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You are here: Home / Learn / About Viet Nam / Culture

Culture

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. . . the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do . . . .   1 Chronicles 12:32 (HCSB)

Understanding the people, geography and especially the culture of the Vietnamese people is a critical component as we seek to effectively share the love of Jesus Christ.  In the short space here, it is not possible to give a completely thorough description of Vietnamese culture – but here are a few key aspects of the culture that we feel are particularly important.  You are also encouraged to view other resources as highlighted on this site or do some searches and find more information elsewhere.

1) Not Mono-Cultural
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to reaching the peoples of Vietnam, but the message and need remains the same across all.  With significant populations of fifty-four distinct people groups physically residing within the country, some variations in culture, norms, customs and social interaction is assured.  There are also regional variations (north, south, central, coastal, delta) that can come into play as well as typical socio-economic differences.  One of the most prevalent influences on Vietnamese culture historically has been Chinese culture.

The website for the Vietnam Embassy in the U.S.A. addresses this mixed cultural aspect in this way:

It can be said that there were three layers of culture overlapping each other during the history of Vietnam: local culture, the culture that mixed with those of China and other countries in the region, and the culture that interacted with Western culture. The most prominent feature of the Vietnamese culture is that it was not assimilated by foreign cultures thanks to the strong local cultural foundations. On the contrary, it was able to utilize and localize those from abroad to enrich the national culture.

2) Confucian Culture
With the impact of Chinese culture comes hand in hand the impact of Confucianism on Vietnamese society.  Confucianism is a philosophy or set of behaviors and ethics that define the position of the individual in society.  The emphasis is on the ‘obligations’ of the individual toward others which is based upon the relationship between them.  On the positive side, Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honor, filial piety, respect for elders and seniority, integrity and sincerity.  From a negative aspect, Confucian culture can hinder love and compassion for others regardless of their station in life and promote only reciprocal relationships.  Exaggerated filial piety and an unwillingness to ‘step out of the norm’ can also provide a greater barrier for an individual to be their first in their family or network of relationships to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

vanmieuhanoi
The Van Mieu Confucian temple in Hanoi

3) Face, Family and Group
Similar to other Asian cultures, the concept of face – a mixture of reputation, prestige, responsibility and acting according to the norms appropriate to one’s place in society – is very important for understanding Vietnamese culture.  This type of responsibility also closely correlates with the focus on family and group in the culture.  Strong, close knit nuclear and extended families are common and making decisions based on the expectations of family and group is prevalent.

4) Effects of War, Tragedy, Struggle and Conflict
Many foreigners and likely all Americans will refer to it as “The Vietnam War”.  For the Vietnamese it is “The American War”.  Any visit to Vietnam today will bring many visual reminders of the war from the 60’s and 70’s.  Other less visual negative effects remain to be sure but by and large much of the population seems to have tried to put that major conflict behind them.  This is evidenced at least in part by the rapidly growing relationship between Vietnam and the U.S. – politically, economically and even militarily.  The American/Vietnamese War however is only one of many times of war, tragedy and conflict for this country.  In 1944-45, when the population of Vietnam was only around 20-25 million, close to 10% of the population – over 2 million people – died as a result of famine.  Foreign powers occupying Vietnam also include France, Japan and the Chinese who ruled over the country as one of their own provinces for 1,000 years.  More recently, the Chinese again attacked the country of Vietnam in 1979.  Internal conflict has also been common including civil war as well as the Vietnamese overthrow of the Cham peoples from the center part of the country, the Khmer peoples from the south and other military advances into Laos and Cambodia.  Even just the struggle for existence, especially within or along the mountainous central region, has left it’s mark on the collective culture of Vietnam.  Through all of these, a perseverance and pragmatism has emerged that is evident in the personality and attitude of most all Vietnamese.

4) Effects of Development and Modernization
The economic policy of “Doi Moi” or “Rennovation” was implemented by the government of Vietnam in 1986, ushering in a new era with a more open focus on a market economy.  Current day Vietnam continues on a rapid rise of economic growth as well as commercial and infrastructure development.  From the year 2000 to 2010, the basic economy tripled with Vietnam’s overall economy going from USD $27 billion to $79 billion and the GDP per person went from USD $351 to $902.  With this development and growth there is an accompanying shifting of values and much growth in excessive materialism.  A recent survey of Vietnamese between 15 and 64 found that 7 in 10 believe that success is defined by their job and do not view the ‘showing off’ of wealth as a negative.  Nearly 50% of respondents to the survey said that money was the most important thing in their life.

5) Culture of Youth
Over half of the current population of Vietnam is under the age of 35.  That is 45 million people who were born after reunification at the ending of the American-Vietnam War in 1975.  This young demographic has many implications.  Recent surveys shows this younger population to be characteristically optimistic which impacts the country as a whole.  This youthful demographic has not gone unnoticed by the commercial sector and drives much of the multinational corporate attention on Vietnam.  The youth of Vietnam are being heavily courted to develop brand loyalty (and the younger generation is in turn translating consumer awareness to their parents).  The younger demographic of Vietnam further brings a greater focus on health and fitness (physical, mental and relational); technology; education and entertainment.

 

 

 

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Motorbikes and motorcycles abound in Saigon. One o Motorbikes and motorcycles abound in Saigon. One of the latest statistics shows there are over 8 million motorbikes in the city, and Vietnamese love their modes of transportation.

There are many reasons why people love--even worship their possessions. Idolatry leads to blindness and people cannot see what they are doing.

"Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!" Ecclesiastes 5:10

As more and more people become affluent, ask God to pierce hearts and take off blinders that keep them from loving and worshipping Him. #pray4vietnam
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#motorcycle #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Found in a small green area, this altar is set up Found in a small green area, this altar is set up for people who may desire shade and rest from the sun but are left empty because only the One True God can give rest and relief. Pray that Jehovah God will be found to those seeking help. #pray4vietnam

God is Jehovah. The name of the independent, self-complete being— “I AM WHO I AM”—only belongs to Jehovah God. Our proper response to Him is to fall down in fear and awe of the One who possesses all authority. 
 
“Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' what shall I say to them?” god said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.'” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” —Exodus 3:13-15 
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#bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Baskets filled with fruits and other food items ar Baskets filled with fruits and other food items are a wonderful gift for the lunar new year.

During the days of the lunar new year, it is customary to visit a good number of family and friends. As Vietnamese believers visit and share with non-believing family and friends, please ask the Holy Spirit to go before them to give them opportunities and boldness to share their story of Jesus; pray for believers to have God's word to say as well. #pray4vietnam

“And now we testify and proclaim to you that He is the One who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then He was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.” 1 John 1:2-5
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#lunarnewyear #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Dressing up in a special ao dai (traditional dress Dressing up in a special ao dai (traditional dress) and taking photos with blooming hoa mai flower trees (apricot) in the south of Vietnam is a loved tradition for families and friends.

Gathering for several days, a week or more to eat, rest, and enjoy are the blessings of God. 

“Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all His labors---this is God's gift to man.” Ecclesiastes 3:13

God give us your gift of enjoyment as we eat and drink and rest from our work. Holy Spirit work in the hearts of Vietnamese to know this truth. #pray4vietnam
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#lunarnewyear #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Personalized decorations are painted on envelopes Personalized decorations are painted on envelopes that will contain money for the lunar new year, as well as pre-printed ones.

Lixi are envelopes Vietnamese give to friends, family and acquaintances at the lunar new year that contain lucky money. Money given at the beginning of the new year means a prosperous and lucky year.

As believers, we look and depend on God. “God is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” Psalm 147:5

We can be sure and not doubt how our year will progress when we trust and look to God. Pray for Vietnamese to hear of our Mighty God during the lunar new year from friends and family believers. #pray4vietnam
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#lunarnewyear #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
In the days approaching the lunar new year, Vietna In the days approaching the lunar new year, Vietnamese enjoy decorations of red and gold for luck and good wishes.

The words imprinted on the gold coin decorations --vạn sự như ý – has the meaning: hope everything is as good as you wish.

"A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished." Proverbs 28:20
Pray for Vietnamese to find blessings as they put their faith in the One True God. #pray4vietnam
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#lunarnewyear #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Amazing Vietnamese artists can be found streetside Amazing Vietnamese artists can be found streetside offering their skills and creativity for lunar new year presents to take back home to family.

Creativity comes from God because He is the Creator. Gifts and abilities are unique to each of us, and they reflect our extraordinary God.

"and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft." Exodus 35:31-33

Praise God for the creativity and abilities of Vietnamese. Pray for Vietnamese to use their artistry for God's glory. #pray4vietnam
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#creative #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Thoughts of heading to hometowns in the countrysid Thoughts of heading to hometowns in the countryside are already on the minds of Vietnamese in the city to visit and celebrate the lunar new year with family.

In a city of 10 million plus people, the familiar and slow pace of hometown is a comfort many Vietnamese enjoy. Urban life holds Vietnamese for jobs and financial resources, and as Saigon begins to empty in the next days and weeks there are opportunities for believers to share their faith with family and friends.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.” Psalms 91:1-2

Pray for Vietnamese believers to have safe travel to their homes and opportunities to share God's word, their faith, and love family in their actions. #pray4vietnam
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#home #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
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Please pray this week for the Kinh people, the majority people group of Vietnam to be reached with the Gospel. bit.ly/3JCOfgu 9 hours ago

"Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!" Ecclesiastes 5:10 #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3WjZblD 3 days ago

test Twitter Media - "Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!" Ecclesiastes 5:10 #pray4vietnam https://t.co/CPebE80ati https://t.co/sm5Sur1rAR

God is Jehovah. The name of the independent, self-complete being— “I AM WHO I AM”—only belongs to Jehovah God. Our proper response to Him is to fall down in fear and awe of the One who possesses all authority. #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3VcxPgN 5 days ago

test Twitter Media - God is Jehovah. The name of the independent, self-complete being— “I AM WHO I AM”—only belongs to Jehovah God. Our proper response to Him is to fall down in fear and awe of the One who possesses all authority. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/bWlSxDo2vf https://t.co/T35Czbj07T

During the days of the lunar new year, it is customary to visit a good number of family and friends. Please ask the HS to go before believers for opportunities and boldness to share their story of Jesus. #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3ViJElV 1 week ago

test Twitter Media - During the days of the lunar new year, it is customary to visit a good number of family and friends. Please ask the HS to go before believers for opportunities and boldness to share their story of Jesus. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/iV8P3pXr1y https://t.co/OkEprwoZvD

God give us your gift of enjoyment as we eat and drink and rest from our work. Holy Spirit work in the hearts of Vietnamese to know this truth. #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3jpbsru 2 weeks ago

test Twitter Media - God give us your gift of enjoyment as we eat and drink and rest from our work. Holy Spirit work in the hearts of Vietnamese to know this truth. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/apqYOaD2bG https://t.co/358caEJaE0
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