Culture and people of Ha Tinh

In the cultural landscape of Vietnam, Ha Tinh province is recognized as a land of spiritual significance and outstanding people. The spiritual energy of the Hong Mountain - Lam River region radiates throughout history, and the continuous stream of talented individuals from generation to generation creates a tremendous resource for the development of Ha Tinh in the present and future.

Ben Thuy Bridge - the northern gateway to Ha Tinh province. Photo: Dau Ha

Crimson and Blue Spiritual Energy

The Lam River flows between the banks of Nghe Tinh province, with the Hong Linh mountain range stretching from Nghi Xuan to Can Loc on its southern bank. The Hong Linh mountains reflect their image in the Lam River. The Lam River meanders, embracing the mountains, villages, and riverbanks. Along its banks are villages and landmarks that bear witness to cultural traditions, such as Tien Dien and Co Dam; the ancient trading port of Hoi Thong; and the archaeological site of Bai Coi - Phoi Phoi. The picturesque landscape also beckons tourists to the ancient Nguyen Du Memorial Site and the modern and romantic Xuan Thanh beach resort .

Following the Hồng mountain range is the North-South highway running through the ancient land of Việt Thường, traditionally believed to be the capital of Ngàn Hống of King Kinh Dương Vương. Here, a complex of historical relics and scenic spots have been restored and invested in, always attracting tourists, such as Đại Hùng Pagoda, Thiên Tượng Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, Tiên Stream, and the temple of the Imperial Censor Bùi Cầm Hổ… The name “Bãi Vọt” has faded into the past, leaving behind traces of a wild and rugged area; instead, the town of Hồng Lĩnh, nestled at the foot of Hồng mountain, is now bursting with youthful vibrancy.

A view of Hong Linh town today.

The majestic mountains and rivers have given rise to countless legends. And the legend of the 99 phoenixes perched on the 99 peaks of Hong Mountain, passed down through the mists of time, has become a sacred source. The legend of Princess Ba - daughter of King Trang Vuong of Chu - who went to Hong Mountain to practice asceticism and attained enlightenment, becoming the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara with a hundred hands and a thousand eyes to save sentient beings, worshipped at Huong Tich Pagoda in Thien Loc (Can Loc), is proof of the sacredness of this entire region.

From the lowlands to the highlands, from plains to cities, everywhere you can easily find traces of history, recording the patriotic, brave, and indomitable traditions of the people of Ha Tinh. These include the Mai Hac De temple in Loc Ha; the Le Khoi temple in Thach Ha; the Ham Nghi citadel in Huong Khe; the Vu Quang base associated with the name of the patriot Phan Dinh Phung; Tam Soa wharf and Quan Hoi hill – home to the tomb of the late General Secretary Tran Phu; the memorial area of ​​the late General Secretary Ha Huy Tap; Dong Loc Crossroads…

Dong Loc Crossroads today.

The great poet Nguyen Du once exclaimed: "The Lam River and Hong Mountain are infinitely beautiful!" Here, beauty lies not only in the scenery but also in the stories of the people who have created the spiritual essence of this land. And it's no coincidence that this cluster of mountains and rivers was inscribed on the Nine Dynastic Urns in Hue by the Nguyen Dynasty, as a symbol of the Hong Lam culture.

Talented individuals - an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

The ancients often said, "A land of spiritual significance produces outstanding people." There are few places like Ha Tinh, where, despite the scorching sun and torrential rain, the people remain passionate about transmitting and creating culture. Poor rural villages have produced renowned scholarly families known throughout the country, such as: Nguyen Khac, Dinh Nho (Huong Son); Phan Tung Mai (Duc Tho); Nguyen Huy (Can Loc); Phan Huy (Loc Ha); the Nguyen family (Tien Dien - Nghi Xuan)...

