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Located in the heart of An Xuyen ward, 3 places of worship of the Chaozhou people: Thien Hau Pagoda , Quan De Pagoda and Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Pagoda stand out with their architectural beauty and historical value. Not only are they sacred places to place their faith, these pagodas are also symbols of solidarity, kindness and the unique identity of the Chaozhou community settling down in the new land.

In the process of expanding the territory to the South, the Chaozhou people were an important part of the Chinese community, following the migration flow down to Ca Mau. Together they reclaimed land, established villages, built markets, and created a unique economic , cultural, and religious life.

From that flow of belief, the Chaozhou people harmonized between religion and life, between commerce and humanity, forming a "spiritual triangle" that blended together, forging a unique cultural identity. This harmony is clearly shown through the fact that every year, on the day of Thien Hau's birthday, the community organizes a procession of Quan Thanh De Quan from Quan De Pagoda and Tien Su from Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Pagoda to attend - symbolizing the tight bond in spiritual life.

Thien Hau Pagoda is a sacred religious center, a spiritual cultural convergence point of the entire community. Originating from Fujian province (China), following the footsteps of the first Chinese people moving south to settle down, the worship of Thien Hau gradually took root in the lives of the residents of Ca Mau , where people always pray for peace when turning to the sea to make a living. On the 23rd day of the third lunar month every year, the Via Ba festival is solemnly held, gathering a large number of fishermen and merchants to offer incense, pray for fortune and smooth sailing.

Thien Hau Pagoda is a sacred religious center, a spiritual and cultural convergence point of the Trieu Chau community in Ca Mau.

Besides worshiping Quan Thanh De Quan (Quan Cong), Quan De Pagoda also worships Chau Xuong, Quan Binh, Phuoc Duc Chanh Than and Prince Na Tra, creating a harmonious whole of beliefs, both solemn and imbued with traditional moral values. Every year, Quan Thanh De Quan's birthday ceremony is solemnly held on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, attracting a large number of people and tourists to come and worship.

Quan De Pagoda is a pillar of morality and justice.

If Thien Hau Pagoda is a symbol of the desire for peace and prosperity, Quan De Pagoda is a pillar of morality and justice, clearly reflecting the Taoist ideology in the spiritual life of the people of Trieu Chau. For them, Quan Thanh De Quan is not only a guardian deity, but also a model of loyalty, filial piety and steadfast integrity - a "moral torch" that lights the path to maintaining one's character in the midst of a life of ups and downs in a foreign land.

Statue of Quan Thanh De Quan and two guardians Quan Binh and Chau Xuong, symbolizing the spirit of loyalty and integrity.

Unlike Thien Hau Pagoda or Quan De Pagoda, Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Pagoda has a more quiet and calm atmosphere. "Minh Nguyet" comes from the names of the two founders of this religion: "Minh" is the name of Ly Dao Minh Thien Ton, "Nguyet" is the name of Tong Thien To Su Tong Sieu Nguyet. According to legend, Ly Dao Minh Thien Ton is the incarnation of Ly Thiet Quai in the Bat Tien Qua Hai group of Taoism; Tong Thien To Su Tong Sieu Nguyet is considered the originator of Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam. The monks of this religion are from Teochew, practicing at home, calling themselves lay people and calling their community Cu Si Lam. This is the place where Chinese lay people and scholars gather to study Buddhist scriptures, practice and spread the teachings of compassion and forgiveness. Every year, the anniversary of the founder Ly Dao Minh Thien Ton is held on the 8th day of the 8th lunar month, becoming an important occasion to commemorate the teacher, arouse goodwill and unite the community.

Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Pagoda plays the role of a "spiritual school", helping to foster moral knowledge, guiding people towards enlightenment and peace.

Acting as a "spiritual school", helping to foster moral knowledge, guiding people towards enlightenment and peace, the presence of Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Pagoda completes the picture of "Three Saints" coexisting, complementing each other, creating a harmonious and sustainable belief system.

Exploiting the "Tam Thanh" space into a cultural and spiritual tourism route, along with the festival system and unique cuisine of the Trieu Chau people, will create a unique tourism product, while contributing to preserving heritage and enriching the cultural identity of the southernmost land of the Fatherland./.

Tang Vu Khac

Source: https://baocamau.vn/bieu-tuong-van-hoa-tam-thanh--a123742.html