Through the Lens of Time: Vietnamese Culture

The mass migration of a million desperate people from worn-torn Vietnam from 1975-1996 has been chronicled through short stories from survivors known as the “Boat People.” The author herself, a survivor, tells of her own harrowing experience and those that traversed the perilous sea, life in refugee camps, and the settlement in a foreign land, capturing the devastation done to families.

From the rice paddies in the country to the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, this lively film allows us to view contemporary Vietnam through a unique perspective: the culture of rice. The primary economic resource of the country, rice is seen as the symbol of an entire nation. This poor, densely populated country of 84 million has had to recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally planned economy.

The Vietnamese believe that those who have died remain participating members of the family and have influence over a happy family life. Wandering souls are those who have died without descendants with whom they can remain connected. This article describes the rituals performed and the beliefs behind the efforts. Note: You will need your SURF ID and Password to access this from a non-MCC location.

Infused with the author’s stories and experiences, from his early days as a refugee to his current culinary success with a now legendary restaurant— Vietnamese Home Cooking is a personal and accessible guide to real Vietnamese cuisine from one of its leading voices. This book includes 125 recipes, master recipes for stocks and sauces, and a photo ID guide to ingredients, and a chapter on Vietnamese.

The Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life gives a basic overview of Vietnam’s religion, holidays, living conditions, family life, and cultural heritage. Note: You will need your SURF ID and Password to access this from a non-MCC location.

This book explores the importance of cooking and eating in the everyday social life of Hoi An, a prosperous market town in central Vietnam known for its exceptionally elaborate and sophisticated local cuisine. In a vivid and highly personal account, Nir Avieli takes the reader from the private setting of the extended family meal into the public realm of the festive, extraordinary, and unique. He shows how food relates to class relations, gender roles, religious practices, cosmology, ethnicity, and even local and national politics. Note: SURF ID and password needed to access this ebook from a non-MCC location.

Caodaism is an Asian synthesis of eastern and western traditions and in this film, Caodaists tell their stories of exile, struggling to hold on to the belief in unity and healing, and building immigrant congregations in California. Footage of rituals and temples, and archival images combine to provide a personal perspective on a largely unknown mystical tradition. Note: You will need your SURF ID and Password to access this video from a non-MCC location.

Culture and Customs of Vietnam is a comprehensive, one-stop source, providing useful and intriguing information about Vietnam. Some of the highlights include the discussion of the Chinese influence in writing, thought, and religion; eating habits; the changing family; and water puppetry. Note: You will need your SURF ID and Password to access this ebook from a non-MCC location.

This is an overview of the religious beliefs and rituals of the Vietnamese people. Mahayana Buddhism is covered in detail followed by a brief description of the other religious beliefs that have influenced the culture. Note: You will need your SURF ID and Password to access this from a non-MCC location.

Whether you are interested in Vietnamese etiquette, greenhouse gas rankings, travel guide or the investment climate you can learn all you need to know from CountryWatch. This electronic database can be used on campus or from home with your surf id and password and covers multiple topics including demographics, politics, economics, business, culture and the environment.

A memoir chronicling a young child’s escape from the Communists in Vietnam to a life of poverty in the gang neighborhoods of Los Angeles. “Heart-wrenching, irreverent, and ultimately uplifting” Lac Su’s story depicts the story many immigrants face trying to assimilate and achieve the American dream.