Countryside fence

"Rural fences are now just like urban fences, all similar: solid concrete walls surrounded by barbed wire, seemingly impenetrable," my friend said regretfully, looking at the fences in the countryside now.

My childhood was spent in a rural area with the simple, endearing image of country fences. Neighboring houses were separated by hedges of hibiscus, bougainvillea, or string of pearls… Every house used a green hedge to separate them… just for show, because no matter what, there were always gaps for children to sneak through to play, and adults found it “convenient” to step over when they needed to.

A hibiscus hedge is a beautiful sight in the countryside. Photo: CT

Everything revolved around the fence, yet strangely, we never got bored. Perhaps it was because the internet and smartphones didn't exist back then that we felt so attached to the things around our hometown? The village fence held onto the memories of us children with our clothes stained with tree sap, with the numerous scars from bumping into thorns and branches. I remember that every time my mother washed our clothes, she would always scold us for getting them covered in sap.

Rural fences are also symbols of village culture and deep neighborly bonds. Every evening, a family boils a pot of fragrant potatoes, and when they're cooked, they stand by the fence and call their neighbors over to share. These conversations under the bright moonlight help people forget their poverty and encourage each other to continue living. Or the sharing of shrimp, fish, and vegetables over the fence further strengthens the bonds of community.

As time passed and people's lives improved, the green hedges were gradually replaced by sturdy brick walls. Children rarely played hide-and-seek anymore; on sunny afternoons, they were often glued to their smartphones, engrossed in countless other forms of entertainment. Occasionally, returning to the countryside, seeing a house with a hibiscus hedge was such a precious experience, bringing back a flood of childhood memories…

Mai Thi Truc

Source: https://www.baobaclieu.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/hang-rao-que-99990.html