Under the old roof

These houses, some over 50 years old, even hundreds of years old, have been preserved by the locals, retaining the ancient values ​​of the once-famous riverside countryside of the Mekong Delta.

Intricately carved wooden partitions adorn the walls of Mr. Le Van Cop's house. Photo: Phuong Lan.

In the tranquil island region, the house of Mr. Le Van Cop (90 years old), residing in Long Thanh hamlet, Long Dien commune, built in 1971, is the culmination of his dedication and the efforts of skilled carpenters. The highlight that gives the house its "soul" is the intricately carved wooden panels and partitions featuring delicate dragon and phoenix motifs above the altar. To achieve these meticulous details, the craftsmen from the old Cho Moi area had to live and work at the house for an entire month. Each chisel stroke and carving reflects the patience and skillful hands of the talented carpenters.

The house is constructed primarily from teak wood, known for its durability and resistance to termites and woodworms. After more than 50 years, the pillars and walls still retain their polished, sturdy appearance. The elevated stilt house architecture, combined with the natural wood materials, keeps the interior cool, creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

Beyond its wooden structure, the house also preserves spiritual and cultural traditions through the respectfully displayed portraits of ancestors. Old pendulum clocks still tick regularly, and polished glass paintings gleam. Having lived in this house for almost his entire life, Mr. Cop remains proud of the traditions he has diligently preserved.

If Mr. Cop's house is a symbol of exquisite carving art, then the ancestral shrine of Mrs. Tran Thi Xuan Thuy (born in 1957), residing in Long Thanh hamlet, Long Dien commune, is a historical testament with a history of over a century. Viewed from the outside, Mrs. Thuy's "Tran Family Ancestral Shrine" appears solemn and beautiful, a vivid testament to the unique cultural and architectural fusion of the early 20th century.

The house boasts a perfectly symmetrical layout with three gracefully arched doorways, creating a visual rhythm that is both solid and elegant. The most striking feature is the blend of Western architectural sophistication and the refined spirit of Eastern design. Sturdy columns, with intricately carved capitals in a classical style, support the curving arches, reminiscent of the architecture of ancient mansions.

The exterior architecture, set against a predominantly cream-yellow backdrop – a characteristic color of Indochina-era architecture – is adorned with vibrant green floral motifs by skilled craftsmen. According to Ms. Thuy, this house was built by her grandparents. The famous name "Ba Ve Market" in the old Cho Moi area originated from her grandmother. As a woman holding a position of authority (wife of a military officer) and owning a large plot of land, Ms. Thuy's grandmother established the market in 1945 to provide a place for people to trade and earn a living. Despite historical changes and name changes, the people here have resolutely retained the name "Ba Ve Market" as a way of showing gratitude to the woman who pioneered and built the prosperity of this land.

The value of the house also lies in the continuity between generations. Although modern life consumes much of our time, during Tet (Lunar New Year) or ancestral commemoration days, the house becomes a spiritual anchor for descendants to gather. Stories about the virtues of our ancestors and the customs and traditions of our grandparents are naturally and persistently recounted, helping future generations understand and remember their roots. "The house is a place for cultivating gratitude, where each memory shared becomes a precious asset for the members of our Tran family to continue preserving our family traditions," shared Mrs. Thuy.

Although time continues to pass and life goes on naturally, many people still preserve the cultural values ​​and family traditions of their old homes.

PHUONG LAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/duoi-mai-nha-xua-a480807.html