Master of Vietnamese Studies Tran Thi Kim Hoa notes that many car owners, after carefully selecting a delivery date and a color matching their destiny, still ponder blessing ceremonies. This practice, often driven by a desire for peace of mind and "seeing others do it, following suit," lacks genuine spiritual significance.
Essentially, a car is a means of transportation, much like a bicycle, motorcycle, or boat. The practice of blessing a new car often stems from a psychological emphasis on a high-value asset, rather than a genuine spiritual belief. "People don't hold blessing ceremonies when they buy a new bicycle, so why burn incense before a car?" Hoa said. "It's merely a difference in material value that humans themselves determine."
The expert explains that a car is a mass-produced industrial product. Tens of thousands of cars roll off assembly lines daily worldwide and cannot all rely on blessings for safe operation. Good or bad fortune on the road depends primarily on driving skills, adherence to laws, the driver's health and alertness, and environmental conditions. "If a driver uses alcohol, is distracted, or ignores traffic laws, even elaborate blessings would hardly prevent risks," Hoa said.
However, to address the psychological need for those who "cannot feel at ease without a blessing," Hoa suggests car owners understand the ritual's true nature. Blessing a car is not about asking the inanimate vehicle for protection. Instead, it is about reporting one's achievements to ancestors, expressing gratitude for their protection, and wishing for family peace. It also involves entrusting faith, praying for divine protection for safe travels. This represents a civilized spiritual anchor, expressing gratitude towards one's roots rather than fear of an inanimate object.
For those in the transportation profession, the vehicle is their livelihood, often tied to the lives of many. In such cases, the belief that "reverence brings sacredness" can serve as a psychological therapy, helping drivers feel more secure.
Even so, the expert warns that the line between belief and superstition is very thin. "Virtue triumphs over fate," she emphasized. "Caution and alertness behind the wheel are the most effective talismans."
Instead of getting caught up in elaborate rituals, car owners can create a safe, peaceful space through sensible interior decoration. Non-superstitious individuals might place family mementos, children's photos, a phone number plate, or essential oils to foster a sense of relaxation and remind them of their responsibility for safe driving. For those who are superstitious, appropriate items include Buddha statues, Christ statues (depending on religion), or compact symbols of peace such as: gourds, car-hanging chimes, wooden items, or feng shui stones.
The expert advises absolutely against placing statues of fierce animals, sharp objects, oversized items that obstruct vision, or flammable/explosive bottles in the car.
Bao Nhien
