Mẹ Sanh Mẹ Độ 

In the diverse and rich pantheon of Vietnamese deities, Mẹ Sanh Mẹ Độ stands out as a significant spiritual figure representing the maternal and protective aspects of divinity. Revered particularly in the context of folk beliefs and local traditions, these two goddesses embody essential qualities of motherhood, fertility, and protection in Vietnamese culture. While their names are often mentioned together as “Mẹ Sanh Mẹ Độ,” the two are seen as distinct deities, each with their own attributes and roles. 

The figures of Mẹ Sanh and Mẹ Độ are deeply embedded in Vietnamese folk religion, and their origins are often intertwined with the local stories and needs of the people. The name “Mẹ” in Vietnamese means “Mother,” which indicates their role as protective and nurturing forces within the Vietnamese spiritual tradition. Though their mythological stories may vary depending on regional beliefs, both goddesses are primarily associated with the well-being of their devotees, especially in relation to childbirth, family life, and general protection from adversity.

Mẹ Sanh is generally seen as the mother of creation, associated with fertility and the continuity of life. As the goddess of childbirth, she is revered by women, especially those who are pregnant or hoping to conceive. In Vietnamese mythology, Mẹ Sanh’s power over life and death is profound—her ability to bring children into the world and to protect mothers during childbirth is paramount in a society that places great importance on family lineage and the nurturing of the next generation.

On the other hand, Mẹ Độ, whose name can be translated as “Mother of Protection,” is often regarded as a goddess of care and protection. Mẹ Độ’s role is more universal, embodying the protective mother figure who ensures the welfare of the people—particularly safeguarding them from misfortune, illness, and natural disasters. Her benevolence extends to both the living and the deceased, as she is also invoked during funerals and rituals associated with the afterlife. Mẹ Độ represents a broader, more inclusive form of maternal care that encompasses all aspects of human existence.

In Vietnamese art and iconography, Mẹ Sanh and Mẹ Độ are often depicted as serene, graceful figures, embodying maternal beauty and strength. Mẹ Sanh is typically shown as a nurturing mother, sometimes with a child in her arms or surrounded by symbols of fertility, such as flowers, fruits, or animals that represent the abundance of life. She may be shown with a gentle expression, symbolizing her role in ensuring a safe and prosperous birth for all those who seek her protection.

Mẹ Độ, in contrast, is often portrayed as a guardian figure, sometimes wearing traditional robes and holding objects that signify her power to protect. This could include a staff, an umbrella (symbolizing shelter from harm), or sometimes a bowl of offerings. Her image conveys a sense of divine grace and maternal authority, underscoring her role as the protector not only of children and women but of the community at large.

One of the key symbols associated with both goddesses is the lotus flower, which represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and a connection to the divine. This association highlights their role in providing not only physical protection but also spiritual guidance and blessings for their followers.

Making offerings to Mẹ Sanh and Mẹ Độ is integral to many local and folk religious practices in Vietnam. The rituals dedicated to these goddesses are primarily focused on the well-being of families, especially those with young children or women who are pregnant. In rural areas, offerings of food, incense, and flowers are commonly made at small shrines or altars dedicated to Mẹ Sanh and Mẹ Độ. These practices are often centered around asking for divine protection for mothers, children, and families, as well as seeking blessings for fertility and prosperity.

Mẹ Sanh is particularly honored during fertility and childbirth rituals, where mothers-to-be and those with young children will pray for a safe delivery and the health of their babies. These rituals often involve prayers, the burning of incense, and the presentation of symbolic offerings, such as fruit, milk, and rice—items that represent abundance, growth, and nurturing.

Offering to Mẹ Độ is more widespread and not limited to one specific life stage. Vietnamese make offerings to her for protection against illness, disaster, and evil influences. She is often called upon during times of crisis, and her festivals include prayers for safety and peace. During these festivals, local communities will gather, often at temples or community centers, to offer songs, dances, and prayers, celebrating her role as the motherly protector.

Mẹ Sanh and Mẹ Độ hold deep cultural significance in Vietnam, particularly because of the country’s agricultural roots and the essential role of family life. In Vietnamese society, where family is seen as the cornerstone of cultural continuity, these goddesses are seen as essential guardians of familial well-being. Making offerings reflects the deep respect for women, mothers, and the important role they play in both the continuity of the family line and the health of society as a whole.

Moreover, these two goddesses represent the dual nature of motherhood—one that is both nurturing and protective. Mẹ Sanh’s focus on fertility and childbirth ties her to the creation and sustenance of life, while Mẹ Độ’s focus on protection reflects the broader societal need for safety, peace, and care during times of difficulty. Together, they represent a balanced view of the divine feminine, one that is both gentle and powerful, capable of both creation and defense.

In Vietnamese spirituality, Mẹ Sanh and Mẹ Độ serve as important figures who embody the idealized qualities of motherhood: nurturing, protective, and all-encompassing. Through their veneration, the Vietnamese people express their gratitude for the divine care that sustains life and shields them from harm. These goddesses transcend the boundaries of folklore and religion, becoming symbols of maternal love, community protection, and the enduring strength of the feminine spirit. Through the ongoing worship and cultural presence of Mẹ Sanh and Mẹ Độ, their legacy continues to shape the spiritual and cultural landscape of Vietnam.

How to Make Offerings for Mẹ Sanh Mẹ Độ 

When making offerings for Mẹ Sanh Mẹ Độ, it is very important to prepare and perform them solemnly and respectfully. Here is how to offer a full and solemn offering for Mẹ Sanh Mẹ Độ:

Prepare offerings

Incense: Prepare your family's favorite incense or traditional incense.

Fresh flowers: Choose bright, fragrant fresh flowers to honor the beauty of Mother Sinh and Mother Do.

Fresh fruits: Choose fresh, juicy fruits, representing abundance and prosperity.

Candy: Prepare your family's favorite candies or traditional offerings.

Vegetarian sticky rice: This is an important offering, often displayed on the altar to offer to Mother Sinh and Mother Do.

Arranging the altar

Arrange the flowers, fruits, candies and offerings solemnly, neatly and beautifully on the altar.

Place the vegetarian sticky rice dishes and other offerings in a solemn and respectful manner.

Make sure the altar is clean and solemn, creating a peaceful and pure space to perform the ceremony.

Perform the ceremony:

Burn incense and incense, light lamps to create a solemn and sacred atmosphere.

Offer flowers, fruits, candies and offerings on the altar in a solemn and respectful manner.

Perform the ceremony of worshiping the Mother Goddess with sincerity and respect, sending the Mother Goddess the prayers and wishes of the family.

End of the ceremony: When the ceremony ends, you can use clean water to wash your hands and mouth, showing respect and cleanliness. Then, clean the altar and keep the space solemn and pure.

Prayer

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Great Compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara!

Today, on this wonderful day of life, we respectfully offer our sincere prayers to the great spirits and ancestors.

My partner and I are [Parents' Names], currently living at [Family Address]. We have been blessed with a little joy, named [Child’s Name], born on [Date of Birth, Month of Birth, Year of Birth].

We offer this gift to the great spirits and ancestors, asking for your blessing to help [Child’s Name] be healthy, happy, and grow up in the love and protection of our family. 

May the great spirits and ancestors bless and protect our family, so that each day is filled with joy, happiness, and health. Not only our family, but bless and increase the health and joy of all children and all families in the world.

We sincerely make this offering.

Namo Amitabha Buddha! 

Namo Amitabha Buddha! 

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

May the children always be safe, happy and grow strong in the love of family and everyone around!