The festival gathers various beliefs including Taoism, Buddhism and Mother Goddess (Photo: laodongthudo.vn)

Thuy was speaking at a ceremony hosted by Bac Tu Liem district to name Chem Communal House a Special National Relic Site.

"With its unique layout and history, the architecture cannot be found in other communal houses and temples in the region,” she added.

The Chem Communal House was built around 1,200 years ago, making it one of the oldest buildings in Vietnam.

The house is dedicated to Thuong Dang Thien Vuong Ly Ong Trong who served under King Hung Due Vuong (the last branch of the Hong Bang dynasty - 408 to 258 BC), and An Duong Vuong, who ruled over the kingdom of Au Lac (now Vietnam) from 257 to 207 BC.

The communal house has been a spiritual meeting place over the centuries on the banks of the Hong (Red) River, and residents of Thuy Phuong commune now worship there.

According to Do Manh Tuan, Chairman of the district People’s Committee, there are 135 relic sites in the area. "Chem Communal House has the most notable architecture and carvings,” he said.

"It features the most delicate carving skills within its design,” commented researcher Nguyen Thanh Vu from the ministry. "The communal house has been a valuable source for anyone who wants to study the history, culture and customs of the ancient land to the west of Thang Long Citadel.”

The house is still home to 16 books written in the Han Chinese script, three royal decrees issued by Nguyen kings, four ancient stone steles, 10 statues, dozens of horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences, two bronze bells and other valuable objects.

There is also an incense burner that dates back thousands of years and bronze rain gutters made during King Le Hien Tong’s reign (1740-1786).

"I’ve instructed authorities to draft a plan to preserve the house,” said Thuy. "The management board needs to install a fence around the site prevent neighbours from encroaching on it. It also needs to protect the ancient objects housed at the site and use financial contributions from individuals and agencies to repair the house,” she added.

The Chem Communal House festival is among the most ancient customs in the capital, and is held in middle of the 5th lunar month.

The festival attracts various beliefs including Taoism, Buddhism and Mother Goddess.

"The festival should be managed by the local community, and local authorities should ensure security and safety for the event,” Thuy said.

                   Source: VNA

Related Topics

Chieng Chau commune preserves heritage tree

Ever-resonating Dong Son drums of Hoa Binh

Mo Muong - unique cultural heritage of Muong people

Unique traits of ethnic groups in Hoa Binh

---

Promoting Hoa Binh cultural heritage values: Part 3 - Reviving traditional values

Hoa Binh province has carried out multiple programmes and initiatives to revive its cultural heritage which has gradually fallen into oblivion through the ebbs and flows of history.

Exploring Hoa Binh Culture

The most prominent and defining feature in the prehistoric era of Hoa Binh is the Hoa Binh Culture. The Culture was first discovered in Hoa Binh. The significant prehistoric culture represents not only Vietnam but also Southeast Asia and southern China. Through excavations of cave sites in the limestone regions of Hoa Binh, French archaeologist M. Colani introduced the world to a "Stone Age in Hoa Binh province – Northern Vietnam" in 1927. On January 30, 1932, the First Congress of Far Eastern Prehistorians, held in Hanoi, officially recognised the Hoa Binh Culture.

Promoting Hoa Binh cultural heritage values: Part 2 - Rich cultural heritage in Vietnam’s northwest gateway

Known as the "Land of Epic History”, Hoa Binh province, the gateway to Vietnam’s northwest, boasts a strategic location and a unique cultural tapestry woven by its ethnic minority communities.

Receiving the certificate of the historical and cultural site at the provincial level for Sau Communal House, Thanh Cao Commune

The People's Committee of Luong Son District recently held a ceremony to receive the certificate recognizing Sau Communal House in Thanh Cao Commune as a provincial-level historical and cultural site.

Motivation for community to enhance cultural heritage preservation

Recognising the importance of cultural heritage preservation in protecting and promoting the value system of Vietnamese culture, and serving socio-economic development in the new period, Party committees and local administrations in Hoa Binh province have identified it as a key task in the cultural development strategy. The province has been making efforts in mobilising resources, creating consensus among people and engaging ethnic communities in preserving and promoting cultural identity.

A journey through time: Exploring rich history, formation of Hoa Binh province: Article 1: Major features of Hoa Binh province formation

Hoa Binh province has captured growing attention both domestically and internationally for its distinctive cultural heritage and rich history. Most notably, it has been renowned for its famous Hoa Binh culture, considered the cradle of ancient Vietnamese civilisation. Looking ahead to significant milestones in 2025 and the 140th anniversary of province establishment in 2026, Hoa Binh Newspaper presents a comprehensive overview of the province's development across economic, social, cultural, tourism, and security domains.