Stop burning votive paper at relic sites in Con Dao

July 4, 2023 21:08

Recently, the People's Committee of Con Dao district (Ba Ria - Vung Tau province) issued a plan: "Implementing the policy of restricting and eventually stopping offerings and burning of votive paper at historical sites and relic sites in Con Dao district".

Accordingly, from June 10, 2023 to September 10, 2023, propaganda, dissemination, and mobilization of people and tourists to respond to implementation will be carried out. From September 11, 2023 to September 30, 2023, offerings and burning of votive paper will be limited and stopped at relic sites in the Con Dao National Special Historical Relic Site.

From October 1, 2023, offerings and burning of votive paper will be stopped at the relic sites of the Con Dao National Special Historical Relic Site. People and tourists will not be allowed to bring votive paper into the following relics: Hang Duong Cemetery, Hang Keo Cemetery, Skull Site Memorial, Ma Thien Lanh Bridge Memorial, Prison Escape Memorial, Pier 914 Memorial, Con Dao Temple, etc.

Phần lớn du lịch đến Côn Đảo đều duy trì thói quen đốt vàng mã khi đến dâng hương tại các điểm, khu di tích...giúp công việc kinh doanh buôn bán Đồ lễ trở thành nguồn thu nhập chính của nhiều gia đình trên đảo — Most tourists to Con Dao maintain the habit of burning votive paper when offering incense at places and relics... helping the business of selling offerings become the main source of income for many families on the island.

The People's Committee of Con Dao district emphasized that stopping offerings and burning votive paper at historical sites is necessary to avoid waste, expense, environmental pollution and prevent fires.

Supporting the plan of the People's Committee of Con Dao district, Mr. PTT (residing in Con Dao district) assessed that the custom of burning votive paper has a good meaning towards ancestors and origins. However, recently, this custom has become increasingly excessive, when burning votive paper not only has symbolic meaning but also causes waste for families and society, with a high risk of fire and explosion.

“Using real money, which has economic value, to buy paper money and votive paper money and then burning it to ashes is not only wasteful, but also harmful to the environment and human health. I support the cessation of this custom as soon as possible,” said Mr. PTT.

Sharing the same opinion, Ms. LTN (residing in Con Dao) also expressed her agreement and support for the plan of the People's Committee of Con Dao district: "The custom of burning votive paper wastes paper, which in turn wastes trees, causing air pollution. This custom should not be maintained because it will lead to many unnecessary consequences."

However, in addition to the supportive opinions, the plan to stop burning votive paper at historical sites in Con Dao is also affecting a part of the people who do business selling offerings on the island. Some households suggested that instead of banning, the locality could regulate and design a separate place that would not affect the common environment, while ensuring the lives of the people...

According to Economics and Urban