The sustainable journey of Thanh heritage: The shape of a thousand-year heritage

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - Through the many changes of history, Thanh Hoa still preserves within itself unique heritages, which are both a thousand-year mark and an endless source of culture. From the Ho Dynasty Citadel standing tall between heaven and earth to the rhythmic sound of the Xuan Pha gong echoing in life, the "heritage image" of Thanh Hoa not only recounts the heroic past, but also affirms the everlasting vitality of cultural values ​​through the centuries.

Ba Trieu Temple Festival - a unique highlight in Thanh culture.

The spirit of a thousand years remains

Located in a strategic position of the country, Thanh Hoa has long been considered a land of spiritual energy, the birthplace of kings, heroes, and is also the cradle of many unique cultural values. Through many historical changes, the layers of cultural sediments preserved have formed a rich and diverse heritage system, but above all, the values ​​are unique and few lands have.

The Ho Dynasty Citadel was built in the late 14th century, a testament to the wisdom and creativity of our ancestors. The giant stone blocks fitted together without adhesives, the majestic gates still standing strong after more than 600 years, all affirm that this is a priceless heritage. In 2011, when UNESCO honored the Ho Dynasty Citadel as a world cultural heritage, not only the people of Thanh Hoa but also the whole country of Vietnam were proud. This work is not simply an architectural mark, but also contains the aspiration and vision to renew the country at a turbulent historical time. It is this uniqueness that has created the timeless value of the Ho Dynasty Citadel.

No less unique is the Lam Kinh Historical Relic Site - the birthplace of the Later Le Dynasty. Now, Lam Kinh is not only a sacred land, the resting place of the ancestors, emperors and queens of the Le Dynasty, but also a cultural space that crystallizes the quintessence of many centuries. From ancient mausoleums, temples and palaces to the annual Lam Kinh festival, it has created a unique cultural space, both sacred and intimate. It is here that the spirit of prosperity, loyalty and the bond between the dynasty and the people is affirmed. Coming to Lam Kinh during the festival (21st and 22nd of the 8th lunar month), amidst the golden color of the ancient trees in autumn and the resounding sound of festival drums, we seem to relive the heroic atmosphere when Le Loi raised the flag of the Lam Son uprising, opening an era of long-term independence and autonomy for the nation.

From another perspective, Thanh Hoa's heritage still preserves the spirit of the village and commune community through hundreds of ancient communal houses, temples and pagodas. From the majestic Ba Trieu Temple to the Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda - an ancient pagoda of the Ly Dynasty... All are like spiritual pillars of life for many generations. Each heritage not only contains pure historical value, but also depicts the spirit of Thanh Hoa people: resilient, kind, loyal and full of aspirations.

Eternal cultural soul

If the citadels and temples represent strength and intelligence, the intangible heritage of Thanh Hoa affirms the sophistication, sentiment and depth of the soul of the ethnic communities on this land. The art of Xuong giao duyen performance of the Muong ethnic group; the Cham do ho ritual of the Tho ethnic group; the rain-praying custom of the Thai ethnic group; Dong Anh folk songs and dances; Xuan Pha play... have become sources that flow forever through many generations. It is not only a form of performance but also a community memory, a place to convey thoughts, feelings and aspirations for life. Each melody is like the voice of the past echoing back, connecting today with the past, helping us feel more clearly the origin of identity.

Xuan Pha Play - National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Dong Anh folk songs and dances - a unique form of folk performance, imbued with regional nuances, was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017. In that melody, we encounter the rhythm of working life, joy, sadness and the sincerity of the people of Thanh Hoa. Artist Le Thi Canh in Vien Khe 1 village, Dong Son ward once shared: "Dong Anh folk songs and dances are not only lyrics, singing, and stories, but also a way for us to connect emotions and the bonds that bind the community. Through each song, each story: Lamp dance, Drum and gong, Ngo, Xiem Thanh, Tien Cuoi... we feel like we are talking to our ancestors".

Along with that, traditional festivals such as Lam Kinh festival, Le Hoan temple festival, Ba Trieu temple festival, Mai An Tiem festival, Dinh Thi festival, Song Son - Ba Doi festival... are not only occasions to commemorate the merits of ancestors but also spaces to recreate the spirit of solidarity, pride and will of the community. Each ritual, drum sound, gong sound carries a profound message: heritage does not lie dormant in the past but is vividly present in every step of the community today.

Going deeper into daily life, traditional crafts such as Nga Son sedge mats, Tra Dong bronze casting, Hong Do silk weaving, brocade weaving... are also part of the "heritage image" of thousands of years. Each handicraft product is not simply a commodity but also a crystallization of memories, of skillful hands, of a philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Therefore, looking at each mat, each bronze statue, people can see more clearly the soul of a land that has lived, has contributed, and has preserved eternal values.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Mai Van Tung (Hong Duc University): “Thanh heritage is unique in that it is both macroscopic, associated with dynasties and national history, and microscopic, close to every lifestyle, custom and practice. It is this combination that creates lasting vitality, making the heritage here never forgotten, despite the ups and downs of history. The heritage values ​​left behind are not only for nostalgia, but also for admiration, pride and reflection on the present, to give strength for new journeys.”

In short, the journey of Thanh heritage is the journey of history, culture and people. Each citadel, each temple, each folk song, each festival is a piece of a big picture, through which we can see the appearance of a land of "spiritual land and talented people", where eternal spiritual values ​​converge and spread. And that thousand-year-old "heritage image", today still stands tall, resonates, and goes deep into the life of Thanh people.

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/hanh-trinh-ben-vung-cua-di-san-xu-thanh-bai-1-dang-di-san-ngan-nam-264175.htm