The Vinh Te canal section in Tinh Bien ward. Photo: THANH CHINH
The canals in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle, such as the Vinh Te Canal, Thoai Ha Canal, Cai San Canal, and Vo Van Kiet Canal, are miraculous waterways connecting the past with the present, awakening the pristine land, and opening the door to prosperity and peace. The Vinh Te Canal, a name carrying memories of the pioneering era, flows from the border region to merge with the vast Hau River. Along its course, the Vinh Te Canal silently tells the stories of the militia, soldiers, and women who once carried loads and dug the earth to build the canal. Amidst the scorching sun and torrential rain, countless drops of sweat, tears, and even blood have soaked into the soil, forming layers of sediment that have nurtured the golden rice fields and peaceful villages of today.
As the sun sets over the Vinh Te Canal, its surface reflects the brilliant golden light, tinged with distant memories. The gently flowing water carries the profound stories of the brave sons and daughters of the South who sacrificed their youth, strength, and even their lives to extend the roads that opened up new lands. The canal banks and the trees lining the canals stand silently, witnessing countless changes in time and space, reminding us of the gratitude we owe to our ancestors.
The Thoai Ha Canal flows peacefully and verdantly like a silk ribbon across an endless field. Once a barren, arid land, it is now lush and refreshing. Along its waters, one can hear the echoes of the past, of Thoai Ngoc Hau, with his foresight, unwavering heart, and profound compassion for his people. The Thoai Ha Canal has transformed this desolate land into a fertile one, highlighting the strength of human will in the face of harsh nature.
In the early mornings, when the mist still blankets the fields, the Thoai Ha canal is dreamily beautiful, like a watercolor painting. The calm water reflects the coconut trees and mangrove trees along its banks, creating a peaceful and tranquil scene. The people are deeply connected to the canal, spending their days scooping water hyacinths, rowing boats, and cultivating the land – a simple life imbued with human warmth. The canal is like a lifeblood, a vital link connecting the community, nurturing the souls and dreams of generations.
The Cai San canal is expansive and inclusive, connecting two banks of the homeland, harmonizing cultural flows, and creating bridges of friendship. Each rise and fall of the water on that canal is a reflection of time's changes in the homeland, marking the tolerance of the land and the hearts of its people. On the boats and canoes traveling back and forth, there are the gentle smiles of the simple people, and the clear eyes of innocent children, like drops of morning dew, promising a bright future.
In the late afternoon, as the white egrets fly back to their nests, the Cai San canal resonates with the familiar sounds of everyday life. The splashing of oars, the boisterous laughter and chatter, the folk songs echoing from the houses along the canal – all blend together into a sweet symphony of the countryside. The canal is not only a trade route but also a vibrant cultural space, preserving the beautiful and profound traditional values of the community.
The Vo Van Kiet Canal – the youngest canal, yet full of vibrant energy – is a witness to creativity, innovation, and progress. It is a modern waterway, opening up new routes and opportunities for the southern region. Like our ancestors, today's generation continues to dig canals, open paths, and breathe new life and energy into this land, leaving behind a valuable legacy for future generations.
Along the Vo Van Kiet canal, one can easily encounter vivid images of development: paved roads, rapidly emerging new residential areas, and high-tech fields yielding bountiful harvests. The canal serves as a testament to humanity's ability to master nature, transforming bold ideas into reality and bringing prosperity and abundance to the homeland.
These canals, like silver threads, weave together the shimmering tapestry of the Long Xuyen Quadrangle. We, the descendants, every time we cross these small bridges or stand on the canal banks gazing at the flowing water, cannot help but bow in silent reverence, listening intently to the echoes of the past, feeling grateful and proud of our ancestors who pioneered this land and bequeathed these wondrous canals to us. Furthermore, we understand our responsibility to preserve and further develop these great achievements, so that the canals may forever flow with vitality, nurturing and protecting future generations.
NATURAL
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/dong-kenh-tren-dong-tu-giac-a478254.html
