Chieng Chau Commune preserves and conserves heritage trees

Not only having historical and cultural value, heritage trees are also the pride of local people. Therefore, the work of preserving and promoting the value of heritage trees is focused on by Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district.

 

The star apple tree in Mo hamlet, Chieng Chau commune is considered a "living witness" to the ups and downs throughout the history of Mai Chau land.

About 2km from Mai Chau town, the banyan tree in Mo hamlet, Chieng Chau commune is the only tree in the district recognized as a Vietnamese heritage tree, considered a "living witness" to the ups and downs throughout the history of Mai Chau. The people here know by heart the legendary story of the time when the black flag bandits from the North, commanded by General Luu Huu Phuc, came down from Moc Chau ( Son La ) and ordered their troops to build a fortification in the banyan tree area in Mo hamlet in order to occupy Mai Chau. Wherever the cruel bandits went, they plundered the people's property, destroyed crops, killed young men in the village and soldiers, took their heads and presented them to the General to claim credit and hung them on the banyan tree to show their power. After claiming credit, they dug a hole and buried them about 200m from the banyan tree towards Thanh Hoa. Every time they passed by here, the people were extremely indignant at the barbaric crimes of the bandits. Therefore, they nurtured the will to repel the invaders. The star apple tree in Mo hamlet became a witness to a crime of the past.

During the French colonial period, the enemy continued to arrest and kill people without reason, then cut off their heads and hung them on the banyan tree. The banyan tree was once stained with the blood of many patriotic soldiers. During the war years, the enemy bombed heavily, and the old banyan tree became a meeting place for militia and guerrillas, and a place to set up battle formations. The tree is a historical witness in the two wars of the nation, a savior protecting the villagers.

In 2016, the banyan tree in Mo hamlet was honored as a Vietnamese heritage tree. Thanks to being well protected, the ancient banyan tree is still intact, spreading green shade all year round. People in the hamlet regularly take turns taking care of and cleaning it. The banyan tree in Mo hamlet is not only an ancient tree but also a historical witness, a cultural beauty, and a source of pride for local people. "The recognition of the banyan tree in Mo hamlet as a heritage tree is important in preserving and promoting the value of cultural identity, and is an opportunity to arouse patriotism and the strength of national solidarity. We have promoted the people in the hamlet to join hands in protecting the tree, in addition to planting more flowers and ornamental plants around it, regularly cleaning to create a green - clean - beautiful landscape and environment," said Ms. Ha Thi Yen, Secretary of the Mo hamlet Party Cell, Chieng Chau Commune.

"To protect and preserve the everlasting tree, the People's Committee of Chieng Chau commune assigned the hamlet to look after, care for, create a green - clean - beautiful landscape, and regularly monitor the situation of the ancient tree. Along with Lac village, Lang cave, Pieng Kem cave, the tree in Mo hamlet - a Vietnamese heritage tree associated with the land of Muong Thuong, Chieng Chau commune. Some local tourism workers are cherishing the idea of building a series of experiential activities with the schedule of Mo hamlet tree - Lac village - Pieng Kem cave to contribute to introducing and promoting the beautiful destination of Chieng Chau, with historical value and rich in Thai ethnic cultural identity", shared Mr. Ha Van Tiep, Chairman of the People's Committee of Chieng Chau commune.

The conservation and care of heritage trees plays an important role in protecting the natural environment and rare genetic resources. The tree of Xom Mo is recognized as a Vietnamese heritage tree, which plays an important role in preserving and promoting the value of cultural identity, arousing patriotism, and creating great national unity. With its historical, cultural and spiritual values, the tree of Xom Mo together with the Bon village temple (Xom Chieng Chau) is the premise for Chieng Chau commune to promote and develop spiritual tourism.

 

Thanh Loan

(Cultural, Sports and Tourism Center of Mai Chau district)

Source: https://baohoabinh.com.vn/16/199431/Xa-Chieng-Chau-gin-giu,-bao-ton-cay-di-san.htm