In Vietnamese folk culture, many natural phenomena are considered omens of fortune or misfortune related to family life. Notably, an age-old saying warns, “A home with five distinct calls will struggle to avoid calamity.” These five ‘calls’ refer to unusual sounds associated with familiar animals such as roosters, dogs, owls, crows, and the cries of infants. Each sound carries a message that, according to ancient belief, could foreshadow impending doom.
What do these cries signify, and how should we interpret them in a modern context?
1. Rooster’s Crow in the Midnight Hour – A Harbinger of Domestic Unrest
Typically, roosters crow at dawn, serving as a natural ‘biological clock’ in rural areas. However, if a rooster crows at midnight – the quietest hour – folk belief dictates that it is an ill omen.
Ancients believed that a midnight crow could signify impending major household events: severe illness, a funeral, or a streak of bad luck. A more practical interpretation suggests that roosters may be disturbed by intruders or wild animals, prompting them to crow unusually as a warning.
Whether rooted in superstition or reality, the midnight crow disrupts the natural order and often evokes a sense of unease.
2. The Owl’s Hoot – A ‘Death Knell’ in Ancient Beliefs
The hoot of an owl, especially the barn owl, has long been considered a harbinger of death in many cultures. In Vietnam, when an owl perches near a house and hoots at night, it is taken as a sign of impending funeral or major family upheaval.
However, modern science suggests that owls are nocturnal hunters, and their hoots are merely communication signals for territory marking or mating. Their presence near homes could simply be due to an abundance of food or the provision of safe nesting sites.
Nonetheless, the nocturnal hooting of owls continues to evoke a sense of dread among the elderly, rooted in deep-seated spiritual beliefs and fears.
3. Dog’s Frenzy at Midnight – A Warning of Peril
Dogs are regarded as loyal companions and protectors of their owners. Thus, when a dog suddenly barks aggressively in the middle of the night, folk belief interprets it as a sign of impending household calamity: intruders, or the presence of negative spiritual energy.
From a scientific perspective, dogs possess an exceptionally keen sense of smell and hearing, and their barking could be triggered by unusual sounds or scents. Nevertheless, if a dog persistently barks without apparent cause over several nights, some families may resort to spiritual rituals, praying for peace and safety.
4. The Raven’s Cry Near Home – An Ominous Sign or Misunderstanding?
The folk saying, “A raven’s cry foretells a funeral,” associates the sound of this bird with misfortune. Ravens, with their dark plumage and hoarse cries, evoke a sense of gloom and death.
In reality, ravens are intelligent birds capable of remembering human faces and locations. They often gather where food is plentiful, such as landfills or residential areas. Their presence near homes may simply be a result of foraging for food.
Nonetheless, in the minds of many Vietnamese, especially in rural areas, the presence and cries of ravens close to home remain a cause for concern.
5. Infant’s Unusual Nighttime Crying – A Premonition or Physiological Need?
Infants crying at night is a common occurrence in households with young children. However, if the crying persists, is intense, and occurs without apparent reason over several nights, folk belief interprets it as a sign of spiritual disturbance or the child seeing unclean entities.
Many families turn to spiritual practitioners, perform rituals, or use amulets to ward off negative energies. In contrast, modern medicine recommends that parents investigate potential causes such as colic, teething, itching, or the child’s need for comfort.
While science has demystified infant crying as a normal phenomenon, folk beliefs continue to influence how some families respond to this situation.
The five ‘calls’ once considered ill omens reflect the deep connection between humans and nature. While these occurrences may not always foreshadow disasters, they serve as reminders to remain vigilant and take good care of ourselves and our homes.
In the modern era, rather than succumbing to blind fear, we should integrate folk wisdom with scientific knowledge to interpret phenomena rationally, thereby enhancing the safety and tranquility of our lives.
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