Ông Trời (), commonly referred to as Trời (), is one of the most important gods in traditional Vietnamese folk religion. Later, due to the influence of Taoism, he was at times associated with the Jade Emperor, called the Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Đế, often referred to as Ngọc Hoàng or Thượng Đế.
Names Ông Trời is referred to by many names depending on the religious circumstances. In South Vietnam, he is often called Ông Thiên (翁天). In Đạo Mẫu, he is called the Vua Cha Ngọc Hoàng (𢂜吒玉皇, Monarchical Father Ngọc Hoàng), as he is the father of Liễu Hạnh. In Vietnamese Buddhism, he is frequently identified with Śakra (Đế Thích Thiên; 帝釋天).
Later, under the influence of Taoism, he was also at times associated with the Jade Emperor, commonly referred to as Ngọc Hoàng (玉皇) — a shortened form of Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Đế (玉皇上帝) or Ngọc Hoàng Đại Đế (玉皇大帝).
Mythology
Ông Trời was originally a Vietnamese god, but due to later influence by Taoism from China, this god was at times associated with the Jade Emperor (Ngọc Hoàng).
Origin The origin of this god is not agreed upon, according to one of the most popular stories recounted that:
Some other versions say that the god, Thần Trụ Trời and Ông Trời are one.
Worship
He is worshiped all over Vietnam; there are many temples and shrines dedicated to him. In South and Central Vietnam, families often worship him at an outdoor altar called Bàn Thiên.Tục thờ Thông Thiên Báo Người Lao Động 02/08/2011
In popular culture Television program Gặp nhau cuối năm An interjection used in Vietnamese "Trời ơi!" (hey heavenly (lord)) is often translated into English as "for goodness' sake!" or "dear God!" or "what the hell!".
Gallery
See also Vietnamese folk religion Vietnamese mythology Đạo Mẫu Yin and yang Counterparts of Ông Trời in other cultures Amenominakanushi, the Japanese counterpart. Indra/Trimurti, the Hindu counterpart. Jade Emperor, the Chinese and Taoist counterpart. Śakra, the Buddhist counterpart. Haneunim, the Korean counterpart. Tengri, the Turko-Mongolian counterpart. Thagyamin, the Burmese Buddhist representation of Śakra, a counterpart of the Jade Emperor. Yuanshi Tianzun, the Taoist counterpart.
References