A nostalgic feeling for the ancient village.

If the history of Thanh Hoa province were a slow-motion film, the images of its ancient villages would be the most impressive scenes. There you will find banyan trees, wells, communal houses, honest and simple people, and even talent...

Tien Hoa village communal house - the pride of many people here.

On the last day of the year, by the tranquil Bong Khe river, the people of Tien Hoa village, Ha Linh town (Ha Trung district), are eagerly and excitedly preparing for Tet. The vibrant atmosphere, blended with the moss-covered, time-worn charm of a century-old village, evokes a sense of wistfulness in travelers.

According to the elders, the village was formerly known by its vernacular name Kẻ Khao, later changed to Tiên Cảo, and is now called Tiên Hòa. Towards the end of the last century, scientists discovered the Cồn Cổ Ngựa archaeological site, belonging to the Đa Bút culture, dating back approximately 5,000-6,000 years. Here, a large number of axes, chisels, and other stone tools used by prehistoric people were found.

We strolled along the tranquil village paths, passing through Ma Alley, Cuu Alley, Hat Alley, Trung Alley, Dinh Alley... where ancient wells and old houses with moss-covered walls and tiles reflected the fleeting passage of time. Within this space, stories of the strength and resilience of the people of the past, who built and developed the villages and created a prosperous life, lingered.

Peaceful moments on the porch of an old house in Tien Hoa village.

Blessed by nature and creation, Tien Hoa has long been a region of picturesque mountains and rivers, with fertile and abundant farmland. Therefore, many families came here very early to clear land, establish settlements, and live together. Today, there are over 36 families living in Tien Hoa. Among them are families recorded as having been present since the Tran Dynasty, such as the Hoang Huy, Hoang Duc, Mac, and Luu Xuan families.

Mr. Hoang Huy Dung, head of the Hoang Huy clan, said: "We preserve and maintain the ancient houses in our clan. We also regularly educate our children and grandchildren about preserving artifacts and the traditional values ​​of the village and commune."

The beauty of the ancient village of Tien Hoa is further enhanced by the winding Bong Khe stream. Since its establishment, the villagers have used the mountains and hills as a solid foundation to settle in a "comb-shaped" formation, facing the Bong Khe stream. This auspicious feng shui location not only helps the residents avoid floods in the low-lying Ha Trung area but also adds a rare and unique beauty to Tien Hoa.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ky proudly introduced the tradition of studiousness in Hoang Bot.

Thanh Hoa province boasts many unique ancient villages, some ranking among the top 10 most beautiful ancient villages in Vietnam, and others "like a museum of Vietnamese rural culture"... Each village preserves its own distinct beauty of the countryside. But only the ancient village of Hoang Bot, Hoang Loc commune (Hoang Hoa district), preserves and promotes the renowned studious spirit of Thanh Hoa province.

A distinctive feature of Hoang Bot is its renowned tradition of academic achievement, celebrated throughout the country. Few ancient villages possess such a long history of scholarly achievement, spanning 438 years and boasting 12 top scholars. Of these, 7 are inscribed on stone steles at the Temple of Literature - National University (Hanoi). According to Nguyen Van Ky, Chairman of the Hoang Loc Commune's Association for the Promotion of Learning: “The village's history of academic achievement began in the 12th year of Hong Duc (1481) with the coronation of Doctor Nguyen Nhan Le. From then until the last Confucian examination (1919), the village had 12 top scholars. The number of people who passed the provincial and national examinations was approximately 200.”

The ancients likened the village's square shape to a large inkstone, and the road from Nguyet Vien to the village to a pen dipped into the inkstone.

A corner of the ancient village of Hoang Bot.

The tradition of academic achievement has also given rise to a unique profession in the ancient village of Hoang Bot: learning. The villagers highly value education. Despite the difficulties, learning remains paramount. Children are educated by adults about the importance of learning, viewing it as a crucial life task. The Hoang Bot village communal house not only worships the village's guardian deity but also honors those who have achieved outstanding academic success. It also affirms the principle of honoring learning, showcasing the prestige and glory of each family and lineage when someone achieves academic excellence. Inside the communal house are two golden plaques: one listing 48 top scholars from Hoang Hoa district, and the other listing descendants from the entire district with international academic achievements. Among them, Hoang Bot has four students whose names are included.

Perhaps, the age-old traditional values, forged into inherent strength, have encouraged the spirit of unity and determination in each citizen to make Hoang Loc the first model new rural commune in Hoang Hoa district.

Over the years, alongside prosperity, abundance, and modernity, the ancient villages of Bot Thuong, Tien Hoa, and others have remained a vibrant cultural space steeped in tradition, a source of pride for generations of villagers. They are undoubtedly cherished destinations, places to return to and seek out for those who appreciate the beauty of rural life.

Text and photos: Van Anh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/bang-khuang-lang-co-238006.htm