Close-up of nearly 700-year-old heritage tree embracing ancient temple in Hai Phong

The ebony tree in the national relic site of Lac Temple ( Hai Phong ) has existed for nearly 7 centuries. Photo: Viet Cuong

"Old" tree lived through nearly 7 centuries

The national historical relic Lac Temple is located about 30 km west of Hai Phong city center, on the gentle Luoc River, in village 7, Vinh Thuan commune. The temple worships the famous general Luong Toan - who made great contributions in the resistance war against the Yuan - Mongol army in the 13th century. In 1993, Lac Temple was ranked as a national historical and cultural relic.

After more than 700 years, having been restored many times, Lac Temple still retains its ancient and majestic appearance. In addition to the sophisticated ancient architecture with cultural value, the national historical and cultural relic site Lac Temple also witnessed the formation and development of the Queo tree (spoons tree) which is more than 660 years old.

The ebony tree embraces the entire Lac Temple relic site. Photo: Viet Cuong

The heritage ebony tree is over 20 meters tall, with lush branches and leaves, spreading its canopy hundreds of meters wide. From the base of the tree to the upright trunk, the diameter is about 1 meter, the rough base protrudes above the ground.

The Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) awarded the Vietnam Heritage Tree Certificate to the ebony tree at Lac Temple on the 748th birthday anniversary of Marshal Luong Toan (August 12, Binh Than year, 2016).

The ebony tree is green, flowers and bears fruit all year round. Photo: Viet Cuong

Local pride

Since 2016, the local government of the former Giang Bien commune (now Vinh Thuan commune) has decided to establish a Heritage Tree Management Board - the muom tree with 11 members headed by the Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee. According to the Management Board, local people pay attention and care to the heritage "muom tree", protecting the tree as a treasure of the villagers, a pride of the village identity.

A representative of the Vinh Thuan Commune Social and Cultural Office said that thanks to the attention of the local government and people, over time, the ebony tree is still green, blooming, bearing fruit, and its canopy is wide and shading the entire relic. Under the canopy of the ebony tree, working people sit and rest after hot summer days, and tourists from near and far rest when they come to visit, sightsee, and burn incense at the village temple.

The ebony tree was recognized as a Heritage Tree in 2016. Photo: Viet Cuong

Every year, under the shade of the heritage tree, Vinh Thuan commune organizes two festivals: the Lac Temple festival on the 12th day of the 8th lunar month and recently the Rươi festival on the 20th day of the 9th lunar month. Along with the system of antiques and ancient tombs, the longevity of the ebony tree contributes to increasing the sacredness and historical value of Lac Temple. Since then, whenever Vinh Thuan people go far away, they remember the heritage ebony tree in the Lac Temple grounds as a spiritual symbol, conveying their beliefs and wishes for favorable weather and a peaceful life.

The ebony tree has long become a