Miếu Chúa Thanh, located in Long Hải Commune beside Vạn Liên Thành, is a small concrete shrine rebuilt in 1998 through contributions from local residents. It serves as a sacred place where the island community honors Cô Bác—wandering souls lost at sea or those who passed away without relatives.
Every Thanh Minh Festival (early third lunar month), locals gather to offer rituals and commemorate these spirits, observing the tradition of alternating one year of vegetarian offerings and one year of regular offerings.
Who are “Cô Bác”?
On Phú Quý Island, people respectfully call these spirits Cô Bác rather than “restless ghosts.” They are believed to be those who died tragically at sea, whose bodies were never recovered. Their souls are thought to linger, without a home, food, or shelter, and therefore need the care of the living. Islanders believe Cô Bác, though not deities, can influence the safety and fortune of fishermen depending on how respectfully they are worshipped.
Inside the shrine are three altars, each with a small bell used to invite the spirits to attend the ceremony.
A Belief Rooted in the Dangers of the Sea
Before modern boats existed, fishing was perilous, and many lost their lives to storms and accidents. Over generations, the community developed a deep spiritual tradition of honoring those who died at sea, believing these souls hold a certain power over the lives of fishermen.
Cô Bác are also worshipped at village temples, fishing guild halls, and local shrines. During festivals, they are included in communal offerings.
Rituals at the Beaches and Harbors
Many families perform rituals at beaches or their boat mooring sites on the 14th–16th or 1st–2nd lunar days. When repainting or repairing their boats, fishermen offer prayers to both the boat spirit and Cô Bác, asking for protection during the upcoming season. Islanders often say:
“At sea, the Lords protect;
On land, Cô Bác guard and guide.”
Offerings
A typical offering tray includes:
- Upper tier: a bowl of porridge, fruit, water, incense
- Lower tier: rice, salt, snacks, sugarcane, water, empty bowls, a large bowl of porridge, and joss paper
Cô Bác Rituals in Pagodas
During major lunar festivals—especially the 7th lunar month—local pagodas hold requiem ceremonies for those who died at sea and the homeless spirits. These rituals reflect the islanders’ compassion, solidarity, and belief in caring for those less fortunate.
Though not divine beings, Cô Bác are seen as children of the island, deserving respect and remembrance. Honoring them is both a spiritual duty and an expression of humanity deeply rooted in the culture of Phú Quý.
