Discussion about the sacred land of the Five Villages of Tra Kieu

The Five Villages Church of Tra Kieu - a national historical site. Photo: TC

The seminar, organized by the Duy Son Commune People's Committee and the Council of Clans of the Five Communes of Tra Kieu, took place on May 4th, with the theme "Land and People of the Five Communes of Tra Kieu" and aimed to gather feedback for the creation of a special publication about this region.

At the seminar, experts, historians, cultural researchers, and delegates from Da Nang, Quang Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, etc., contributed many opinions on the origin of the name "Tra Kieu," the history, and the figures of the five villages of Tra Kieu from the past to the present.

Tra Kieu is a sacred land, the former capital of the Champa kingdom. According to historical documents, Tra Kieu village was formed about 553 years ago (1471), since the time when 13 founding ancestors left the Thanh-Nghe-Tinh region and other places in the North to follow King Le Thanh Tong, carrying swords to fight invaders and expand the country, and successively chose this land to establish Tra Kieu village. This was once the leading unit of the "three great communes of Quang Nam ".

To commemorate the noble merits of the ancestors and forefathers, during the reign of King Hy Tong in the Chanh Hoa era (1680), the elders of the various clans built the ancestral temple of the Five Villages of Tra Kieu.

The passage of time has further enriched Tra Kieu in all aspects, including literature, martial arts, and handicrafts. In terms of national defense and people's well-being, Tra Kieu's contribution is significant.

In the past, the land of Ngũ Xã had Governor Mạc Cảnh Huống, who bravely fought in battles, excelling in both military and literary arts, assisting the Nguyễn lords in expanding the territory. In the 1930s of the 20th century, there were revolutionary pioneers who sacrificed themselves for the country and the people.

The seminar recorded the opinions of many experts on the name, history, and people of Tra Kieu. Photo: TT

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tai, Chairman of the Council of Clans of the Five Communes of Tra Kieu, said: “For hundreds of years, despite the geographical divisions, the hearts of the people of the Five Communes have remained united. The Ancestral Temple of the Five Communes is considered a common home, dedicated to the ancestors and founders who contributed to the founding and preservation of the nation, and the establishment of Tra Kieu village. Because of its great significance, the Ancestral Temple of the Five Communes of Tra Kieu (located in Tra Chau village, Duy Son commune) was classified as a National Historical Monument by the State in 2005. Every year, during festivals and holidays, generations of descendants of the Five Communes gather here to offer prayers and incense in remembrance of their ancestors' merits.”

At the seminar, the organizers also noted many opinions from experts, historians, cultural researchers, and delegates regarding the thematic ideas, concepts, and content structure for the upcoming publication "Land and People of the Five Villages of Tra Kieu".

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