Hainan Association, Ho Chi Minh City & Chua Ba Hai Nam

Located in the middle of Cholon (Ho Chi Minh Chinatown) is the Chua Ba Hai Nam 海南天后庙 as well as the Hainanese clan association called the Hai Nan Association or Hai Nan Pagoda， 胡志明市琼府会馆.

This temple and clan association was built in 1824 to serve the interests of fellow Hainanese in Saigon. The history of Chua Ba Hai Nam is recorded in a series of steles that is being preserved by the side of the temple. It records the founding of Chua Ba Hai Nam as well as its subsequent restorations.

Deities

Similar to other clan associations, the temple is central to the institution and as a Hainan clan association; the deities worshipped reflect a distinctive Hainan culture. The main shrine is dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu, 妈祖, 天后圣母, and the side shrines are dedicated to Lady Shui Wei, 水尾娘娘, and Lady Yrmei, 懿美娘娘.

These three lady deities are common deities worshipped in Hainan Island and are always found in Hainan temples and clan associations around the world. Other deities worshipped there are Wen Chang, the God of literature and Earth Deity Fude.

Celebrations

The Hainan community welcomes every Chinese New Year with a prayer to Mazu. Yuan Xiao, the last night of the Chinese New Year period is celebrated with a series of cultural performances; Hainan folk dance, Lion and Dragon dances.

During the Qing Ming period, free transport is provided for fellow Hainanese to visit their ancestor’s graves in An Binh village in Binh Duong province.

Major events celebrated at the clan association and temple includes the birthday and commemorative dates of various deities. They also have a scholarship program to support needy students who excel in their studies.

In 2001, the Vietnam Ministry of Culture and Information designated Chua Ba Hai Nam as National Cultural and Historical Relic.

Related articles

Vietnam main page

Hainan Culture

Mazu Culture, 妈祖文化

Clan Association 会馆