05:38, 14/01/2024
Lesson 2: Experiencing Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu is not only famous for the legend of the wealthy Bac Lieu公子 (young master), but also a land with very interesting cultural experiences such as traditional folk music and the unique identities of the Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa ethnic groups…
The colorful culture of Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu is the birthplace of the famous musician Cao Van Lau, author of the renowned song "Da Co Hoai Lang". To commemorate and honor this talented musician, Bac Lieu province built a theater named after Cao Van Lau, featuring the image of three conical hats. According to provincial leaders, the image of three conical hat roofs clustered together symbolizes the three largest ethnic groups that have long coexisted in Bac Lieu: the Kinh, the Hoa, and the Khmer.
Although not as multi-ethnic as many places in the Central Highlands, Bac Lieu is still a locality rich in identity with the coexistence and harmony of three main ethnic groups: Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa. Throughout their lives, these ethnic groups have worked together, shared feelings, and harmonized while still preserving their unique identities.
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| Visit the Bac Lieu Provincial Museum. |
After strolling through the streets of Bac Lieu City, we visited a very important historical and cultural site: the Bac Lieu Provincial Museum at 25 Hai Ba Trung Street. The museum houses many valuable artifacts related to history and archaeology for those interested in the Oc Eo period, the Kingdom of Chenla, and Theravada Buddhism… Our guide, Nguyen Thi Phuong, led us on a tour and provided explanations. After briefly mentioning the Kinh and Khmer ethnic groups, she explained about the Chinese community in Bac Lieu: “The Chinese who came here are mainly migrants to our country (primarily from the Southwestern region) when the Qing dynasty came to power in China, hoping to overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming. No matter where they go, the Chinese never lose their ethnic identity. Just look at the artifacts in this museum, such as carrying poles, containers, and clothing… it’s enough to see how well they have preserved their identity. Despite their strong awareness of preserving their cultural identity, the Chinese people in Bac Lieu and other localities in Vietnam always integrate with other ethnic groups, making important contributions to the building and protection of the Vietnamese Fatherland.”
Visiting the house of the wealthy young man of Bac Lieu.
When visiting Bac Lieu, one cannot miss the Bac Lieu Prince Memorial House, built in 1919.
This house and the wealth of the Bac Lieu Prince have probably been mentioned a lot in the press. The architecture and luxurious furnishings inside the house show that the owner, Tran Trinh Huy, was so wealthy that he could rival a nation in terms of riches and enjoyed showing off, which is why he could afford such a structure. In any case, it leaves behind a valuable architectural work with artifacts that bear witness to a bygone era.
I would like to reiterate something that the tour guide at this location emphasized: "The Prince of Bac Lieu was so rich and extravagant that he left behind many anecdotes, some true and some false. Folklore often embellishes and invents things, so we need to carefully consider the information we receive. For example, there is no such thing as the Black Prince and the White Prince burning money to cook eggs; this is just a fabricated story."
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| Tourists listen to stories about the Prince of Bac Lieu. |
So, besides witnessing firsthand the immense wealth and valuable architecture of the Bac Lieu Prince's mansion, satisfying one's curiosity, what else can visitors gain from a visit? The question might seem a bit tricky, but upon reflection, it has some merit.
According to the author of this article, coming here allows one to see more clearly the extent of the gap between rich and poor in the past, to witness the extravagance and wastefulness of the wealthy landowners who lived off the backs of their tenants. It was precisely because of this that the poor united to participate in the revolution, liberating themselves, gradually eliminating exploitation and injustice, and building a prosperous and happy life. This is also the noble and consistent goal of genuine and thorough revolutions, so that the dreams and hopes of many can soon become a reality.
(To be continued)
Lesson 3: "I heard Ca Mau is very far away..."
Pham Xuan Dung
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