The giant, over 200-year-old gnarled tree is considered the guardian spirit of the village.
(Baonghean.vn) - With a trunk diameter of approximately 1.8 meters and a height of around 25 meters, this crooked tree is believed to be over 200 years old and has become the pride of the people of Chieng village, Quang Phong commune (Que Phong district - Nghe An province).
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| This 200-year-old crooked tree is so large that it takes four people to encircle it. Photo: Hung Cuong |
The Quéo tree (also known as the Muồng tree in Thailand) is similar to mango trees, with a thick trunk and flat, curved, edible, sour fruit. It can be used as a seasoning in sour soups.
The ancient quince tree is located at the end of Chieng village, where the suspension bridge over the Quang River connects Chieng village with Cu village. This March, the tree is covered in fragrant yellow flowers, its wide green canopy casting shade, heralding a bountiful harvest season.
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| The trunk and branches are covered with various types of parasitic plants such as orchids and fragrant roots... Photo: Hung Cuong |
The tree trunk is gnarled with many scars from time, but shows no signs of hollowing. Its branches extend about 10 meters, covering a large area.Beneath the ancient tree are two small huts made of bamboo and reeds, erected by the villagers to worship the "guardian deity" of the hamlet.
The tree-worshiping ceremony takes place in May and June every year, with the participation of all the people of Chieng village. The ceremony includes rice wine, fermented rice wine, fish and chicken offerings, sticky rice, etc. The villagers also play gongs and perform bamboo dances to pray for good fortune and peace for the village right here.
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| The villagers erected a bamboo shrine to worship the "tree god". Photo: Hung Cuong |
Mr. Lang Van Lam, now 83 years old, one of the village elders of Chieng village, shared: “Chieng village has been established for over 200 years. The elders of the past recounted that when they came to establish the village, they saw the majestic acacia tree standing tall. No one dared to cut this tree. Its fruit has also provided children and people here with plenty to eat every summer.”
Many antique traders have come to the village to inquire about buying the tree, but the villagers have resolutely refused to sell it. The tree is considered a symbol of the village, a witness to the process of establishing the village and its people by their ancestors.”
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| The tree's branches spread wide, casting shade over a large area. Photo: Hung Cuong |
We asked the villagers to help us estimate the trunk diameter of the tree by circling it with our arms; it would take four people to encircle the trunk completely. The diameter at the base measured 1.8 meters, and the estimated height was 25 meters, as the surrounding bamboo trees, which were over 10 meters tall, were dwarfed by the height of this ancient, gnarled tree.
The people of Chieng village are very proud of their ancient tree, vowing to protect it together, considering it a spiritual anchor that brings good fortune and protection to the villagers.
