Ngoc Lang Nam Hai, located along the serene shoreline of Phuoc Hai commune in Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s largest whale cemetery. Known locally as “nghia dia Ca Ong,” this sacred site spans approximately 2,000 square meters beneath the protective shade of casuarina trees. Local fishermen reverently bury whales that wash ashore, viewing them as guardians of the sea, aligned with the deity Nam Hai, who ensures safe and fruitful fishing trips.
Established in 1999, the cemetery symbolizes a deep respect for the ocean’s offerings. When a whale is discovered dead, fishermen treat the event with profound solemnity, reflecting the spiritual connection they share with the sea. Rituals are performed with a level of care akin to mourning for a family member, emphasizing the fishermen’s gratitude and reverence.
A notable feature of the cemetery is an altar dedicated to Guan Yin of the Southern Sea, where locals often pray before embarking on fishing expeditions. Adjacent to the cemetery is the Phuoc Hai Fishing Heritage House, inaugurated in 2022. This house displays about 40 artifacts and traditional fishing tools, showcasing the cultural richness of the fishing community. Curator Tran Thi Ngoc Han emphasizes that the heritage house fosters understanding of both practical and spiritual aspects of this unique maritime culture.
Within the cemetery, hundreds of whale graves are carefully organized into four zones according to the burial dates. Each tomb bears a plaque reading “Nam Hai chi mo” (Tomb of Nam Hai), which records the whale’s discovery date and the name of the fishing boat captain responsible for its burial. The cemetery’s centerpiece is a hexagonal temple that houses whale skeletons, including a notable two-meter-long specimen believed to have returned to shore multiple times before dying—a significant event viewed as a sacred homecoming.
About 1.2 kilometers inland stands the Dinh Ong Nam Hai (Temple of Nam Hai), where whale bones are relocated for worship after a traditional three-year mourning period. This temple evolved from serving as a burial site to becoming a spiritual center, addressing the need for environmental preservation amid increasing population density.
Local customs dictate that the first person to find a deceased whale, regarded as the “eldest son,” assumes responsibility for building the tomb and overseeing various rituals, including ceremonies held at 49 days, 100 days, and the first anniversary of the whale’s death. On specific days of the lunar month, fishermen visit the cemetery to pay their respects, offering incense and prayers for safe voyages.
Volunteers, like Danh Huong, share that dozens of whales typically wash ashore annually, most frequently in the early months. Each burial is conducted following time-honored rituals passed down through generations. In recognition of its significance, the Vietnam Records Book Center designated this site as the largest whale cemetery in Vietnam in 2011.
Phuoc Hai also hosts the Nghinh Ong Festival, held from the 15th to the 17th day of the second lunar month, celebrating this spiritual connection with vibrant rituals and cultural performances that attract locals and tourists alike, reinforcing the enduring bond between the community and the sacred ocean.
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