Changes in religious life, beliefs in this period in Dong Anh district = Biến đổi đời sống tôn giáo, tín ngưỡng huyện Đông Anh trong giai đoạn hiện nay

Changes in religious life, beliefs in this period in Dong Anh district = Biến đổi đời sống tôn giáo, tín ngưỡng huyện Đông Anh trong giai đoạn hiện nay

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HA NOI

INSTITUTE OF VIETNAMESE STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT SCIENCES

NGUYEN THI THANH HOA

CHANGES IN RELIGIOUS LIFE, BELIEFS IN THIS

PERIOD IN DONG ANH DISTRICT

Major: Vietnamese Studies Code: 60.31.60

SUMMARY MASTER THESIS

HA NOI - 2012

INDEX

INTRODUCTION PART Error! Bookmark not defined

1 Imperative of the dissertation topic Error! Bookmark not defined

2 The context of research topics Error! Bookmark not defined

3 The aim of the thesis research Error! Bookmark not defined

4 Objects and scope of the thesis research Error! Bookmark not defined

5 The methodology of the thesis Error! Bookmark not defined

6 Contribution of the thesis Error! Bookmark not defined

7 Layout thesis Error! Bookmark not defined

Chapter 1: CONTEXT OF RELIGIOUS AND BELIEFS

LIFE IN DONG ANH Error! Bookmark not defined 1.1 Introduction of Dong Anh district Error! Bookmark not defined

1.2 Changes in the economy and society of Dong

Anh district today Error! Bookmark not defined

1.3 The implementation of the Party resolution on

religious activities and beliefs of people in Dong Anh

today Error! Bookmark not defined 1.4 Definitions Error! Bookmark not defined

1.5 Theorical background

Chapter 2: CHANGES IN RELIGIOUS AND BELIEF

LIFE AND ITS RELATION WITH SOCIAL- ECONOMIC

LIFE IN DONG ANH DISTRICT Error! Bookmark not defined

2.1 Changes in religiogious life in Dong Anh

district Error! Bookmark not defined

2.2 Transformation in religion life in Dong Anh

district Error! Bookmark not defined

2.3 The impacts of economic and social life on the

innovation process of religion and rituals in Dong Anh

district Error! Bookmark not defined

2.4 The influences of religious life on economic

and social life in Dong Anh district Error! Bookmark not defined

Chater 3: TENDENCY OF CHANGES IN

RELIGIOUS LIFE, BELIEF IN DONG ANH

DISTRICT AND QUESTIONS Error! Bookmark not defined

3.1 Tendency of change and forecast overview of

religion and state management of religion in the

district of Dong Anh in the coming years Error! Bookmark not defined

3.2 A number solution to promote the positive

elements of religious life and belief for the

development of social life in Dong Anh districtError! Bookmark not defined

CONCLUSION Error! Bookmark not defined

INTRODUCTION

1 Reasons for choosing topics

Dong Anh is an ancient land of the suburbs of Hanoi,.It is a convergence of many cultural values and spiritual material typical of the capital In recent years, Dong Anh is also known as ongoing regional process of strong urbanization The strong development of economy and innovation in social activities has led to changes from time to time in space activities, the content of religion, ritual worship of the people in a suburban district Therefore, the topic focused on analyzing the impact of two-way relationship between religious faith and socio- economic life, and back again to see the clear change in the spiritual life in the trend of opening today

Religious beliefs are an important part of cultural and spiritual life of man, so finding out about changes in religious life, beliefs Dong Anhalso contributes to the addition of private meaningful data about the cultural field of Hanoi in contemporary life On the basis of the solution, proposed by the authors giving out the thesis, the religious officials who are in charge

of the Dong Anh district will take steps to implement the policy on religion, belief in an effective and consistent way with the aspiration

of people in the district For these reasons we have chosen the topic

"Changes in religious life and beliefs in the current period" as the direction of this research thesis

2 The situation of research topics

The book does not mention much about Dong Anh may be mentioned in the works of "Dong Anh with thousand years of Thang Long - Hanoi" by Bui Xuan Dinh, issued by Ha Noi Publishing House in

