(Baonghean.vn) - The Nguyen Huu family ancestral temple in Hamlet 7, Nam Tan commune (Nam Dan district, Nghe An province) still preserves a valuable set of 19 royal decrees dating back hundreds of years, along with many ancient artifacts.
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| Mr. Nguyen Huu Quynh, an elderly member of the Nguyen Huu family, said: After the revolution, the Thong Chinh Temple in Nam Loc commune (Nam Dan district) – where Nghia Quan Cong Tong Tat Thang (a doctor of the Le dynasty who made great contributions to his homeland) was worshipped – had severely deteriorated. Therefore, people from the villages of the former Luong Trang commune moved the deity, royal decrees, and ritual objects from the temple to be worshipped at the Nguyen Huu family's ancestral temple. Currently, 19 ancient royal decrees are still preserved there. These decrees are kept in red-painted bamboo tubes. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Of the 19 royal decrees, 10 were issued by the Le Dynasty, and the remaining 9 by the Nguyen Dynasty. The oldest decree was issued in 1670 during the Le Dynasty, under the reign of Canh Tri, while the newest is from 1924 during the Nguyen Dynasty, under the reign of Khai Dinh. Le Dynasty decrees typically contain around 300 characters, while Nguyen Dynasty decrees are shorter, around 150 characters, all praising the merits and bestowing divine status upon Duke Tong Tat Thang, as well as assigning responsibility for his worship to local communities. Despite hundreds of years passing, the writing and patterns on the decrees remain remarkably clear and legible. (Photo: Huy Thu) |
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| The royal decree was issued on April 18th, the 8th year of Canh Tri (1670), nearly 350 years ago. The date, the reign name of the king, and the seal are still clearly visible. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Besides the royal decrees, the church also houses many ancient ceremonial artifacts. This is a metal mandarin's hat, which, after centuries, still shines with a mysterious bronze color. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| The antique hat is elaborately carved with beautiful dragon and phoenix motifs. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Beside the mandarin's hat are a pair of metal boots, carefully stored in a wooden box. The boots are adorned with intricately carved, lifelike depictions of dragons and clouds. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| The metal tray has been stained by time. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Wooden ritual objects such as dragon thrones, dragon palanquins, swords, spears, etc., have all been weathered by time but remain intact. The worship of Nghia Quan Cong Tong Tat Thang and the preservation of the ancient artifacts of Thong Chinh Temple is a responsible act by the Nguyen Huu family, recognized by the local government and people. Photo: Huy Thu |
Huy Thu
