The 500-year-old wooden god of the Raglai people

Performed by: Duc Thao | October 21, 2024

(Fatherland) - The ancient tree is about 25m high, the base of which requires 20 people to hug, made up of 2 banyan trees and 1 banyan tree intertwined, and is a spiritual symbol of the Raglai people.

Yang Bay Tourist Park (Khanh Phu Commune, Khanh Vinh District, Khanh Hoa Province) is one of the favorite destinations for tourists because of its fresh air and diverse ecosystem. The three-rooted tree, over 500 years old, is located at the entrance to the park, right at the foot of Phuong Hoang Hill, and is respectfully called the Wood God by the Raglai people here.

The ancient tree is about 25m high, made up of 2 banyan trees and 1 banyan tree intertwined, the base of which requires 20 people to hug, its canopy is over 200m2, shading a large space. Coming here in the hot noon, the tree is like a natural air conditioner, creating a cool atmosphere.

Yang Bay Tourist Park is located in the middle of a vast primeval forest, the land of the Raglai people. However, the village elders here do not know when the ancient tree was built, only estimating that it has existed for more than 500 years.

The wooden god is made up of three trees, which the Raglai people also say symbolize three waterfalls: Yang Bay, Yang Khang and Ho-cho, located on the Cau River in Khanh Phu commune. In the Raglai language, Yang Bay means "heavenly water", Yang Khang means "son of heaven" and Ho-cho means "mother waterfall".

The branches and main trunk, secondary trunks are connected and joined tightly, creating a solid position for the tree over the centuries, like a god guarding the forest, protecting and blessing the villagers. The wood god has 8 very large wings, in the minds of the Raglai people, this symbolizes the 8 faces of the forest god, watching over the 8 directions of heaven and earth.

Local people also say that the tree's eight branches represent eight important issues in life, including: health, love, career, education, family, money, children, and peace of mind. Every time they go to work, people stop under the tree to pray for a safe and successful trip.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Bich Thao, the staff in charge of taking care of the ancient tree, everyone who comes here shows their respect for the Wood God. Every day, the staff will clean up the surrounding landscape, take care of the tree and remind visitors not to damage the tree.

Moc Than area has a quiet space, people and tourists can come here to rest and enjoy the cool breeze in the middle of the vast valley.

In particular, through red and yellow silk strips, people send their wishes for health, love, peace, luck, etc. to hang on the sacred tree. Legend has it that those who write their wishes on silk strips and hang them on the treetops will have all their wishes come true.

Ms. Ta Phuong Linh, a tourist from Nha Trang City, and her relatives visited Moc Than after being introduced by friends. According to Ms. Linh, with its majestic appearance and lush branches and leaves, Moc Than is like a symbol of the power of nature, challenging time and space. Admiring the unique ancient tree is an extremely lucky thing for her. "Sending wishes to the tree gives me faith in good things, and the motivation to always move forward," Ms. Linh said.

Mr. Le Dung Lam - Director of Yang Bay Tourism Company, shared that the wooden god is also a spiritual monument for the children of Yang Bay. Every month, officers and employees come here to offer prayers with sincerity, wishing for peace and happiness.

Source: https://toquoc.vn/moc-than-hon-500-nam-tuoi-cua-dong-bao-raglai-20241021155916191.htm