From the refreshing lineage of these families, many names have entered history books, such as: Nguyen Cong Tru and Bui Cam Ho, statesmen who governed and served the country; Le Huu Trac, a renowned physician; Su Hy Nhan, Nguyen Nghiem, and Phan Huy Ich, masters of history; Dang Dung, Nguyen Bieu, and Phan Dinh Phung, who sacrificed themselves to save the nation; Nguyen Huy Oanh and Bui Duong Lich, outstanding educators and cultural researchers; and the great poet Nguyen Du, a world cultural figure... In the 20th century, many names shone brightly in the fields of politics, science, and art, such as: Tran Phu, Ha Huy Tap, Hoang Xuan Han, Le Van Thiem, Nguyen Khac Vien, Xuan Dieu, Huy Can, Nguyen Dong Chi, Vo Liem Son, and Nguyen Phan Chanh...

Representatives of the Vietnamese delegation receive the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Memory of the World Documentary Heritage certificate for the Sino-Vietnamese texts of Truong Luu village.

1,800 historical and cultural relics and scenic spots, including 617 classified relics, bear witness to the creative talent and dedication of generations of Ha Tinh residents in preserving them. Folk songs such as Vi Giam, Ca Tru, Kieu play, Sac Bua, and Cam Nhuong folk opera have been passed down and developed strongly.

UNESCO has recognized Ca Tru as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding; Vi Giam of Nghe Tinh as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity; the Phuc Giang School woodblocks, Hoang Hoa Su Trinh Do, and the Han Nom texts of Truong Luu village of the Nguyen Huy family as World Memory Documentary Heritage of the Asia-Pacific region… These are creative products, preserved from the qualities and soul of the people of Ha Tinh.

A unique beauty, arguably the identity of the people of Ha Tinh, is the blend of heroic qualities and poetic soul. This is exemplified by Dang Dung in the 15th century, who served the king and fought against invaders, "sharpening his sword under the setting moon"; Nguyen Du, both an envoy and a shining star in the poetry scene of the late 18th and early 19th centuries; Nguyen Cong Tru, both a land reclamation commissioner and a poet, writing lyrics for the Ca Tru genre; and Phan Dinh Phung, who fought and wrote poetry simultaneously. In the 20th century, many heroic sons and daughters faced enemy bombs and bullets, yet their spirits remained optimistic, fighting and writing poetry and songs, exemplified by the example of the ten girls of Dong Loc Crossroads. All of this has forged a Ha Tinh that is a land of learning, poetry, and music, a Ha Tinh of heroic revolution.

Ha Tinh City is becoming increasingly modern and civilized.

Today, the people of Ha Tinh not only preserve but also promote the admirable qualities of studiousness, humanity, loyalty, diligence, and creativity. Families, clans, and villages with generations of studiousness have not only made significant contributions to the "national spirit" but have also shaped the character of the people of Ha Tinh, creating a cultural identity to be passed down to future generations. In the era of Industry 4.0, education in Ha Tinh has even more favorable conditions for strong development. On the national education achievement rankings, Ha Tinh consistently ranks among the top in the percentage of students excelling nationally and internationally, and achieving high scores in university entrance exams. Shining examples such as Trinh Kim Chi, Phan Manh Tan, Le Nam Truong, Vo Anh Duc, Phan Nhat Duy, Phan Xuan Hanh... will continue to inspire.

Therefore, when talking about Ha Tinh, besides its natural resources, people often mention another extremely valuable resource: its cultural and human resources. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, the people of Ha Tinh today are shining brightly in all directions. According to survey data from 1945 to the present, nearly 750 people from Ha Tinh have been awarded the academic titles of professor and associate professor. Many leading scientists and top experts from Ha Tinh have made significant contributions to the country and the world.

Eight students from Ha Tinh province won first prize in the national excellent student competition for the 2022-2023 school year.

The Resolution of the 19th Provincial Party Congress emphasizes: Consistently implementing the sustainable development perspective; placing people at the center, with science and technology as the foundation and driving force; arousing aspirations, willpower, innovation, and creativity; and promoting the cultural identity and human values ​​of Ha Tinh. This serves as a guiding principle for all actions, enabling Party committees, government, and people to strive even harder in promoting the position and strength of Ha Tinh's culture and people in the new era; and to implement flexible and creative solutions to exploit cultural and human resources for the development of the homeland and the country.

Bui Minh Hue

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/nui-hong-song-la/van-hoa-con-nguoi-ha-tinh-nguon-luc-to-lon-de-phat-trien/249019.htm