Over the past time, the Lien Chieu District authorities have focused on managing and embellishing historical relic sites in the locality as well as promoting time-honoured traditional cultural values ​​through festivals or worshipping rituals.

Director of the Da Nang Museum Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien (second right) handing over a certificate recognising the tomb site of Phan Cong Thien as municipal-level relic site. Photo: H.L

Appreciating historical values

On April 8, the People's Committee of Hoa Khanh Nam Ward in Lien Chieu District held a ceremony to receive a certificate recognising the tomb site of Phan Cong Thien, who made great contributions to the founding of Da Son Village in Da Nang, as municipal-level relic site.

According to the elders of Da Son Village, Phan Cong Thien, a Thanh Hoa Province native, was granted with the title of Thuan Quoc Cong (the highest title in the feudal mandarin regime) by Emperor Tran Du Tong. He had great merit in leading a group of men to conquer the Champa land.

During 54 years (from 1346-1400), he was responsible for defending the land of Hoa Chau from the south of Hai Van Pass to the Thu Bon River, combined with reclaiming and establishing Da Son Village.

The tomb site covers an area of 384m² on Da Son 1 Street, Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District.

For many years, the tomb site has been managed by and cared for by the local government and people of Da Son Village.

At the certification reception ceremony, Mr. Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien, Director of the Da Nang Museum, highlighted the significance of recognising the tomb site Phan Cong Thien as municipal relic site in paying tribute and honouring his great merits to the Da Son Village, as well as creating a basis for management, preservation and promotion of historical values ​​according to the Law on Cultural Heritage.

"We hope that the authorities and people of Da Son Village would continuously preserve and effectively promote the time-honoured value of this relic, especially educating younger generations about historical and patriotic traditions" said Director Thien.

A year earlier, the Nam O relic cluster in Hoa Hiep Nam Ward, including a temple dedicated to Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh who represents Vietnamese women’s burning desire for freedom, independence and happiness, the Nam O Village Communal House, the Nam O Cemetery, and Lang Well, was recognised as a municipal-level relic site by the Da Nang People's Committee.

After recognition, the municipal Department of Culture and Sports has planned to restore and embellish these relic sites simultaneously.

Mr. Tran Van Xuat, a member of the Representative Board of the Nam O Village Communal House, revealed that the Da Nang government has provided financing worth about VND25 billion to restore and embellish the Nam O relic cluster.

He said the cultural and historical values ​​of the relic cluster had special significance in the religious and spiritual life of Nam O villagers. Therefore, the restoration of the cluster will bring joy and pride to the villagers, and at the same time will promote cultural and religious values ​​in today's urban life.

Bringing relic sites closer to locals

Mr. Truong Cong Hieu, Head of the Culture and Information Office of Lien Chieu District, said that apart from 15 municipal-level historical relic sites, there are currently 2 national-level relic sites in the district: Hai Van Gate - tangible cultural heritage in Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, and Nam O fish sauce craft village - intangible cultural heritage in Hoa Hiep Nam Ward.

Additional, there are 51 unranked relic sites in the district such as temples of Ba Xom Ca Xuan Thieu, Xuan Quang, Dam Thanh, Mrs. Thuy, Mr. Cao Cat, Mrs. Ngu Hanh, and Hac Ho.

Around 20 cultural festivals are held across the district every year.

For example, the Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh Festival takes place on March 22, 2022 (the 20^th day of the second lunar month every lunar year), in the district.

Meanwhile, the 'Cau Ngu' ((Fish Worshipping) Festival takes place on the 15^th day of the second lunar month in the Nam O Temple to wish for their safety and luck in the new fishing season.

According to Mr. Truong Cong Hieu, highlighted the significance of large and small-sized festivals during the year in the district in educating younger generations about cultural and historical traditions, as well as in preserving and promoting cultural values ​​in today's life.

Reporting by HUYNH LE - Translating by M.DUNG