Dong Xam ancient features - Thai Binh Electronic Newspaper

Hong Thai commune (Kien Xuong district) is not only famous for its traditional silver carving craft, but it also preserves the distinctive cultural features of the former Northern Vietnamese countryside with a complex of temples and pagodas located next to the Vong River. In particular, many families in this rural area still maintain ancient houses dating back hundreds of years, serving as gathering places and peaceful havens for those who have left their hometowns upon their return.

Dong Xam Temple was built according to the architectural model of the Hue imperial palace.

Sacred historical site complex

Upon arriving at the prosperous Dong Xam silver carving village, visitors can not only enjoy the vibrant sounds of hammers and chisels, and admire the masterpieces created by the skillful hands of talented artisans, but also be overwhelmed by the vast and impressive complex of historical relics that captivate the eye.

According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thuy, the caretaker of Dong Xam Temple, Dong Xam Temple was built according to the model of the Hue imperial palace, tall and spacious, located in a beautiful feng shui location with a river in front and a water pavilion with six gates facing six directions. Dong Xam Temple can be considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese wood carving, stone carving, metalwork, and stucco work from the Nguyen dynasty, and also showcases the essence of Dong Xam silversmiths. With a total area of ​​approximately 1,000 square meters, the temple's components are built symmetrically from inside to out, with the most notable being the rear hall. This is also a unique work of art characteristic of the silversmithing village. The chamber is sealed with perforated copper sheets depicting themes such as mythical creatures, the four seasons, two dragons worshipping the moon, and statues of Emperor Trieu Vu and Empress Trinh Thi, cast in gold-inlaid and silver-plated copper. In front of the temple are two bridges on either side, a river, a dragon-shaped fence, and five tigers guarding the courtyard, creating an imposing atmosphere that immediately evokes a sense of solemnity in visitors upon entering. Every year, during the Dong Xam festival, local people and numerous visitors from all over flock back to participate in many folk games and unique cultural activities such as Ca Tru singing, Cheo singing, processions of the patron saint, and ceremonial rituals.

The people of Hong Thai commune (Kien Xuong district) preserve the art of Ca Tru singing.

Right in the center of the historical site complex is the temple dedicated to the founder of the craft, Mr. Nguyen Kim Lau, which also bears many significant historical traces. According to historical records, around the beginning of the 15th century, Mr. Nguyen Kim Lau, originally a blacksmith and copper pot maker, went to Chau Bao Lac (now in Cao Bang province) to practice his trade and learned the goldsmithing craft. He then returned to his village and passed on the silversmithing craft to the people. To show their gratitude to the person who pioneered the craft, the silversmiths of Dong Xam revered him as the founder of the craft and erected a temple in his honor.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Head of the Management Board of the Ancestral Temple of the Dong Xam Goldsmiths' Craft, said: "The most unique thing is that at the beginning of the year and during festivals, all the craftsmen come to light incense and remember the merits of the teacher who taught and passed on the craft to the people in the village. Initially, the temple was just a small shrine. After many renovations and repairs by the craftsmen and villagers, the temple still retains the ancient features of Vietnamese culture, such as the ancient stone stele, the 600-year-old jade well, and the ancient persimmon tree that provides shade all year round. The temple still preserves the royal decree of King Khai Dinh IX, and a set of silver altar items crafted by the people of Dong Xam, preserved and protected as treasures of the ancestral craft."

The beauty of old houses

Besides its unique complex of spiritual relics, when visiting Dong Xam, it's easy to witness the peaceful atmosphere of the old houses. In some areas, the old houses are built close together, with gates and walls following the traditional architecture that has been preserved by the locals to this day.

According to Mr. Nguyen The Hoanh from Bac Dung village: "Because I love the traditional values ​​of our nation, I bought this old house to live in. Even though it's over a hundred years old, the house hasn't deteriorated and still retains its original architecture. The house is 12 meters long, designed with three main rooms and two side rooms. The central room is used for worship, while the other rooms are for living. The intricate carvings and details inside the house are made entirely of ironwood, ensuring high durability. The best thing about the house is that it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter. I'm hard of hearing in a flat-roofed house, but in this old house, I can hear more easily; voices are deeper. Especially, anyone who comes to visit is treated with the same respect as if they were in a historical site or museum, always maintaining a cheerful, gentle, affectionate, and relaxed attitude." The house has become a gathering place for generations of descendants who return on anniversaries and holidays to worship their ancestors, remember their parents, and strengthen family bonds and mutual support.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Mien, 98 years old, from Bac Dung village, proudly shared: "My ancestors left this house to me, the third generation. The house is nearly 200 years old, having been inhabited by many generations and weathered countless storms, yet it retains its ancient charm, primarily constructed from ironwood with exquisite carvings. Furthermore, my family still preserves many valuable items, such as a set of long benches and tables, an ancient gate built in 1940, and a well paved with stone. This house has become a source of pride, representing our family's traditions and values, a place for education , nurturing the souls, and giving wings to the dreams of our descendants."

The unique feature of this old house is that it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

What makes Dong Xam even more unique is that the local people still maintain the art of Ca Tru singing. Mr. Nguyen Van Hao, a member of the Vietnam Folk Ca Tru Association and Chairman of the Thuong Gia Village Folk Culture Club, said: "We don't know the exact origin of Ca Tru in Dong Xam village, but the temple has four ancient Ca Tru songs from the olden days to offer to the deities during festivals. There was a time when Ca Tru was in decline, but since the reopening of the Dong Xam Temple festival in 2000, the local Ca Tru melodies have been restored. To date, the entire commune has more than 20 members in the club who maintain performances during festivals and holidays to offer to the deities and sing for each other in old houses to preserve it for future generations."

Mr. Nguyen Van Niet, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hong Thai commune, affirmed: The locality is one of the very few communes that have fully preserved the distinctive cultural features of the old Northern Vietnamese countryside with its system of temples, pagodas, ancient houses, and many unique folk songs and traditional games. Therefore, the commune will continue to develop its potential and strengths, preserve the ancient charm of the countryside to promote the development of craft village tourism associated with spiritual tourism and experiential tourism, bringing the locality to further development.

Thu Thuy

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/39/212647/net-co-dong-xam