The 500-year-old banyan tree with its extraordinary beauty in Lai Chau has been recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree.

Clip: A banyan tree over 500 years old is recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree.

The ancient banyan tree - cultural symbol, pride of the people of Then Sin commune

Estimated to be over 500 years old, the ancient banyan tree possesses a magnificent, majestic beauty with a circumference of 10.6m, a base diameter of 3.37m; a height of 21.2m; lush foliage, shading an area of ​​over 170m.

The tree trunk is huge, the roots are like silk ribbons wrapped around, clinging deep into the ground as if to hold on to the eternity of time. Surrounding the banyan tree are green grass carpets, creating an ideal resting place for people after a hard day's work.

The ancient banyan tree not only has the value of eternal beauty but is also closely associated with the spiritual and cultural life of the people of Then Sin commune. According to legend, the banyan tree is the residence of the gods, protecting the villagers from peace and luck. During festivals, people often gather under the banyan tree to play and sing, creating a bustling and bustling atmosphere. The banyan tree is also the place where important rituals such as worshiping and praying for peace take place, expressing the people's respect and gratitude to their ancestors.

The ancient banyan tree stands tall as a testament to the long history and indomitable spirit of the local people. Photo: Tuan Hung

The elders and veteran revolutionary cadres of Then Sin commune recounted: During the resistance war against the French, this banyan tree was also a place where patriots often gathered to discuss strategies and plans to deal with the sweeps and forced labor, and the harsh ruling policies of the colonial regime. In particular, to prepare for and serve the Dien Bien Phu campaign, in 1952, our cadres held meetings here to support human resources and contribute rice to the troops participating in the campaign.

During the resistance war against the US, the Northern border war in February 1979, the location of the banyan tree was where the Commune Administrative Committee and local militia forces held meetings to discuss plans to fight the invasion and to evacuate residents to a safe place.

The ancient banyan tree has become a cultural symbol and pride of the people of Then Sin commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau . Photo: Tuan Hung

The banyan tree is like a "historical witness" of the ethnic people of Then Sin commune, having witnessed many important, meaningful and sacred events of the people here; many times the bombs of the colonialists and imperialists fell, they did not affect the growth and eternal development of the banyan tree.

Every year on the 3rd and 6th of the 6th lunar month, people have the opportunity to gather together, pray to the gods, and ask the gods to bless them with health, good luck, and prosperity.

Known as the "divine tree" or "sacred tree", the beautiful 500-year-old banyan tree in Then Sin commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau has been recognized as a Vietnam Heritage tree. Photo: Tuan Hung

With its great historical, cultural and spiritual value, the ancient banyan tree Then Sin has been recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree. This is a worthy recognition of the natural and environmental value as well as the historical and spiritual cultural value of the ancient banyan tree; this is the premise for Then Sin commune to promote and develop tourism , introduce the Vietnamese Heritage Banyan Tree in particular, as well as the culture of Then Sin commune people to visitors from all over the world.

Announcement of the decision to recognize the ancient banyan tree as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree

On the afternoon of May 10, in Then Sin commune, Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council, announced the Decision to recognize the Vietnam Heritage Tree as "Banyan tree in Lo Thang 1, 2 village" and emphasized that the event contributes to promoting the role of the community in protecting plant genetic resources, honoring humanistic values, looking back to the origin, and protecting the natural landscape associated with the ancient banyan tree, over 500 years old.

Leaders of Then Sin Commune People's Committee received the Decision to recognize the Vietnam Heritage Tree. Photo: Tuan Hung

The recognition ceremony of Vietnam Heritage Trees (Lo Thang 1 and Lo Thang 2 banyan trees) contributes to spreading awareness of preserving the landscape and promoting the historical and cultural values ​​of the ethnic communities in the area. From there, it propagates and mobilizes people to join hands and contribute to taking care of trees and protecting the environment.

On this occasion, delegates opened the stone stele and visited the Vietnam Heritage Tree. Photo: Tuan Hung

Sharing at the announcement ceremony of the Vietnam Heritage Tree, Mr. Vu Xuan Thinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tam Duong district, Lai Chau said: The banyan tree recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree preserves stories associated with the daily life and spiritual life, history and culture of local people. This is an opportunity for Then Sin commune to arouse patriotism, create the strength of great national unity associated with the daily life and spiritual life, history and culture of the people.

Source: https://danviet.vn/cay-da-co-thu-hon-500-tuoi-co-ve-dep-ky-my-o-lai-chau-duoc-cong-nhan-la-cay-di-san-viet-nam-20240511112821714.htm