The Arak Worshipped Cult Changes in the Ethnic Khmer in Southern Vietnam: The Causes and Trends

Abstract

The Arak belief holds a crucial place in the cultural and spiritual life of the ethnic Khmer in Southern Vietnam. The practice of Arak worshiping cult reflects the matriarchal system impacted in to the Khmer society, as rituals are traditionally carried out by a woman medium representing a clan lineage. Arak serves as a mediumship for fulfilling the spiritual needs of the ethnic Khmer basing on spirit possession, divination, blessings, and healing.

In contemporary Vietnamese society, however, the Arak has undergone profound transformations due to the impact of urbanization, advancements in science and technology, government regulations on religious practices, and the growing influence of Theravāda Buddhism. This paper examines the causes behind these transformations and explores the adaptive trends of this folk belief within modern society.

The research findings indicate that while certain traditional practices are gradually fading over time, the Arak persists through various restructuring forms. These include the integration with Theravāda Buddhism—seeking spiritual support from the religion—, the personalization of rituals within family settings, and the commercialization of fortune-telling services by Arak practitioners. These changes highlight the resilience of the Arak belief and the adaptability of the Khmer culture in the face of modernization.