Abstract
From the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, Dai An village already comprised many Chinese residents and some religious facilities. There are three Chinese temples in Dai An village, Tra Cu county, Tra Vinh province, Vietnam at present. This report describes the current situation of the Minh Huong temple (Dinh Minh Huong), a Chinese temple in Dai An village. The social situation surrounding the Minh Huong temple has undergone changes in recent years. The Minh Huong temple was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, but it was left in ruins for a long time. However, since the renovation of the temple began in 2004, the temple building’s size and appearance and its management methods have changed significantly. After the renovation, the temple has become more alluring and has attracted the local resident’s attention. Three Chinese descendants were involved in the major changes occurring in the temple. In fact, their vital roles and the presence of a new Chinese temple are remarkable to the local residents of the Dai An village. This report on the Minh Huong temple shows that the temple’s activities are tinged with regional features. It is essential to focus on the Khmer and the Kinh people as well because the village has an incredible cultural mix. Furthermore, the facts elucidated in this study correspond to recent changes in Vietnamese society. Some of the changes include an extension of Buddhist faith, the recovery of folk (Taoism) religions, and increasing socioeconomic disparities.
