Vietnam Religious Records

Asia Vietnam

Buddhism from India and Taoism from China were introduced in ancient times. They merged with traditional Confucius thought and elements of original folklore to create a complex melange of faith and ceremony uniquely Vietnamese. Most people consider themselves to be Buddhists, which claim 75% of the population. 6% belong to the Hoa Hoa sect (a break off from Buddhism), and 8% belong to the Caodai Union, a synthesis of Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. About 4% maintain native animist religions. The Christian community was fairly large prior to unification. Current membership figures are less certain. Catholics are estimated at 5% of the population, and Protestant groups about 1%. There are also Muslim and Hindu minorities.

Ancestor Cult Records
Research use: Primarily for family relationships and to extend lineage.

Record type: Yearly ancestor veneration by descendants of a common ancestor.

Time Period: 1400-present. Content: Includes names and biographical data on the ancestor, descendant relationship charts and descriptive data on descendant families.

Location: Municipal and family archives.

Population coverage: 20%.

Reliability: Fair.