The Role of Yiey Mao Belief in the Cultural Life of the Khmer in Southern Vietnam | [Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. An Thanh NGO: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, China

Abstract:

People from Khmer background in Southern Vietnam primarily hold strong belief in Yiey Mao across the cities of Kie n Giang, An Giang, Tra Vi Tra ng. The folk belief exists as a representation of natural forces and h presence which works aldoengsispiritual power to protect both the territory and the residents who inhabit it. Yiey Mao exists as a protec divinity who defends both local residents from dangers and visitors who explore remote locations or travel across ocean waters gioorns.frontier re This belief system relies primarily on oral traditions since worship occurs through rituals at temples or sacred sites and noteworthy routes instead following organized religion teachings. Yiey Mao serves as an important religious concept withthine Khmer society where it enhances Therava da Buddhism to keep visible and invisible elements balanced within Khmer culture. This protective construct of Yiey Mao serves as a venue for so events which enhances community marriage and recognition through bonded rituals. Through Yiey Mao belief Khmer culture perseveres from one generation to the next and safeguards the ethnic identity of Khme while providing spiritual protection against uncertainty. Yiey Mao operates beyond devotion and establishes nhiaorumso relationships between humankind and nature as well as the divine force according to Khm people's integrative daily practices. Academic research about this belief system remains insufficient at present. This research supports Khmer folk cultural prseervation through its evaluation of Yiey Mao belief in Southern Khmer lives and its proposed strategies for enhancement and longevity..

Page(s): 6335-6343

DOI: 10.57239/PJLSS-2025-23.1.00493

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, Volume: 23, Issue: 1, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Belief Yiey Mao Khmer People Southern Vietnam

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