Preserving the memories of our ancestors.
For over 20 years, on the 1st and 15th mornings of the lunar month, Mr. Thai Nhi (85 years old) has cycled to the church to offer incense and visit the tomb of the patriot Thai Thi Boi (1911 - 1938).
As the seventh-generation descendant of the family, and also referring to the patriot Thai Phien as his grandfather and the patriot Thai Thi Boi as his aunt, for him, offering incense to his ancestors is not only a responsibility but also a profound expression of pride in his family tradition. Despite his advanced age and declining health, he maintains this habit as a way to connect with his roots.
The Thai clan's historical and cultural complex, comprising Nghi An communal house, the tomb of the patriot Thai Thi Boi, and the Thai clan's ancestral temple – dedicated to the patriotic scholar Thai Phien and Mrs. Thai Thi Boi – was recognized as a provincial-level historical site in 2009. Previously, the tomb of the patriot Thai Thi Boi was located in the Da Nang airport area, causing difficulties for visitors. In 2005, the tomb was moved to the Nghi An communal house. At the same time, the Thai clan's ancestral temple was also relocated from the railway area and rebuilt nearby, creating a more spacious and convenient place of worship for the people and their descendants.
In March 2024, the Ministry of National Defense transferred an additional 5,000 square meters of land to the historical site to expand its space. In early 2025, the city decided to invest over 8.7 billion VND in the restoration and renovation of items such as the Thai clan church, the tomb of Thai Thi Boi, the Nghi An village communal house, the house housing the statues of the patriot Thai Phien and the national hero Thai Thi Boi, the ancestral shrine area, the kitchen area, and the completion of the technical infrastructure and transportation connections. The restoration work was completed in March 2025.
“The patriot Thai Phien and the revolutionary Thai Thi Boi were born in Nghi An village and made many contributions to the history of the nation's revolutionary struggle. Therefore, bringing them back to rest and be worshipped in their homeland, beside the village temple, is very meaningful and sacred. This is not only an act of gratitude but also a symbol of the continuation of the patriotic tradition through many generations,” Mr. Nhi shared.
The patriot Thai Thi Boi called the scholar Thai Phien her uncle. She is also considered to have continued Thai Phien's ideals for the cause of national salvation and liberation. Every year on the 27th day of the 10th lunar month, descendants of the Thai clan gather at the ancestral temple to commemorate their ancestors; offering incense and remembering their forefathers and predecessors.
Community cultural space
Nghi An village is one of the oldest villages in Quang Nam province. According to oral tradition, the village was formed during the reign of Le Thanh Tong, associated with the southward expansion of the Vietnamese people. To this day, Nghi An village has a history of more than 550 years.
Despite the passage of time and numerous changes, this place has preserved its distinctive local cultural values. According to Mr. Thai Nhi, the temple was previously located in a different place before being moved to its current location. Although it has been renovated several times, the temple still retains its majestic and sturdy appearance. Every year on the 11th day of the 4th lunar month, people in the area come to offer flowers and incense to commemorate their ancestors, the founders of the village and the land. This is also an opportunity to educate the younger generations about the history and culture of the region and the national tradition of remembering one's roots.
The Thai clan's ancestral church complex is not only a repository of historical memories but also a symbol of patriotic tradition and community solidarity. In the context of increasingly rapid urbanization, preserving and promoting its value becomes even more significant.
Mr. Pham Van Chuong (a descendant of the Thai ethnic group and manager of the historical site complex) said that during holidays and festivals, the complex becomes a destination for pilgrimage and activities for a large number of students, local people, and the community. Especially on March 8th or October 20th, it also becomes a place for women in the ward to gather and express their admiration and pride for the patriot Thai Thi Boi.
"People come here not only to commemorate the two outstanding sons of Nghi An village, but also to express their pride in the rich culture and history of the land through the shape of the communal house's roof," Mr. Chuong said.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/nha-tho-toc-thai-diem-den-y-nghia-3330734.html
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