THE SUBSIDY PERIOD

Commonly referred to as the “subsidy period,” the Vietnamese period of socialist central planning lasted from 1946 until renovation in 1986. Over this forty year period, the state adopted an official policy of atheism and launched an anti-superstition campaign that specifically targeted folk religions such as Mother Goddess worship. Historic pagodas and temples were destroyed or converted to rice storage facilities, and religious practitioners were forced into secrecy. Rituals were performed quietly, at night, after the police were asleep. These rituals were performed without music and with limited offerings, often with minimal if any relics or ceremonial costumes or items.

While state policy forbid religion, temples dedicated to national and historical figures were encouraged. It was in this time that Tran Hung Dao was added to the pantheon of Mother Goddess spirits. Saint Tran, as he is known, was a 13th century Vietnamese general who fought against Mongol invaders. While it’s not uncommon for new spirits to be added to the Mother Goddess religion, the addition of Saint Tran, a legally recognized figure, helped add legitimacy to a religion under attack. It also continued a long Viet tradition of venerating national heroes.

Mother Goddess practitioners made every possible attempt to legitimize their practices. In addition to adopting Saint Tran, they claimed the temples were beautiful and sacred and contributed merit to Vietnam. They also downplayed the assumed superstition of the Mother Goddess religion and played up aspects such as venerating one’s ancestors, which is a Buddhist tradition as well. Despite their best efforts, this religion and its members faced heavy scrutiny and even persecution until the subsidy period ended.