2010 This book talks about natural and social conditions, festivals, folklore, particularly emphasizing academic tradition of Dong Anh

work "Address of Co Loa" by the authors of the Institute of Vietnamese studies and scientific development studied in depth in many social aspects of Co Loa as natural, social, historical and cultural conditions.,

in which part of the book is also intended to learn about religion and beliefs of the Co Loa area - a commune of Dong Anh district

So far no any works has ever delves into the change of religious life, beliefs in Dong Anh in the reform process., especially, exploited this aspect by analyzing two-way interaction between social life in the process of reform to the cultural life of the spiritual current period It can be confirmed that the dissertation topic is the first study refering to the change in religious life and belief in Dong Anh district in the process of urbanization

3 The aim of the thesis research

Implementating the project "Change in religious life, beliefs in Dong Anh district during the current period" , first of all we want to sketch the picture of the activities of religious life and beliefs of Dong Anh district in the innovation From there we go deeply in analysis of two-way interaction between economic life and society in the reform process leading to changes in religious life, beliefs and vice versa

4 Objects and scope of the thesis research

Scope of the thesis research is to understand the transformation of religious life and belief in Dong Anh district, Hanoi Change research community of Catholics in Dai Bang and Mai Chau village which there are two reported numbers of the highest concentration of Catholics We exploit the transformation of Buddhism and the cult of King An Duong Vuong Co Loa commune - communes with a number of exciting Buddhists and Buddhist activities, this is also where the famous festival Co Loa in and out of place on the 6th of January every year We chose La Vong commune

as the study of ancestor worship because it is communal rated speed of the most urbanized district Finally, Viet Hung commune in

thesis was taken to learn traditional religious worship as mysteries because the area has ever happened to the mysterious true story is deeply imbedded in people's minds

5 Research methods dissertation

Thesis is applied for the methodology of religious education, the author uses specific methods of sociology and anthropology of religion, such as survey fieldwork methods; collection methods, synthetic methods statistics, analysis, comparison method for comparison

6 Contribution of the thesis

First contribution of the thesis is the variable-depth analysis

of religious life, beliefs and shows typical two-way relationship between painted religious life and beliefs of economic life, social people in Dong Anhin the process of urbanization Thesis put forward some forecasts of trends in religious life, beliefs and propose some solutions to promote the positive elements in the religious life and beliefs to develop the economy in Dong Anh district as well as the society of present and future

7 Layout thesis

Thesis is organized into three chapters:

- Chapter 1: The context of religious life, beliefs, Dong Anh district

- Chapter 2: Variation of religious life, religion and its relationship to social life in Dong Anh district the current period

- Chapter 3: Trends of changes in religious life and beliefs in Dong Anh district and the issues raised

Chapter 1:

CONTEXT OF RELIGIOUS AND BELIEFS LIFE IN DONG ANH

1.1 Introduction of Dong Anh district

1.1.1 The natural conditions

Overall, high terrain Dong Anh from north to and from the West to creates two types of terrain To the west and north is the high ground, mixed with hill ranges To the south and southeast are low-

lying lands On difficult terrain for cultivation, construction of irrigation works, water regulation

1.1.2 Economic conditions

Dong Anh, which is loacated in the middle of the Red River Delta, has the potential to agricultural development Both lowland and upland areas are more favorable conditions for agricultural development in the direction of intensive rice cultivation, planting flowers and vegetables The village of Dong Anh district also has many traditional crafts such as weaving in Thuy Loi (Thuy Lam commune), woodwork in the village Thiet Ung (Van Ha Commune), paintwork in the village Phong Chau (Lien Ha) commune, tofu in Chai village (La Vong commune), making noodles in Mach Trang commune (commune Loa) The commodity economy develops make it convenient for transportation system to facilitate trade and exchange

1.1.3 Social conditions

Most of residents in Dong Anh district are farmers, living in the village as a melting pot basic unit is the combination of neighborly relations with blood relatives, self-governing nature and

very highly social

1.1.4 Cultural conditions

Culture of the Dong ANh Village is specific of the two areas

as The North (Xu Bac) and Xu Doai that these features are structured according to each type of village: the village in agricultural season and in one haverst ricefield, riverside village, trade village…; in the system of worship monuments (temples, pagodas, temples of literature, the family church, church of celebrities)

