Kim Son - the development aspirations of Hoai An people

According to the Resolution on the policy of arranging commune-level administrative units of Binh Dinh province in 2025 (approved at the 23rd session of the 13th Provincial People's Council), Kim Son commune was established on the basis of merging the two current communes of An Nghia and Bok Toi of Hoai An district. The place name Kim Son contains many layers of meaning associated with the natural characteristics, cultural traditions and aspirations for sustainable development of the local community.

Cultural symbols and aspirations for prosperity

According to Sino-Vietnamese, “Kim Son” can be understood as “golden mountain” or “gold-producing mountain”. This name appeared quite early in ancient Southern documents. In the book Nam Su, in the section Hai Nam Chu Quoc Chi, there is a record of a mountain with the same name “Kim Son” with the characteristic of red rocks, containing metal minerals inside. This suggests the possibility that the name Kim Son in Hoai An is also related to the geology of the land - where there used to be or was expected to have mineral resources.

In the traditional concept of agricultural residents, naming villages, mountains, rivers, etc. is not simply to determine the spatial location, but also to convey the wish for a fertile land, "giving birth to happiness and prosperity". "Kim Son" can therefore be understood as a blessing, a metaphor rich in evocative power about abundance, wealth and development for residents living here.

Tra Koi Waterfall in Bok Toi Commune.   Photo: VO CHI HA

Besides its material significance, Kim Son in ancient Chinese and Vietnamese literature is also used as a symbol of morality, character and virtue. For example, in the book Luong Thu , section Chu Di Truyen, the image of “Kim Son ten thousand feet” is used to praise the noble dignity of human beings. This shows that, in the minds of ancient people, Kim Son is not only a mountain, but also represents good, lofty and worthy values.

From that, it can be affirmed that the designation "Kim Son" also partly reflects the desire of the indigenous people for a land associated with virtue and humanity, a place where talented and virtuous people gather, live a good life, and contribute to building a sustainable homeland.

A testament to the cultural value of Binh Dinh place name

Kim Son is a typical example in the Sino-Vietnamese place name system in Binh Dinh, where the names not only record natural features, but also reflect the cultural vision and social psychology of the ancient Vietnamese people. Through these names, we can identify many layers of values, from geography, cultural traditions to community development ideals. This is also a unique feature that needs to be continued to be preserved and promoted in the process of building new rural areas associated with preserving the value of local cultural identity today.

In addition to the geological, ethical and Buddhist meanings, the name “Kim Son” also reflects a very typical naming tradition of ancient Vietnamese people: Using names to entrust the desire for long-term development. In this case, “Kim” (gold) is not only a material thing but also a symbol of preciousness, civilization and prosperity. “Son” (mountain) is a symbol of sustainability, eternity and longevity. Therefore, “Kim Son” can be understood as a land that not only aspires for immediate wealth but also for cultural stability - a place where people can develop knowledge, morality, personality and community spirit.

This wish, when placed in the context of Hoai An land (which was originally a place where people reclaimed and opened up land many centuries ago), becomes even clearer: The people here want to turn the new land into a true "Kim Son", a place where sacred energy gathers, where culture flourishes, is as sustainable as a mountain, and as precious as gold; both rich and solid; both a place of livelihood and a lasting cultural space.

The place name Kim Son is a typical case of the polysemy and multi-layered nature of Vietnamese-Chinese place names in the cultural space of Binh Dinh. Through the layers of geographical, ethical, religious meanings to development ideals, “Kim Son” fully reflects an agricultural-spiritual-ethical worldview , where language becomes a means for people to build not only living space, but also spiritual space for their community.

Dr. VO MINH HAI (Quy Nhon University)

Source: https://baobinhdinh.vn/viewer.aspx?macm=1&macmp=2&mabb=355319