"Green treasure" in Quang Huc

No one knows exactly when the majestic ancient trees in Quang Huc came into existence, but one thing is certain: they have taken deep root in the consciousness of every villager, becoming an inseparable part of the community. Through countless ups and downs, these ancient trees still stand tall, sheltering and witnessing the changes of this western part of Tam Nong district.

The thousand-year-old fig tree in Zone 4, Quang Huc commune, Tam Nong district, was recognized as a Heritage Tree in 2024.

"Grandma" market is a thousand years old.

Quang Huc is an ancient land, preserving many historical relics. Not only is it proud of the Dong Ba Tram archaeological site dating back to the Late Neolithic period, or the relics of Quang Huc communal house, Khanh Linh pagoda, Thuong Son temple, and the shrine dedicated to the female generals of the Trung Sisters era, but this land also possesses a vast system of heritage trees – silent witnesses of time.

The entire commune has six ancient trees recognized as Vietnamese Heritage Trees, among which the thousand-year-old persimmon tree at Ha communal house – the place of worship for the famous general Trung Son Dai Vuong during the Hung King era (now the commune's People's Committee headquarters) – stands 20 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of 9.5 meters, its roots deeply embedded in the earth. Under the vast sky, the persimmon tree's lush green foliage casts shade over a stretch of the village road; its gnarled roots cling tightly to the earth, its sturdy trunk defying and enduring through time. No one remembers exactly when the tree was planted, only that from childhood to old age, the people of Quang Huc have seen its majestic presence, sheltering generations.

Every autumn, the clusters of golden fruit release a sweet fragrance. Children in the village eagerly pick each fruit, cherishing them like precious gifts, while the elderly look at the tree and reminisce about the old days. Amidst all the changes, the ancient fig tree remains steadfast, a part of the soul of the village, a thread connecting the past with the present, transmitting the breath of history to future generations. Beyond its ecological value, the tree is also a historical witness to the arduous struggles of the homeland.

At his advanced age, with his hair already streaked with gray, Mr. Nguyen Van Truong's eyes gazed wistfully back to the past as he reminisced: "This ancient persimmon tree, some over a millennium old, is respectfully called 'Grandpa' by the people of the commune. From our ancestors' time, this tree has stood here, steadfast through countless seasons of rain and sunshine. During the resistance war, soldiers and guerrillas used to stop under its shade, resting before advancing to the Van Thang (Dong Luong, Cam Khe), Van (Hien Luong, Ha Hoa), or Phuc Co (Minh Hoa, Yen Lap) war zones. Under its canopy, secret meetings took place, battle plans were discussed, and from here, many young soldiers set off..."

Through countless changes, there were times when the tree trunk broke and seemed beyond recovery, but thanks to the dedicated care of the local government and people, the ancient persimmon tree rose again, blossoming and bearing fruit, a testament to the vibrant life of the land and people here.

More than just an invaluable asset, the ancient tree is also a historical witness, marking the transformations that have taken place in our homeland.

A source of pride for future generations.

Beneath the shade of ancient trees, old stories still echo like whispers of the past, blending with every breeze that blows through the Quang Huc land. Six heritage trees – the green guardians of the village – stand firm amidst the earth and sky, not only historical evidence but also 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 over the village courtyard, like a protective embrace for generations who have been born, grown up, and grown old on this land. Along with the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Quang Huc also boasts a 100-year-old fig tree at the Nha Ba Temple (Que Hoa Temple) and four 300-year-old banyan trees in zones 3, 6, and 8. These heritage trees stand like "green guardians" of the village, majestically amidst the earth and sky, their gnarled trunks, roots firmly embedded in the soil, and wide-spreading canopies providing shelter from rain and sun, just as the people of Quang Huc in the past always protected and supported each other during difficult times.

In 2024, a momentous event took place, marking a significant turning point in the journey of preserving the natural and cultural values ​​of the homeland: Quang Huc Commune was honored to receive the Decision recognizing 6 trees as Vietnamese Heritage Trees. This is not only a source of pride for the 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 the People's Committee of Quang Huc commune affirmed: "The recognition of Vietnamese Heritage Trees not only has conservation value but also honors the living heritage of our homeland. These are treasures left by our ancestors, and we will continue to search for and honor more ancient trees that meet the criteria."

Time passes, everything changes, but the ancient trees still stand silently, reaching high in the wind. Beneath the canopy of these heritage trees, generations will grow up, some will be born, and others will pass away, but these ancient trees remain, standing firm, silently witnessing every transformation of their homeland. In the hearts of every child of Quang Huc, the image of their homeland with its spreading heritage trees is deeply etched, and they silently vow to cherish, protect, and preserve these green treasures, for they are not only invaluable assets of the people of Quang Huc, but also the soul of their village, the pride of future generations!

Thuy Phuong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/bau-vat-xanh-o-quang-huc-227575.htm