Explore Mo Cay Nam Communal House, a unique cultural and folk belief institution

12/06/2023 1707 0
Cũng như những ngôi đình khác ở vùng Nam bộ, đình làng ở Mỏ Cày Nam là một thiết chế văn hóa - tín ngưỡng ra đời từ xa xưa. Đình thường tọa lạc ở vị trí đất cao đẹp, nội thất trong đình với nét chạm khắc tinh xảo biểu đạt cho sự hưng thịnh, ước vọng phú quý, khát vọng vương lên của người dân trong vùng.

The Communal House is a place of worship dedicated to village guardian deity ( Thanh Hoang), a figure that blends legend and historical significance, bridging the realms of the spiritual and the practical to embody the protective deity of villages and communes.

In Mỏ Cày Nam, nearly every commune has its own Communal House, varying in size and construction depending on local conditions. Each Communal House carries its own distinct features yet maintains a solemn atmosphere, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the local people.

If you have the opportunity to visit Mỏ Cày Nam, explore the prominent Communal Houses across the district to experience the differences between Southern and Northern village temples and to discover the unique cultural traits of the region.

Start your journey at  Hội Yên Communal House in Mỏ Cày town. Conveniently located within the town's precinct,  Hội Yên Communal House is renowned for its two ancient banyan trees, over 200 years old, standing in front of the temple. These trees are historical symbols linked to folk beliefs and also serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the regime of President Ngô Đình Diệm, particularly associated with the draconian 10/59 law—a symbol of oppressive legislation. During ceremonial occasions, local residents gather at  Hội Yên Communal House, offering tributes to the deities, praying for favorable weather and a prosperous harvest season.
 

Photos of visitors to Hoi Yen Communal House

After visiting Hoi Yen Temple, turn towards Thom intersection, towards Co Chien Bridge to visit Chua Ba Temple. This temple is quite special as it integrates the worship of deities from both Vietnamese and Chinese beliefs. Chua Ba Temple holds significant cultural value typical of the Southern region of the province. Moreover, it is a place where artistic essence converges with intangible cultural heritage such as rituals, customs, and folk music. The interior of the temple reflects the spiritual connection of beliefs with local life, earnestly portrayed through the themes of decoration closely tied to reality.

Chua Ba Temple is associated with a beautiful legend (the tale of the two ladies selling silk to help King Gia Long), symbolizing compassion and solidarity among the Vietnamese people. The temple serves as a sacred communal house where all local activities are organized. Thus, Chua Ba Temple naturally becomes a place of community cohesion, where people demonstrate unity and responsibility in worshipping Thanh Hoang God and Thien Hau Holy Mother.

After visiting Chua Ba Communal House , tourists should proceed to another famous temple in the district! That is Ran Communal House.
 

Photos of visitors to Snake Temple, Dinh Thuy commune

 

Rắn Communal House , also known as Định Nhơn Communal House, is said to have been named due to the abundance of snakes in the area in ancient times. It is located 500 meters northeast of the Đồng Khởi Traditional House. The most convenient way for tourists to visit  Rắn Communal House is by road.

Rắn Communal House is part of the Đồng Khởi historical relic complex, which the authorities and local people have worked to restore, preserving the imprint of a heroic and arduous struggle. Today, Rắn Communal House continues to be a place of worship, where prayers are offered for national peace, favorable weather, and prosperity for local residents. It is a source of pride for the local people, a place of solemn folk beliefs providing spiritual support for a peaceful life. During the annual Ky Yen festival at Rắn Communal House, the local community actively participates. The Rắn Communal House is also a tourist destination for visitors returning to the birthplace of the Đồng Khởi movement.

After visiting Rắn Communal House, tourists should head towards Thanh Phu district to visit three other beautiful temples:  An Định Communal House,  Hương Mỹ Communal House, and An Thới Communal House. These three temples still retain ancient architectural features, bearing the marks of the resistance against French and American forces.

If you have the opportunity, visitors should visit these temples during the Ky Yen festival or on the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month to experience and appreciate the solemnity of the festival rituals, community solidarity, national spirit, and the rich cultural heritage of the region showcased at these temples.
, also known as  Định Nhơn Communal House, is said to have been named due to the abundance of snakes in the area in ancient times. It is located 500 meters northeast of the Đồng Khởi Traditional House. The most convenient way for tourists to visit  Rắn Communal House is by road.

Đình Rắn is part of the Đồng Khởi historical relic complex, which the authorities and local people have worked to restore, preserving the imprint of a heroic and arduous struggle. Today, Đình Rắn continues to be a place of worship, where prayers are offered for national peace, favorable weather, and prosperity for local residents. It is a source of pride for the local people, a place of solemn folk beliefs providing spiritual support for a peaceful life. During the annual Ky Yen festival at Đình Rắn, the local community actively participates. The Đình Rắn is also a tourist destination for visitors returning to the birthplace of the Đồng Khởi movement.

After visiting Đình Rắn, tourists should head towards Thanh Phu district to visit three other beautiful temples: Đình An Định, Đình Hương Mỹ, and Đình An Thới. These three temples still retain ancient architectural features, bearing the marks of the resistance against French and American forces.

If you have the opportunity, visitors should visit these temples during the Ky Yen festival or on the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month to experience and appreciate the solemnity of the festival rituals, community solidarity, national spirit, and the rich cultural heritage of the region showcased at these temples.

Thu Suong

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