The banyan tree of Lang Market - A cultural symbol amidst the rice-growing countryside of Nghe An.

In the heart of Tay Thanh village, Yen Thanh district (Nghe An province), stands a majestic "historical witness" that has endured for hundreds of years - the Lang Market banyan tree. Not only does it provide shade for generations of people, but this banyan tree is also a cultural symbol and a source of deep pride for the local community.

Clip: Xuan Hoang

Located right in the heart of Lang Market in Tay Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district), along National Highway 48E, less than 10 km from the Ve Vung Dam eco -tourism site, this ancient banyan tree stands as the soul of the countryside and has been recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Its majestic and imposing appearance, with its wide-spreading canopy and trunk so large that it would take several people to encircle it with their arms, is truly remarkable. The aerial roots hang down like ribbons, clinging deep to the earth, supporting the long, outstretched branches that seem to hold onto time. Photo: Xuan Hoang

The roots support the large, sprawling branches like "giant arms." Locals say that although a large branch once broke during a market day, strangely no one was injured, further reinforcing their belief that this is a sacred tree, a dwelling place of deities. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Local residents also said that no one knows exactly when the tree originated, only that since birth, generations have seen the banyan tree standing there, casting its shade over the Lang Market grounds – a bustling trading hub for the entire region. Photo: Xuan Hoang

The banyan tree is not merely a natural entity but has become intertwined with the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Tay Thanh commune. Whenever there is a market day, people from An Quang hamlet and surrounding areas often gather to rest and chat under the banyan tree. Photo: Xuan Hoang

According to Mr. Nguyen Cong Trieu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Thanh commune, the banyan tree is over 40 meters tall, its canopy enveloping Lang Market, covering an estimated area of ​​3,000 ^{square meters} . The recognition of the banyan tree as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree has contributed to raising community awareness in preserving cultural and historical values. The government and people are working together to maintain and care for the tree, as if preserving a part of the memories and beliefs of their homeland. (Photo: Xuan Hoang)

On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, people can be seen coming under the banyan tree to light incense and pray for health, peace, and a bountiful harvest. Photo: Xuan Hoang

More than just providing shade, the majestic banyan tree in this rural area is also a cultural symbol and a source of deep pride for the local community. Yen Thanh district is a land rich in tradition with many ancient trees recognized as heritage trees, such as the 800-year-old muỗm tree, the nearly 1,000-year-old banyan tree in Ly Thanh commune, or the cluster of ancient trees at Duc Hoang Temple. Each tree tells a story, a unique historical and cultural landmark. Photo: Xuan Hoang

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/cay-da-cho-lang-bieu-tuong-van-hoa-giua-vung-que-lua-cua-nghe-an-10296275.html