Na Day village, located about 2 km from the center of Muong Khuong commune, is home to the Nung ethnic minority who have lived there for generations. Upon arriving in Na Day, we were extremely impressed by the rocky mountain next to the village's fields, dotted with ancient trees resembling giant mounds of sticky rice.
The protected forest area in Na Đẩy village covers approximately 2 hectares.
Locals say this is a protected forest of the village that has existed for hundreds of years, strictly guarded by the people, and therefore still contains many valuable trees.
Mrs. Lu Gia Ngan (82 years old), a Nung ethnic woman from Na Day village, said: "Sixty years ago, when I came to Na Day village as a daughter-in-law, I saw a lush, ancient forest here. The elders in the village said that the forest was the dwelling place of the spirits, so no one was allowed to enter to cut down trees or break branches. In the spring, after the Lunar New Year, the villagers would go into the forest to perform rituals to worship the forest. Normally, very few people, including those from the village and other places, enter this forest. Over the years, thanks to the awareness campaigns by officials, no one in the village or the surrounding area has encroached upon this forbidden forest."
The ancient forest on the rocky mountain of Na Day village, with its many mysteries, beckoned us to explore and experience it. Despite the light rain and fog, the villagers of Na Day enthusiastically guided us on a tour of the forbidden forest.
Crossing the village's fields leads to the forest entrance, where a sign displays the name of the protected forest and regulations for its protection. Previously, the path within the protected forest was a narrow and difficult one, but in recent years, villagers have pooled their money and labor to build brick and concrete steps for easier access.
A sign reading "Forbidden Forest" is placed at the forest entrance.
Just 50 meters into the protected forest, we could feel the profound tranquility of the ancient forest and see many old trees growing right along the roadside. Among them were centuries-old trees such as the Sương and Nghiến trees, with trunks over 30 meters high and bases so large that two or three people holding hands couldn't encircle them; and giant Móc trees laden with clusters of fruit.
The forest has a diverse ecosystem with many species of trees, vines, and shrubs. Many kinds of fruits and seeds fall to the ground, and many young plants sprout from the damp, decaying organic matter.
Inside the protected forest, there are many very large trees.
Continuing uphill towards the mountaintop, we arrived at a small shrine. Mr. Ly Lung Chi, Secretary of the Na Day Village Party Branch, explained: "This is where the villagers of Na Day still hold a forest worship ceremony on the 30th day of the 2nd lunar month every year. The shaman offers the forest spirit various offerings contributed by the villagers, such as pork, chicken, sticky rice, wine, and fruits, to thank the forest spirit and pray for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and a prosperous life for the people. After the ceremony, the villagers celebrate together, enjoying the offerings right in the sacred forest."
Many young trees grow under the forest canopy.
The trees in the Na Đẩy protected forest are laden with fruit.
Also at the village's forest worship ceremony, the Nung people of Na Day village together reviewed the year's forest protection work, identifying those who violated the village's regulations and customs in order to educate and remind them. At the same time, the villagers discussed solutions to protect the forest and keep the sacred forest of the village always green and healthy. Anyone entering the forest to cut trees, collect firewood, or cultivate fields will be punished according to the village's regulations.
The Nung people in Na Day believe that violating the sacred forest will result in divine punishment and misfortune. It is thanks to this belief in worshipping the forest spirits that the Na Day sacred forest has remained lush and green for hundreds of years.
Thanks to the belief in worshipping the forest god, the Na Đẩy protected forest has remained lush and green for hundreds of years.
Mr. Then Lo Son, Head of Na Day village, shared: "The protected forest of Na Day village covers an area of about 2 hectares. It is a sacred forest of the village, with many historical and cultural values. This is a precious asset left to us by our ancestors. The forest contains many valuable timber species such as ironwood, sandalwood, and other types of trees."
Over the years, I have consistently encouraged villagers to actively protect the protected forest and other forests in the village. In addition, the villagers maintain the custom of holding an annual forest worship ceremony. Through this awareness campaign, no one enters the forest to cut down trees, not even to break branches or collect dry wood for firewood.
Many fallen and broken trees remain untouched by the locals for use.
According to Mr. Son, the Na Day protected forest has a diverse ecosystem, linked to the cultural heritage of the Nung people's forest worship ceremony in the village, thus having great potential for developing ecotourism and experiential tourism. In addition, Na Day village is near the Muong Khuong market, and the villagers still maintain their traditional weaving craft according to their ethnic identity.
The people of Na Day village hope that the local Party committee, government, and all levels and sectors will pay attention to exploiting the tourism development potential of the Na Day protected forest in particular and Na Day village in general, so that it can become an attractive tourist destination for visitors.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/kham-pha-ve-dep-rung-cam-na-day-post891165.html
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