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Located by the Hau River, Binh Thuy Communal House is one of the most ancient architectural structures in Can Tho, renowned for its unique cultural value.
The history of Binh Thuy Communal House
Binh Thuy Communal House was constructed in 1909 during the reign of King Tu Duc. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a witness to significant historical periods. The communal house reflects the cultural and spiritual life of the Southern Vietnamese people across generations. Despite the passage of time, it has preserved architectural features deeply rooted in the identity of the Mekong Delta region.
According to the locals of Long Tuyen village, the communal house is also known as 'Long Tuyen Ancient Temple.' From the early days of the Mekong Delta's development (late 17th to early 18th century), this vast area was just beginning to form villages. Notable examples include Tan An by Can Tho River, Thoi An in O Mon, and Binh Thuy by Binh Thuy River. Villages were established, followed by markets, bridges, roads, and cultural and spiritual structures.
In the fifth year of King Tu Duc's reign, the site was officially recognized as the Guardian Deity of the Region. In addition to worshipping the guardian deity, the communal house also honors the tiger god, forest god, agricultural god, and national heroes. Legend has it that when the royal envoy Huynh Man Dat traveled along the Hau River and encountered a fierce storm, he sought refuge here, and the storm calmed. He named the village Binh Thuy, and later, villagers contributed funds to renovate the communal house, renaming it Binh Thuy Communal House.
The unique architecture of the communal house
Surrounded by a quadrilateral fence following ancient feng shui principles, the communal house is positioned with the North facing the Hau River. To the East lies the gentle flow of Binh Thuy Canal, resembling a silk ribbon winding around. The South connects to Le Hong Phong Street, linking to major roads for convenient trade. Finally, the West side borders a bustling residential area. This location embodies the feng shui elements of 'proximity to river, authority, and market.'
Binh Thuy Communal House stands out with its Southern Vietnamese architecture blended with Nguyen Dynasty artistry. The main structure features unique characteristics typical of Western region communal houses. The front hall and main sanctuary are square-shaped, each supported by six sturdy columns. These columns are intricately carved with motifs like dragons and peonies. The entrance is highlighted by yin-yang tiled roofs and high walls. Inside, the solemn space houses altars for the guardian deity, alongside parallel sentences and horizontal lacquered boards.
The distinctive value of the communal house
Beyond being a place of worship, Binh Thuy Communal House serves as a community hub. During the resistance against the French and Americans, it hosted secret meetings. Annually, it hosts significant festivals like Ky Yen, Thuong Dien, and Ha Dien, celebrating favorable weather and bountiful harvests. These events also honor the ancestors who pioneered the land.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnOctober 1, 2024
