No one knows exactly when the ancient trees standing tall in Quang Huc land have existed, but one thing is certain, they have been deeply rooted in the consciousness of every local resident, becoming an inseparable part of the village. Through many ups and downs, those ancient trees still stand tall, protecting and witnessing the changes of the land in the west of Tam Nong district.
The thousand-year-old "Cự" in Zone 4, Quang Huc Commune, Tam Nong District was recognized as a Heritage Tree in 2024.
Thousand year old "grandmother"
Quang Huc is an ancient land, where many historical sediments are still preserved. Not only is it proud of the Dong Ba Tram archaeological site from the post-Neolithic period, or the relics of Quang Huc communal house, Khanh Linh pagoda, Thuong Son temple, the temple worshiping the female general of the Hai Ba Trung period..., this land also possesses a massive system of heritage trees - like silent witnesses of time.
The whole commune has 6 ancient trees recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees, including the thousand-year-old "Cự" Thi at Ha communal house - the place to worship the famous general Trung Son Dai Vuong of the Hung King period (now the headquarters of the commune People's Committee). In the vast sky, the "Cự" Thi is 20m high, the trunk circumference is up to 9.5m, the roots are deep in the ground. In the vast sky, the tree's green canopy casts cool shade over the entire village road, the rough roots hug the motherland tightly, the tree trunk is strong as if challenging, enduring with time... No one can remember when the "Cự" Thi was born, only knowing that, from childhood until the hair turned gray, Quang Huc people still see the tree's shadow standing tall between the sky and earth, protecting many generations.
Every autumn, the clusters of golden fruits give off a sweet fragrance. Children in the village eagerly pick each fruit, cherishing it as a precious gift, while the elderly look at the tree and remember the old days. Amidst so many changes, the “old” tree remains steadfast as a part of the soul of the village, as a thread connecting the past with the present, transmitting the breath of history to future generations. Not only does it have ecological value, the tree is also a historical witness of the arduous days of struggle of the homeland.
At a rare age, with gray hair, Mr. Nguyen Van Truong's eyes were far away as if going back in time, reminiscing: "The ancient fig tree is a millennium old, respectfully called "old" fig by the people in the commune. Since the time of our ancestors, this fig tree has stood here, steadfast through many rainy and sunny seasons. During the resistance war, soldiers and guerrillas used to stop under this tree, lean their backs to rest before advancing to the Van Thang war zones (Dong Luong, Cam Khe), Van war zones (Hien Luong, Ha Hoa) or Phuc Co (Minh Hoa, Yen Lap). Under the tree, secret meetings took place, battle plans were discussed, and from here, many young soldiers set off...".
Through many changes, there was a time when the tree trunk broke and seemed impossible to revive, but with the dedicated care of the authorities and people in the commune, the "old" tree rose up again, blossomed and bore fruit, as a testament to the strong vitality of the land and people here.
Not only a priceless asset, the giant tree is also a historical witness marking every step of change in the homeland.
Pride of posterity
Under the shade of ancient trees, old stories still echo like whispers of the past, blending with each wind blowing through Quang Huc land. The 6 heritage trees - the green guardians of the village - still stand firmly between heaven and earth, not only as historical evidence but also as the soul of the village, an invisible thread connecting the past with the present, reminding future generations of their sacred origins.
The thousand-year-old banyan tree still casts its cool shade in the communal house yard, like an arm protecting generations of people who were born, grew up and grew old on this land. Along with the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Quang Huc also owns a 100-year-old banyan tree at Nha Ba Temple (Que Hoa Temple) and 4 300-year-old banyan trees in areas 3, 6 and 8. These heritage trees are like the village's "green guardians" standing tall between heaven and earth, with rough trunks, roots firmly attached to the ground, and each canopy spreading out, shielding from the rain and sun, just like the way the Quang Huc people of the past still protected and helped each other during difficult years.
In 2024, a major event took place, marking an important turning point in the journey to preserve the natural and cultural values of the homeland: Quang Huc Commune was honored to receive the Decision to recognize 6 Vietnamese Heritage trees. This is not only the pride of local people, but also a meaningful reminder of the responsibility to protect the green heritage left by our ancestors.
Comrade Nguyen Hong Nghiep - Vice Chairman of Quang Huc Commune People's Committee affirmed: "The recognition of Vietnam Heritage Trees not only has conservation value but also honors the living heritage of the homeland. This is a treasure left by our ancestors, we will continue to search for and honor more qualified ancient trees".
Time passes, everything changes, but the ancient trees still stand there silently, reaching high in the wind. Under the canopy of the heritage trees, generations of people will grow up, generations will be born and generations will pass away, but the ancient trees still stand firmly here, silently witnessing every step of change of the homeland. In the heart of every Quang Huc child, the image of the homeland with the shadows of the heritage trees is always deeply engraved and they silently remind themselves to cherish, protect and preserve these green treasures, because they are not only the priceless assets of the Quang Huc people, but also the soul of the village, the pride of future generations!
Thuy Phuong
Source: https://baophutho.vn/bau-vat-xanh-o-quang-huc-227575.htm
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