Early spring in Xuan Truong land, spring trip to Hanh Thien village

Hanh Thien village, Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province is like a peaceful "ancient town" - Photo: Hanh Thien village

This countryside along the Red River has a name that evokes the full, intense vitality of spring, of youth, of enthusiasm.

Since my childhood, I have been nurtured and raised by the abundant food source grown on the fertile alluvial soil, deposited by three rivers. I have also been nurtured by the infinite sources of knowledge from the "talents" of this land, such as Mr. Dang Xuan Bang, Phan Ba ​​Vanh, the late General Secretary Truong Chinh, Mr. Vu Khieu, the late businessman Tran Van Cuong...

Thanks to such vibrant sources and rich traditions, my hometown Xuan Truong has nurtured many people who have contributed to the country in almost every field.

How special is the coming of Tet in Xuan Truong land. It is the time when people far away from home can reunite with their families, and it is the time when tourists from all over the world come to this land to attend festivals, participate in traditional games such as typical boat racing, or have time to calm themselves at ancient temples, pagodas, and Catholic churches.

Ngoc Tien Village Festival, Xuan Truong District, Nam Dinh Province - Photo: Ngoc Tien Village

First, we cannot fail to mention Hanh Thien village and Ngoc Tien village - two villages close to each other in Xuan Hong commune.

Hanh Thien Village, named by King Minh Mang himself, guides the people to always be diligent, do good deeds and love to study. The "beautiful customs and virtues" Hanh Thien Village today still retains that cultural feature, along with the architecture preserved like an ancient town. Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is still majestic and peaceful, welcoming visitors every day.

Adjacent to the north is Ngoc Tien village, formerly named Nam Thien Ngoc hamlet. How special and impressive it is that a small village still preserves diverse cultures and beliefs, harmoniously combined at Ngoc Tien pagoda, Ngoc Tien church and the historical site of Do Cua Ga (where the French colonial government once built Cua Ga airport).

Visitors will have memorable experiences when visiting Ngoc Tien village festival on the full moon day of the first lunar month, with a variety of games such as swinging, catching ducks, picking ducks, and most uniquely, the rice cooking competition following a closed process of "saving rice for a rainy day" that only Ngoc Tien festival has.

Xuan Truong people always remind each other that:

No matter who goes to all three regions, remember to come back on Ngoc Tien festival day.

Even though busy everywhere, on the full moon day of the first lunar month, I return to Ngoc Tien.

Besides the river culture and typical Northern culture, Xuan Truong is also a place that leaves a strong mark of Catholicism in Vietnam.

Phu Nhai Basilica, Bui Chu Church, Nam Dien Church... are places that any tourist should visit and admire the blend of Gothic architecture, Spanish Baroque architecture and ancient Vietnamese architecture.

An Cu village festival, Xuan Vinh commune, Nam Dinh province - Photo: XUAN THUY

There are many more unique places, cuisines, and cultures of Xuan Truong that I want to introduce and promote to everyone. There are fragrant Xuan Dai rice, Hong Thien silk, Thuy Nhai tofu, Xuan Bac mulberry worms, along with Tu Lac - Tho Nghiep pagoda, An Cu watercraft... It is impossible to describe everything in one article. See you all soon and experience my beloved homeland of Xuan Truong!

Another spring has come, a special year for the economy of Vietnam in general and Xuan Truong, Nam Dinh in particular. Best wishes for our homeland to overcome the gate of heaven, develop, and become a dragon.

In particular, this child living far away from home would like to send the warmest wishes to the coastal homeland of Xuan Truong, Hai Hau, Giao Thuy of Nam Dinh to make a strong breakthrough, so that spring will always exist in the hearts of each beloved child.

5 days left until the end of the contest "My Tet Moment"

My Tet Moments contest is an opportunity for readers to introduce the most beautiful moments and unforgettable experiences during Tet with relatives and friends.

Each article should be a maximum of 1,000 words in Vietnamese, and should include photos, photo albums or videos.

Contest entries share ideal destinations and unique lands . Through your stories, you will help many people have the opportunity to know new lands and places not to be missed when traveling during spring.

It could be an article recording the moments when friends and relatives gather, celebrate Tet and have fun together.

These are notes and recounts of personal experiences from trips and business trips away from home during Tet that you have experienced.

The photo contest highlights the beauty of the landscape, place or land you have visited. This is an opportunity to recount the vibrant colors and beautiful scenery of Vietnam or the countries you have visited.

From January 25 to February 24 (full moon of the first lunar month of the year of Giap Thin), readers can send their entries to the email address khoankhactet@tuoitre.com.vn.

The award ceremony and summary are expected to take place in March 2024. The prize structure includes 1 first prize (15 million VND in cash and gifts), 2 second prizes (7 million VND and gifts), 3 third prizes (5 million VND and gifts).

The program is sponsored by HDBank.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dau-xuan-ve-manh-dat-xuan-truong-du-xuan-lang-hanh-thien-20240216184831574.htm