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Hầu Đồng (Hau Dong): Vietnamese Spirit Mediumship Ritual

An evidence-based introduction to hầu đồng (hau dong), the spirit mediumship ritual central to Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship.

A combined ritual practice

During a ceremony, the medium changes robes and attributes to serve successive deities. Assistants manage costume and offerings, while chầu văn musicians invoke the spirits, narrate sacred traditions and follow each incarnation's movement.

More than performance

The music, dance and clothing have artistic value, but practitioners understand the event first as worship. Visitors should seek permission before photographing and follow the host temple's guidance.