On August 2, 2025, fishermen in Lien Huong Commune, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, discovered the carcass of a revered whale floating approximately two nautical miles from the coast near Binh Thanh waters. The 11-meter-long whale, known locally as Ca Ong or “Lord Whale,” holds significant cultural importance in the area. Fishermen decided to wait until daylight to transport the whale ashore, enlisting the aid of a crane truck due to the carcass’s size and the challenges posed by nighttime conditions.
Upon successfully bringing the whale to shore, the community held a ceremonial burial aligned with traditional maritime customs. This ritual included local residents planting flags and playing ceremonial music to honor the spirit of the whale. According to local beliefs, whales are considered guardian spirits for fishermen, believed to protect them from storms and dangers while at sea. The death of a whale is treated with utmost respect, and the community organizes a solemn funeral as a mark of reverence.
Following customary practices, it is planned that the whale’s bones will be exhumed after three years and placed in a village temple for worship, further underscoring its significance in local culture. The communal response to the whale’s death highlights the strong connection between the residents of Lien Huong and the ocean, as well as the ecological perspective that they embrace.
Lien Huong Commune is part of a region with historical ties to the former Binh Thuan Province, known for its coastal landscape. As of July 1, part of an administrative restructuring, Binh Thuan and the former Dak Nong Province were combined to create the current Lam Dong Province. This background sets the context for local traditions, which blend cultural heritage with a profound respect for nature.
The community’s actions in response to the whale’s death reflect deep-seated beliefs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. In addition to the immediate respect shown through the burial ceremony, this event serves as a reminder of the delicate relationship that exists between the residents and their maritime environment, as well as the larger cultural values that prioritize the honoring of natural life. Such events reinforce the community’s identity and their shared spirituality connected to the sea and its creatures.
Source link