1.2 Socio- Economic Transformation in Dong Anh district today

1.2.1 Economic restructuring

Before Doi Moi (Reform), the economic restructuring of the district's focused on heavy industry, agriculture During the renovation, the economic structure was redefined: reducing the

proportion of agriculture, increasing the proportion of trade and services (industry - construction: 50.4%, trade, service Services: 27.8%, agriculture, forestry and fisheries: 21.8% In agriculture, the cultivation 44.3%, livestock 55.7%) GDP growth gained over 10% / year on average

1.2.1.1 Building industrial bases

Up to now, there are 758 limited liability companies, 558 joint stock companies, 115 private enterprises, 30 state enterprises, 11 one member limited liable state-owned companies ; over 13,000 individual business households, 77 businesses in concentrated industrial zones By rearranging production innovation of management mechanism and highlighting the role of autonomy of enterprises, as well the investment

in technology innovation, equipment, goods, and increase in productivity and product quality, industry in Dong Anh is getting better

1.2.1.2 Restoring the trade villages and the forming the industrial clusters of craft villages

Handicraft industry, craft villages and districts are interested

in the construction of infrastructure: road systems, electricity grids, village planning, environmental remediation Entering the market mechanism, the handicraft industry tradition has begun to be restored and developed its position confirmed

1.2.1.2 Development of agricultural goods

Currently the district is to accelerate the application of technical advances, the cultivation of rice, color of specialties, fresh vegetable and fruit growing, breeding and development of decorative plants with economic value (this area produces crops of high economic value in 2000 accounted for 20% of the total area planted annually), as well effectively exploits land potential, economic potential in four specific areas: banks, the riverside land, depression and high lands

1.2.2 Changes in society

1.2.2.1 The programs to create jobs, reduce poverty

The settlement of jobs for local people has helped people's lives less difficult This is the motivation for economic income of families to increase significantly compared to the previous year

1.2.2.2.Solution to the social policies

The health, population, science and technology policies which have helped boost people's life in the region are gradually improving in all aspects The visiting in families giving credit for the country and the individuals with special circumstances have made leaders more understand people who are of the religion or not have conditions to get closer

2 units of culture at city level, 82% cultural families

1.2.3.2 Recovery and promotion of traditional cultural values

Dong Anh is a land of tradition with a long-term cultural history The district has nearly 293 historical and cultural relics, of which 108 have been classified as monuments There is a large monument of national stature as historical Co Loa associated with State Au Lac as well as a system of houses, temples and pagodas 2000 years ago

1.3 The policy of the Party and State of religion and belief

Belief, religion is the spiritual needs of some groups of people The Party is always consistent on implementation of religious policies and does ensure freedom of religion, protect against all violations of religious freedom, and against the abuse of religion to harm the interests of the country and people Over the past decade, policy of respecting the freedom of religion and belief does not just stop at the realization that actually went into the lives

of numerous people of faith, religion, making people feel secure, confident in policies and laws of the State to actively participate in the patriotic emulation movement and well build good religious life

1.4 The implementation of the Party resolution on religious activities and beliefs by the Party Committee and administration in Dong Anh district nowadays

1.4.1 Catholicism

Dong Anh district has 219 households with 888 inhabitants concentrating mainly in two parishes (Dai Bang and Mai Chau) In addition, about 151 parishioners in the town of Dong Anh and Yen

Ha, Hai Boi village But parishioners today are living in two rural churches in hamlet Mai Chau, Dai Mach village and Dai Bang hamlet, Nguyen Khe village

1.4.2 Buddhism

Currently there are 122 pagodas across the district (in which

69 pagodas have high-ranking bonzes) with 89 monks and nuns In

2009, the District People’s Committee (DPC) wrote receipt and appointed five Abbots for 5 pagodas, constructed and invested in procurement of equipment for the representative boards of Buddhism in the amount of 295 million VND

1.4.3 The cult of King An Duong Vuong (at Co Loa Festival)

In three days of Tet and the 5th-6th of January, the festival days of 8 communes in Loa Thanh, the communes are organized fun, healthy and happily according to the contents of the CPC ‘s program and festival organizers Cultural and sports activities such

as Volleyball, Wrestling, Water puppetry, Quan ho singing, classical drama, traditional crossbow have had many innovations, improving the quality of sporting activities

