To date, there are no official records about the origin or name of the ancient Ba Le well. Elderly people in Hoi An only know that the well was built around the 13th or 9th century. The name Ba Le originated around the 20th century, given by the person who undertook the well's restoration.
The Bá Lễ well is square-shaped and, according to legend, was built by the Cham people. The well's walls are constructed of brick, making it sturdy and durable.
At the bottom of the well is a wide, ancient wooden frame made of ironwood, thousands of years old, yet it remains intact. Layers of moss clinging to the well's walls create an antique charm characteristic of Hoi An.
The ancient well has a square opening – a characteristic feature of the ancient Cham people's construction style. Photo: PL
A corner of the Vo clan's ancestral temple, where Vo Ba Le is worshipped – the man who restored the ancient well from the French colonial era. Photo: TH
The people of Hoi An believe that using water from the Ba Le well for cooking makes the local specialties taste richer and more flavorful.
Ms. Thi, the "successor" of the famous black sesame candy stall, shared: "For authentic black sesame candy to taste good, you must use water from the Ba Le well. Cooking it with other water will ruin the flavor."
The profession of carrying water for hire to serve restaurants also originated from the Ba Le well. The water from this ancient well is used to create Hoi An's famous delicacies. Photo: TH
The strange thing is that the Ba Le well never runs dry, regardless of the rainy season or the most severe droughts.
Many people here believe that when a newborn baby is bathed in the ancient Ba Le well, their skin will be rosy, they will be healthy, and grow quickly. Many households still have the habit of drinking well water and making tea with Ba Le well water, because they are accustomed to the sweet, cool, and clean taste that tap water cannot replace.
The Ba Le well is located in a small, unfenced plot of land, allowing Hoi An residents to come here daily to fetch water for their use. Photo: TH
The people of Hoi An have always believed in animism, that everything around us has its own soul. They believe that the Ba Le well always cherishes the people of Hoi An and brings the best things to this ancient land.
About half a meter from the well's mouth stands a very solemn altar dedicated to the well god. On the nights of the full moon or the first day of the lunar month, the people of Hoi An still maintain the tradition of bringing flowers, fruits, incense, and candles to offer thanks for the cool water that the Ba Le well provides to Hoi An. The Ba Le well is inseparable from the ancient town, making the culture and cuisine of this place even more special.
Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/photo/hoi-an-gieng-co-ngan-nam-khong-can-606929.html
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