Robes worn during Len Dong rituals reflect the classic court dress of premodern times. Denis Finnin / AMNH

A medium, or shaman—someone who can communicate with the spirit world—is a vital presence at many rituals in Vietnam. Sometimes this spiritual master must journey to another realm and wrestle powerful demons for possession of a human soul. At other times the medium invites the spirits to our world, where they possess his or her body and speak through the medium’s voice.

Shamans preside over some rituals in many of the religious traditions that coexist among the majority and minority populations of Vietnam. In all shamanic rituals, music, dance, special garments and offerings enhance the awe, mystery and sheer pleasure of performance that surround the spirit journey.