As I walked through the center of Ho Chi Minh City, I saw people dressed similarly sitting on benches. Both men and women were dressed similarly, and the men had what looked like turbans wrapped around their heads. Judging from their appearance, these people were Caodaiists.
Cao Dai is a new religion in Vietnam, characterized by a doctrine based on the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. It is thought that by combining the best aspects of each religion, a new religion has been created. This is why it was named Cao Dai (= high ground).
Beyond that, these believers gathered at the temple for worship. I am not sure if the Cao Dai has followers outside of Vietnam, even though it is quite powerful in that country. At least, I have never met any Caodaiists in Japan.
Aug 2009 PEOPLE VIETNAM | |
CAO DAI HO CHI MINH CITY RELIGION SMILE WORSHIP |
No
3058
Shooting Date
Mar 2009
Posted On
August 9, 2009
Modified On
July 1, 2024
Place
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Genre
Street Photography
Camera
CANON EOS 1V
Lens
EF85MM F1.2L II USM