"Treasure" of the village
The gentle morning sunlight penetrates through the green foliage of three ancient trees that have just been recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment and the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council. They are a 250-year-old banyan tree (also known as a si tree) located in Dong Lum area, plot 43B, Tan Lap village and two banyan trees over 260 years old, in Ba Khe - Nui Hong area, plot 2, plot 42 and Ao Rum hill, plot 3, plot 43B, Tan Lap village (Tan Trao commune, Son Duong district, Tuyen Quang).
The 3 trees have a base circumference of 18 - 39 m, grow and develop well, and are strictly protected by the community of Tan Lap village.
Vietnam heritage banyan tree over 260 years old in Ao Rum area, Tan Lap village
PHOTO: THANH TUNG
The elders in the village said that since their ancestors set foot on this land, the banyan and banyan trees have stood tall and proud, stretching to welcome the sun and wind, protecting the villagers.
Mr. Hoang Xuan Thuy (born in 1954, living in Tan Lap village) said: No one knows when the banyan tree and the banyan tree appeared, but many generations of people here grew up seeing them. Since he was a child, following his parents into the forest to collect firewood and pick vegetables, he saw the banyan tree and the banyan tree standing tall, carrying a strong vitality.
During the years of resistance against the French, this ancient tree was a place of shelter and protection for soldiers and villagers. Under its shade, secret meetings were held and campaigns were planned. In peacetime, the tree became a place for children in the village to rest after hard work; a place for children to play and hide and seek.
"These two banyan trees are not only ancient trees, but also historical witnesses. They have witnessed many ups and downs of Tan Trao land, and together with our army and people, they have overcome difficulties and hardships to gain independence and freedom," Mr. Thuy proudly said.
Tourists visit and take photos at the 250-year-old banyan tree in Tan Lap village, Tan Trao commune.
PHOTO: THANH TUNG
Standing in front of the ancient banyan tree, we cannot help but be overwhelmed by its majestic and ancient beauty. The large canopy of the tree shaded the entire area, the intricate roots clinging deep into the ground like the sinewy hands of a hard-working farmer. All of this created a majestic and magnificent scene.
Keep the trees, keep the forest
However, few people know that before being recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree, the Dong Lum Sanh tree was forgotten, even considered a "dark, dense place". Mr. Be Van Hai (born in 1951; in Dong Lum, Tan Lap village), recalls: "More than a year ago, the area around the Sanh tree was very dirty, garbage was thrown everywhere, and weeds grew wildly. Many people even rumored that there were ghosts here, so no one dared to come near".
Mr. Be Van Hai, Tan Lap village, has great merit in preserving Dong Lum bonsai trees.
PHOTO: THANH TUNG
Witnessing that scene, Mr. Hai could not help but feel sorry. He thought that such a precious old tree could not be forgotten, buried in trash. Thinking is doing, he started to clean up and sanitize the environment around the tree.
"At first, I worked alone, and no one supported me. Many people said that I was "idle and reckless", "eating at home and taking care of the whole village". But I was not discouraged. I believed that what I was doing was right and meaningful", Mr. Hai shared.
For more than 2 months, every day Mr. Hai diligently cleaned, picked up trash, and cleared bushes. His hands were calloused, his back was sore, but he was not discouraged. Gradually, the area around the banyan tree became clean and airy. People in the area began to pay attention to his work, and then joined hands to contribute. Thanks to Mr. Hai's perseverance and persistence and the community's cooperation, the Dong Lum banyan tree "changed its skin", becoming more beautiful and green. And then, joy burst out when the banyan tree was recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree.
At the ceremony to announce the decision and receive the Vietnam Heritage Tree certificate, Tan Trao residents, from the white-haired old people to the innocent children, were all proud of their homeland. They were proud because Tan Trao is not only a famous historical site, but also a place that preserves valuable natural "treasures".
Mr. Be Van Hai, who has made great contributions in preserving the Dong Lum Sanh tree, could not hide his emotion: "I am very happy and proud to see the Sanh tree honored. This is the result of the joint efforts of the whole community. I hope that the Sanh tree will forever be green, a symbol of the longevity and strong vitality of Tan Trao homeland."
Ms. Vien Thi Lac (94 years old, Tan Lap village) shared: "This banyan tree and the sanh tree are the pride of our people. They have witnessed many ups and downs of Tan Trao land, together with our army and people, they have overcome difficulties and hardships to gain independence and freedom. The recognition of these 3 trees as Vietnam Heritage Trees is an important event, contributing to raising awareness of environmental protection and promoting the cultural and historical values of the locality".
Receiving the good news, Chairman of Tan Trao Commune People's Committee Hoang Duc Xoai said that this is not only the pride of Tan Lap people but also the pride of the people of the whole commune and district, when Son Duong has the first Vietnam Heritage Tree. Mr. Xoai said that the locality is opening a road to the banyan tree area. The area around the tree has been cleared, cleared of vegetation, and fenced off.
"From now on, we will continue to take better care of and protect trees and forests, as well as guide and welcome tourists to visit these heritage trees," said the Chairman of Tan Trao Commune People's Committee.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/3-cay-di-san-dau-tien-tren-dat-tan-trao-185250313202006118.htm
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