With the desire to preserve the typical local culture, the government and people of Man Thai Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang, strive to preserve and restore the life and beliefs of the traditional fishing village, thereby significantly contributing to preserving the identity and cultural living space in combination with educating younger generations about the tradition of the craft village.

The scene of the ceremony to bring the Whale's bones to the newly built temple in Son Tra District's Man Thai Ward . Photo: Xuan Dung

Preserving values of marine cultures

On December 23, 2021, Man Thai villagers held a ceremony to settle down the ashes of 'Ca Ong' (the Whale) to the temple.

According to villagers, the Whale's bones were last picked up by fishermen in Son Tra District about 35 years ago. Till date, Man Thai villagers have held funerals and worship at the Whale's Temple. In early 2021, the municipal government provided nearly VND4 billion in funding for rebuilding the downgraded Whale Temple.

Most of Man Thai villagers are happy and excited at the rebuilding of the temple because the Whale's bones have great significance for local fishermen.

According to 80-year-old Pham Van Lien, the Whale is like the God of the Sea who often rescues and helps fishermen in distress at sea, as well as bring good fortune to them.

Every year, after Tet holiday, fishermen in coastal areas often organize the 'Cau Ngu' ((Fish Worshipping) Festival to wish for their safety and luck in the new fishing season.

Recreating memories of fishing village

Also in 2021, many residents in Man Thai Ward together joined efforts to restore many forgotten activities of the fishing village, with the desire to pass them on to the younger generations.

This move comes from the gradual disappearance of some activities of traditional craft village such as tying glass ropes, peeling wooden floats, and pounding pine barks, due to the rapid growth of urban areas.

After getting the approval from the local government, since March 2021, residents in Man Thai Ward have successfully restored 7 activities related to fishing craft.

Being one of participants in the restoration of these activities, Mrs. Pham Thi Sau, 70, excitedly said she "Going back to one-time jobs to record images for future generations not only helps us to relive the memories of our youth but also reminds our children and grandchildren not to forget the marine profession that has fed generations of villagers".

As the originator of the idea of ​​​​reviving these activities, 54-year-old Huynh Van Muoi said that the images of hardships of fishing villagers in the past always occupied his mind. Therefore, he decided to meet the elderly in the village and his friends to present the idea of ​​​​reviving the life, jobs and activities of fishermen. Fortunately, his idea received active support from a lot of people, especially many of them were willing to contribute efforts and donate money to help him make his dream come true.

“We are trying to recreate, record and make a movie about all the activities of the forefathers with the aim to educate younger generations and promote the tourism. We hope that the city will create favourable conditions for spreading the beauty and uniqueness of the marine culture to international friends and tourists through future display activities" said Mr Muoi.

Secretary of the Party Committee of Man Thai Ward Dang Dinh Huong said that the Party and government of the ward always paid special attention to the conservation and promotion of local cultural values.

For example, most recently, the ward has made suggestions to the municipal authorities about the restoration and embellishment of cultural and historical relic sited in the locality such as the Co Man Village Communal House and the Whale Temple.

Additionally, the ward authorities have worked with the city’s Music Association to compose 13 songs and folk songs about Man Thai Ward. These songs will serve for documentary films that people have restored and recorded over the past time.

“In the coming time, if conditions permit, the ward will hold a ceremony to introduce these songs. Also, the ward will make a dossier to as for the permission from the city authorities to recognize the Tan Thai communal house as a municipal-level historical relic site. This will contribute to preserving the cultural values of the locality and driving the development of tourism economy as well", Mr. Huong informed.

Reporting by XUAN DUNG – Translating by M.DUNG