfilled (adv): Hoàn Thành
Ex: For the first time in my life, I feel really fulfilled.
Incarnates (n): tái sinh
Ex: One survivor described his torturers as devils incarnate.
Ceremonies (n): Nghi lễ
Ex: A wedding/graduation ceremony.
dishes with fish sauce
broken rice
rice noodles with barbecue
Banh Xeo
Prosperous (adj): Thịnh Vượng
Ex: In a prosperous country like this, no one should go hungry