The Thai, Mong, and La Ha ethnic groups in Son La are preserving heritage trees to develop tourism.

Ngoc Chien commune (Son La province) has seven heritage trees that are being preserved by the local people, alongside protecting the ecological environment and promoting the unique cultural values ​​of the locality and developing tourism.

Son La , a land inhabited for generations by 12 ethnic groups, boasts a rich, unique, and diverse cultural heritage, preserved and passed down through generations. With its diverse topography, soil, and climate, Muong La district has a rich forest ecosystem with many trees hundreds of years old, possessing significant biodiversity, environmental value, cultural and historical significance, and aesthetic value. Currently, the district has 39 recognized heritage trees, ranging in age from 300 to 1,000 years.

Located approximately 40km from the Son La hydroelectric power plant and nearly 80km from Son La city along the TL106 road, Ngoc Chien appears like a beautiful painting, nestled amidst majestic mountain ranges covered with vast expanses of greenery. The commune boasts 7 heritage trees recognized in 2023.

According to records, 7 trees have been recognized as heritage trees, including: Tree No. 1 is a mountain fir tree in Na Tau village; Trees No. 2, 3, and 4 are three individual fig trees forming a fig tree cluster in Luot village; Tree No. 5 is a kapok tree located in the center of Phay village; Trees No. 6 and 7 are two oak trees in Muong Chien village.

Experts believe it is rare to find a locality in the entire country with as many ancient trees and such diverse species as Ngoc Chien.

Besides their ancient age, the old trees in Ngoc Chien commune are also linked to the history of resistance against foreign invaders, or to the ancestors who contributed to reclaiming land and establishing villages. Every year on the 7th day of the first lunar month, people from nearby and distant villages hold ceremonies to worship the tree spirits, praying for favorable weather and prosperous livelihoods.

The seven heritage trees are the pride of the people of Ngoc Chien commune. These ancient trees are closely linked to the formation and development of each village, carrying significant cultural and spiritual value. The commune has promoted and encouraged the people to actively care for and protect the heritage trees, assigning representatives from each village to manage them. Simultaneously, they have developed spiritual tourism destinations, creating livelihoods for the people.

According to records recognized by the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council, tree number 1 is a mountain fir tree in Na Tau village, known locally as the "sacred tree" - "great fir tree" or "co may pe". This is a large tree over 35m tall, with a diameter of over 100 cm, and is thousands of years old.

Associate Professor Tran Ngoc Hai, Vice Chairman of the Heritage Tree Council, Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection, stated: Currently, Vietnam has over 6,000 heritage trees, belonging to over 100 different tree families. Among them, the giant fir tree (Sa mu) in Na Tau village and the two oak trees (love trees) in Muong Chien village, Ngoc Chien commune, are two newly recognized heritage trees in Vietnam. Most notably, generations of the same family have participated in protecting these sacred trees in the area; the fir tree alone has been preserved and protected by four generations. These are large, unique trees found only in the surrounding villages and rice fields. It can be said that the heritage trees in Ngoc Chien commune are invaluable assets in terms of genetic resources, ecological environment, and the cultural characteristics of the region.

According to the elders in the commune, these heritage trees all have sacred stories from the early days of the development and construction of Ngoc Chien commune. They are historical evidence, possessing spiritual elements that bring good fortune and favorable weather for the people in the region during their agricultural production.

Mr. Bui Tien Sy, Secretary of the Party Committee of Ngoc Chien commune, said: The commune has 7 trees recognized as Vietnamese heritage trees, attracting tourists to experience Ngoc Chien tourism not only because of its unique landscape, nature, and culture, but also because of the sacred stories associated with these heritage trees. The People's Committee of the commune is coordinating with relevant agencies to continue implementing measures to care for and preserve the heritage trees, protect genetic resources, maintain and sustainably develop the ecosystem and plant communities, while preserving the spiritual culture of Ngoc Chien commune and promoting tourism development in the area.

At each heritage tree, the commune has arranged guides and created QR codes with information about the heritage tree, attracting many tourists to check in and learn more about the history of these ancient trees.

The kapok tree located in the center of Phay village was planted by the villagers when they built the village. Currently, the villagers have built a shrine next to the tree and consider it a sacred tree of the village. The tree is approximately over 300 years old.

Besides their ancient age, the old trees in Ngoc Chien commune are also linked to the history of resistance against foreign invaders, or to the ancestors who contributed to reclaiming land and establishing villages. Every year on the 7th day of the first lunar month, people from nearby and distant villages hold ceremonies to worship the tree spirits, praying for favorable weather and prosperous livelihoods.

What's special is that, unlike heritage trees in other regions, each heritage tree in Ngoc Chien has a shrine built by the local people and assigned caretakers. According to the traditions and beliefs of the Thai people in this area, large trees that have existed for hundreds of years are considered dwelling places of deities or shelters for the souls of the deceased. Interfering with or cutting down these ancient trees is considered taboo and forbidden, as doing so would bring bad luck.

The cultural center of Muong Chien village covers 1.2 hectares and serves as a community gathering place for Ngoc Chien commune. The villagers brought pebbles from the stream and assembled them into the shape of a gate.

The stone gate, adorned with a Tinh lute (Tinh Tau lute), symbolizes the culture of the Thai ethnic group; the Khen flute symbolizes the culture of the Mong ethnic group; and the stone jar represents the Lau Xa rice wine jar of the La Ha ethnic group. It symbolizes the unity of the three largest ethnic groups in Ngoc Chien commune.

The Don Ho ancestral temple is located in Muong Chien village, Ngoc Chien commune. Previously a communal temple, it was renovated by the government to serve the spiritual needs of the people of Ngoc Chien commune and to cater to tourists seeking peace and good fortune. A memorial service is held on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year.

With their tourism potential and sacred legends, the 7 heritage trees are one of the attractive destinations for tourists from within and outside the province when visiting Ngoc Chien - a beautiful land of fairy tales.

Heritage trees have a long lifespan and are susceptible to pests, diseases, and natural disasters. Muong La District has developed a plan to preserve these heritage trees, mobilizing the people to work together to care for and protect them; monitoring the growth and development of the trees, consulting with experts to find appropriate care methods, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity, protecting the genetic resources of valuable tree species, and promoting the cultural and spiritual values ​​of the people in the area.

As Sy and the team of reporters and editors

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/dan-toc-thai-mong-la-ha-o-son-la-gin-giu-cay-di-san-de-phat-trien-du-lich-2342880.html