1.4.4 Ancestor worship

The importance of ancestor worship besides expression through ancestor worship space in the family was shown through

recent years, many churches have been remodeled, newly constructed Many families contribute the cost to building temples, churches up to several billion VND

1.4.5 Beliefs of Folk Worship

One thing noticeable, with each commune, lane, temple as the place for god worship has a supernatural power The supernaturalization of these places aim to enhance value to prevent against vandalism, ridiculing, and also create a sanction to all members of the village to respect and have the correct attitude for that atmosphere

Small conclusion

Adjacent to the capital to the north, Dong Anh has convenience in marine and road transportation to facilitate the development of internal and foreign trade zones Once as the capital of the country, Dong Anh also contains traditionally cultural characteristics, system of historic places such

as temples, pagodas, festivals, trade villages These are the basic factors contributing to form religious life and religious richness In recent years, Dong Anh has been considered one of the local strong pace of urbanization, the yearly economic growth These changes in agriculture, industry, handicrafts, is the cause of the transform religious an belief life during the integration period So far, the State of Vietnam always respects the freedom of religion and belief It has never advocated obstructing normal religious activities of the people Any religion is also located in certain ethnic communities and managed by the State In fact, the Dong Anh district Party and authorities have well undertaken policies on religion and beliefs of the Party and State

Chapter 2: CHANGE in RELIGIOUS and beliefs LIFE and ITS RELATIONSHIP TO Socio- eCONOMIC LIFE in CURRENT

Dong Anh District 1.1 A number of concepts

1.1.1 Religious life and beliefs

According to the sociologist of religion, the study "religious life"

we need to consider the major aspects: First, regardless of religious communities (religiosity, religiosote), those of the religion was, C.Glock proposed five basic dimensions of religiosity are "ideological dimension, rituals, social influence, experience and knowledge."

2.1.2.Life of religion

"Living life, including the middle entrusted with duties and obligations of citizens, not always smoothly, but as an association can not deny, can not leave The Catholics have a duty to contribute

to the creation of God on a more extensive the practical life is to live with, live for others The final judgment is not about me but about others "[17, p.280]

1.1.2 Secular life (or society)

As a citizen, not only Catholic relations in the Catholic community but also to exercise their rights and obligations of a citizen, there are other relations with societies (withthose with no religion or other religions) It is through social relationships, the active life, from community activities, economic activity, cultural, educational, humanitarian, charity

1.2 Rationale

2.2.1 In terms of subjectives

First: The religious world today tends to enter the world and modernization These two trends are closely linked, as a condition for the type of religious belief and survival of the Vietnamese people's lives

Second: religious life and belief in Dong Anh district have certain changes due to the influence of the important events of the world's major religions Especially after the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), officially on 14.01.1974, a notice shall specify that Catholics believe was held attended ceremonies honor of Mr and Mrs customary first Vietnam

The religions of the world tends to "re-configure the religion." Innovation policy directed religion in late 1990, making Vietnam has become "religious rehabilitation"substantially

1.3 Changes in religious life in Dong Anh district

1.3.1 Changes in the religious life of Catholics

2.3.1.1 Changes in religious worship space

Two churches in rural villages in Mai Chau and Dai Bang hamlet are spacious than before In 1945, due to difficult economic conditions, church in Dai Bang was erected with three cottages When the economy quite up, parishioners have contributed to restored and repaired

1.3.1.2 Time variations of ceremonies

Than before, today's church in the reading of daily is shortened more Typically to read the full economic, laity must take 2-hour, but now people only need 30 minutes to allocate blessing Changing of time aimed to pray in church to affect the learning of children and workers The majority of parishioners are of working age

1.3.1.3 Change in religious ritual

Present in the crystal bar Catholics, the laity do not kneel as before (work shall call it in honor absolute) but this did not weigh this issue, just as long as they were taking part in a comfortable way most comfortable, most convenient Receive the Eucharist in the ritual, the ceremonial mentioned previously silent Minh City bar placed on the laity oral exam today the ceremonial or the official ban on hand to give Minh Thanh laity spread just asking This applies

to the teachings of God in the ritual consecration

2.3.1.4 Change in perception of Catholics

A significant change is the personnel director to work in them If as before, but people in Mai Chau village promulgate allocation are the older people, often the first election in a