Abstract: Private Family Shrines/Private altars are a form of spiritual practice in small groups within a private space, established or built on the grounds or homes of a family or clan. Private family shrines are owned by individuals. In the past, private family shrines mainly served as spaces for family worship, performing ancestor and clan rituals, and as such, their activities were not subject to oversight by relevant authorities, and naturally, they were not considered for registration or formal recognition. However, since the Renovation period (1986 to present), according to incomplete statistics from the authorities, the number, scale, and functions of private family shrines in Hanoi have significantly increased, or even "exploded." Some private family shrines have become large and do not comply with legal building regulations (residential buildings). Some shrines host large gatherings for religious or spiritual practices, resembling community institutions. Some shrines show signs of superstition, causing disturbances to the public order, and promoting opposition to the Party and the State. Others compete for followers with other religious facilities or traditional religions. The activities of private family shrines, based on surveys and research in Hanoi, have led to various complex and sensitive issues from the perspective of beliefs and religions. Therefore, how we should approach, perceive, and manage the activities of private family shrines is the focus of this article. To gain a proper understanding and response, it is essential to recognize the context of their emergence, characteristics, and the impact of private family shrines on social and individual life. Keywords: private family shrines, Hanoi, recognition, response.