| Ông Trời Ngọc Hoàng |
Ông Trời, commonly referred to as Trời ("sky, heaven"), is one of the most important gods in traditional Vietnamese folk religion. Later, due to the influence of Taoism, he was merged and identified with the Jade Emperor, so he was called the Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Đế, often referred to as Ngọc Hoàng or Thượng Đế.[1]
Ông Trời is referred to by many names depending on the religious circumstances. In South Vietnam, he is often called Ông Thiên. In Đạo Mẫu, he is called the Vua Cha Ngọc Hoàng (Monarchical Father Ngọc Hoàng), as he is the father of Liễu Hạnh. In Vietnamese Buddhism, he is frequently identified with Śakra (Đế Thích Thiên).
Later, due the influence of Chinese Taoism, he is also identified with the Jade Emperor and sometimes used the same names of him, such as Ngọc Hoàng, a shorter version of Hạo Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Đế, and Ngọc Hoàng Đại Đế. Generally, these names refer to the Jade Emperor rather than Ông Trời.
Ông Trời was originally a Vietnamese god, but due to later influence by Taoism from China, this god was identified and linked with the Jade Emperor (Ngọc Hoàng).
According to one version:
Some other versions say that the god, Thần Trụ Trời and Ông Trời are one.[2]
He is worshiped all over Vietnam; there are many temples and shrines dedicated to him. In South and Central Vietnam, families often worship him at an outdoor altar called Bàn Thiên.[3] [4]
Television program
An interjection used in Vietnamese "Trời ơi!" (hey heavenly (lord)) is often translated into English as "for goodness' sake!" or "dear God!" or "what the hell!".
Counterparts of Ông Trời in other cultures