Superstitions: Ominous Sounds in Vietnamese Culture
A Crow’s Call Inside the House
In ancient Vietnamese belief, crows are considered harbingers of bad luck. Hearing their cawing is seen as an ill omen. While the call of a songbird symbolizes good news, the cry of a crow brings thoughts of mourning and death.
Crows are associated with misfortune due to their jet-black plumage, piercing caws, tendency to gather in large flocks, and their nature as scavengers.
Thus, the sound of a crow’s caw, especially when a household member is gravely ill, would often strike fear in the hearts of those who held these superstitions. It was thought to foretell unfortunate events.
The hooting of an owl and the cawing of a crow heard within the house were considered ill omens by the ancients.
The Hoot of an Owl in the Midnight Hour
While owls are less commonly spotted in modern times, particularly in urban areas, they were once a familiar sight, especially in rural regions. Owls are generally considered beneficial to humans, as their primary prey is rodents, thus indirectly protecting crops.
However, the hooting of an owl often elicits a sense of unease and foreboding. As a result, hearing an owl’s laughter in the middle of the night was interpreted as a bad omen. This belief likely stems from the unsettling nature of their call, creating a sense of discomfort and unease.
The Bark of a Dog in the Dead of Night
Dogs are beloved companions and guardians, known for their loyalty and protective nature. Many families keep dogs as pets, not only for companionship but also for home security.
Since ancient times, dogs have been recognized for their keen senses, including their superior hearing and smell. They will bark when something unfamiliar approaches the home.
Hearing a dog bark in the middle of the night often heightens one’s alertness. It could indicate the presence of an intruder or a potential threat. The dog’s bark serves as a warning to the household and a means to drive away unwanted visitors.
The bark of a dog in the night and the crowing of a hen (resembling that of a rooster) were considered ill omens by the ancients.
The Crowing of a Hen
The calls of roosters and hens differ significantly. For millennia, hens have been associated with egg-laying and their distinctive “cluck-cluck” sound. However, in rare instances, a hen may crow like a rooster. This anomaly, a deviation from the natural order, was viewed as a bad omen by the ancients. A crowing hen signaled impending doom.
These beliefs are rooted solely in the superstitions of the past and lack scientific basis or concrete evidence. While they may not hold true for everyone today, they remain a part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the worldview of our ancestors.
This information is for reference only and is subject to personal interpretation.
