Vietnamese folklore teems with tales of ghosts and demons that instill both fear and fascination in the hearts of those who hear them. Among these spectral figures is the Ma Vú Dài, a ghost whose unsettling stories have transcended generations, particularly in the southern provinces and historical prisons of Saigon.
The Ma Vú Dài is a folkloric specter said to have unnerved countless individuals with her long, sagging breasts. Legend has it that she perches on treetops at night to target unsuspecting travelers. When she ensnares a victim, she forcefully breastfeeds them with dirt until they fall into an unconscious state. This eerie apparition resonated profoundly within the walls of Chí Hòa Prison in the 1960s, where inmates claimed to witness fellow prisoners being force-fed by this haunting figure.
This folk tale is just one spine-chilling element in the intricate tapestry of Vietnamese mythology, which serves as a reflection of the culture’s rich history and societal values. For example, the Ma Da, vengeful spirits of the drowned, often manifest as bloated corpses with weed for hair, serve as a grim reminder to children about the dangers of water, while Ma Thần Vòng, souls of hanged victims, express their hatred and anger by targeting those who venture too close to their place of demise.
These stories, often rooted in historical and social contexts, not only captivate but also serve as cautionary tales emphasizing the significance of honoring the dead and recognizing the power of ancestral spirits. Rituals and offerings are integral to Vietnamese culture, aiming to transform restless souls into protective ancestors who, in turn, bring prosperity to their kin.
In a fascinating blend of fear and respect, some Vietnamese legends even speak of ghosts welcomed into households as protectors, like the Ma Gà, literally translated to “chicken ghosts” – are apparitions that some actively welcome into their houses to serve as guardians. It is said that burglars or uninvited trespassers who enter a house protected by a Ma Gà will immediately drop dead on the spot.
Relevant articles:
– Ghosts and demons in Vietnamese folklore,04 Sep,2021