Ghosts in Vietnamese culture: Difference between revisions

'''Ghosts in Vietnamese culture''' are widely believed to be wandering souls with a significant impact on daily life, closely tied to the cultural practices of [[Veneration of the dead|ancestor worship]]. Known by various names such as ma, hồn, vong, and bóng ma, these spirits are thought to take diverse forms and exhibit both positive and negative characteristics. Ghosts often include individuals who suffered unnatural or violent deaths, especially those who died away from home. Proper rituals, burial,burials and offerings are believed to transform souls into ancestors who bring prosperity to their families. Those lacking these rituals become "hungry ghosts," viewed as supernatural thieves wandering the countryside. Ghost stories, or "chuyện ma," are prevalent in [[Culture of Vietnam|Vietnamese culture]], and these spirits are believed to influence [[Fortune-telling|fortune-tellers]] and [[Mediumship|spirit mediums]]. The belief in ghosts has societal implications, particularly in addressing missing soldiers from the [[Vietnam War]]. While families use spirit mediums to locate their loved ones, the Communist government considered ghost beliefs culturally backward, discouraging related media stories and commemoration rituals. Practices to deal with ghosts involve burning [[incense]], offering prayers, and making offerings to prevent interference, with rituals led by specialists to make ghosts leave.