Preserving and promoting the value of heritage trees

The ancient banyan tree in Lo Thang 1 and Lo Thang 2 villages (Then Sin commune, Tam Duong district) over 500 years old was recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree in early May 2024. To preserve and promote the value of heritage trees, local authorities have stepped up propaganda about the significance of Vietnam Heritage Trees; at the same time, mobilized local people to actively care for and protect them while promoting tourism development.

Located 12km from Lai Chau city, at the intersection of provincial road 130 and the border corridor, Then Sin commune (Tam Duong district) is considered the connecting point between Lai Chau city and the most attractive community tourism destination in ASEAN in Sin Suoi Ho commune (Phong Tho district). In recent years, Then Sin has attracted tourists with its majestic natural scenery, unique cultural identity, friendly, gentle and hospitable people. Hidden in the ancient old forest of 2 villages: Lo Thang 1, Lo Thang 2, 600m from the center of Then Sin commune is the location of an ancient banyan tree recognized by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment as a Vietnam Heritage Tree.
The ancient banyan tree stands tall and proud as a testament to the long history and indomitable spirit of the local people. Known as the "divine tree, sacred tree", the banyan tree has become a cultural symbol and pride of the people of Then Sin commune. The banyan tree is estimated to be over 500 years old, with a main trunk circumference of 10.6m, a base diameter of 3.37m, a height of 21.2m, a strong shape, a lush canopy that casts shade over a large area, a large trunk, a massive root system, deeply rooted in the ground as if holding on to its longevity over time. Surrounding the banyan tree is a lush green grass carpet, an ideal resting place for people after hard working hours.

Vietnam Heritage Tree belongs to 2 villages: Lo Thang 1, Lo Thang 2 (Then Sin commune, Tam Duong district).

This ancient banyan tree not only has beauty and symbolizes longevity 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 who protect the villagers from harm and misfortune. During festivals, people often gather under the banyan tree to play and sing, creating a joyful and bustling atmosphere. Under the canopy of the old banyan tree, many important rituals take place such as: praying for peace and showing respect to ancestors.
Local people still say that during the resistance war against the French colonialists, the location of this banyan tree was also the place where patriots often gathered to discuss strategies and plans to deal with the sweeps, forced labor, and harsh ruling policies of the colonial regime. In particular, to prepare for the Dien Bien Phu campaign in 1952, our cadres held meetings here to discuss and support human resources, and contribute rice and paddy to the troops participating in the campaign. During the resistance war against the American imperialists, the battle to protect the northern border, the location of the banyan tree was also the place where the Commune Administrative Committee and local militia held meetings to discuss plans to fight against the invasion of foreign invaders, and to discuss plans to evacuate residents to a safe place.
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 local people. Many times the bombs of the colonialists and imperialists fell, but they did not affect the growth, development and longevity of the banyan tree. Over 500 years old, the banyan tree has preserved stories associated with the daily life, spiritual life, history and culture of the local people.
Mr. Lu A Ken - Secretary of the Lo Thang 2 village Party Cell said: “The ancient banyan tree of the village is very spiritual, up to now, the villagers have always worshiped and worshiped it regularly. We propagate to the younger generation about the spiritual and historical value of the banyan tree so that the next generation knows the merits of the previous generation, at the same time, mobilize the people to join hands, contribute to care, protect and enhance the value of the heritage banyan tree so that the tree can grow well, last forever, and promote the development of spiritual culture”.
In order to preserve and promote the heritage tree in Then Sin commune, Tam Duong district is interested in and provides financial support to renovate and create a clean and beautiful landscape around the heritage banyan tree area, creating conditions for people and tourists to visit and admire.
Comrade Nguyen Van Chung - Secretary of the Then Sin Commune Party Committee said: “This ancient banyan tree is very sacred, closely associated with the cultural identity of the ethnic groups in the commune. The banyan tree is recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree, which has an important meaning in preserving and promoting the value of cultural identity, is an opportunity for the commune to arouse patriotism, create the strength of great national unity. At the same time, it creates motivation for Then Sin commune to develop spiritual culture as well as develop the economy for the people in the area”.
With its historical, cultural and spiritual value, the ancient banyan tree is recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree, a premise for Then Sin commune to promote and develop tourism, boosting socio-economic development.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/v%C4%83n-h%C3%B3a/b%E1%BA%A3o-t%E1%BB%93n-ph%C3%A1t-huy-gi%C3%A1-tr%E1%BB%8B-c%C3%A2y-di-s%E1%BA%A3n