Recently, a lot of rare sea creatures reportedly drifted to the seaside in the central region, including precious fishes such as whales and dolphins. In mind of Vietnamese fishermen, these are the sacred fishes, called “ca Ong” (Godfather fish).
In thoughts of fishermen, godfather fish are a very sacred fish which always rescue people in distress when going out to the open sea. That explains why the fishermen in the southern region, from Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Soc Trang to Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Kien Giang every year organize the “welcome godfather fish” festival, and they always call “ca Ong” with great respect.
However, most of the precious sea creatures died later instead of getting rescued, because people did nothing to save their lives. Local residents zealously made ceremonial offerings, but did not help rescue the godfathers. Meanwhile, scientists kept silent.
Most recently, on August 27, local residents in the sea city of Quy Nhon discovered a black dolphin, 1.5 meters in length and 40 kilos in weight, which drifted to the seashore in a bad state with injuries. The “lady fish” was then put on the incense table placed in front of the altar. A ceremonial sacrament was organized, where a man chaired the ceremony, and fishermen recited prayers. There was also a person, who was in charge of holding the lady fish tightly, so that the fish could not wriggle violently.
The lady fish was then in a very bad state with serious wounds on the stomach, while much fluid dripped from the eyes, and the bronchia on the head was still breathing. The lady fish whisked the tale occasionally to show to people that she was still alive.
A lot of people gathered around the lady fish, watched her and paid respect by shaking joined hands. This was not a surprise at all, because fishermen made the behaviors in accordance with their spiritual belief.
However, it is blamable that relevant agencies and scientists did not appear in the event, and therefore, there was not any active behavior towards the rare creatures.
In order to rescue the fishes, fishermen need the help from scientists. However, as a preservation expert said, there are very few rescue centers, while Vietnam has been relying on the cooperation of non-government organizations in the campaigns of wild animal rescue operations.
Chu Anh Khanh, a senior expert from the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, said that it is quite a normal thing that precious fishes like whales, dolphins or sea calves drift into the central seashore. It is because they split from the flocks, drifted by ocean currents, ill or injured.
If the fishes are still alive, they should be brought back to the sea immediately. And if they get injured, they need to be rescued. Once the sea creatures die, no one should prevent fishermen from worshiping the fishes because no one can proscribe or prohibit popular beliefs.
He stressed that after fishermen carried out ceremonial offerings, the sea creatures, especially big fish need to be buried soon in order to avoid possible influences to the environment.
However, in many cases, fishes could not be buried soon, because people believe that the sacred fishes can help treat diseases. According to Khanh, some fishermen have the habit of getting the fluid dripping from rotten fish bodies, because they believe that the fluid can help treat boils.
Spiritual beliefs exist in all aspects of people’s lives. However, Khanh said, in the modern life, scientists should not let fishermen alone with their belief in the support of supernatural powers.
In related news, Doi song & Phap luat once reported that the Bac Lieu provincial authorities had the idea of building a glass made grave for a whale in the plan to develop local tourism.
Source: SGTT
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