A family church in Nghe An preserves 11 rare and valuable ancient royal decrees.
(Baonghean.vn) - As a large family in a rural area with a rich history and culture, the Nguyen Thinh clan's ancestral temple in Ngoc Son commune (Thanh Chuong district) is preserving 11 rare and valuable ancient royal decrees.
 |
| The ancestral temple of the Nguyen Thinh clan in Phuc Xa village, now Lam Hong hamlet, Ngoc Son commune, was built a long time ago and currently consists of two structures: the lower hall and the upper hall. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
In particular, many copies are still preserved here.imperial decreeThese royal decrees, issued by the feudal dynasties of Vietnam, are granted to the ancient relics of Phuc Xa village. They are housed in rectangular, gilded wooden boxes. (Photo: Huy Thu) |
 |
| According to Mr. Nguyen Thinh Thanh (69 years old), the clan leader of the Nguyen Thinh main lineage, in the past, Phuc Xa village had many historical relics such as Phuc Xa communal house, Phuc Xa pagoda, the main temple, the second temple, the third temple... During the resistance war, most of the relics were damaged or dismantled to make way for public works, and the ritual objects, royal decrees, etc., were all gathered here.templePhuc Xa. When the temple was damaged by American bombs, with one corner collapsing and becoming increasingly dilapidated, the Nguyen Thinh family took responsibility for bringing the precious royal decrees to be kept at their ancestral temple. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
Today, the Nguyen Thinh family ancestral temple still preserves 11 ancient royal decrees granting titles to historical sites in Phuc Xa village. "My uncle, Mr. Nguyen Thinh Thang, was the one who directly brought this set of royal decrees to the ancestral temple for safekeeping. To date, the Nguyen Thinh family has preserved this set of decrees for over half a century," Mr. Thanh said. (Photo: Huy Thu) |
 |
| Hundreds of years have passed, yet the ancient royal decrees remain almost completely intact, both in form and in their decorative content and written records. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| In this collection of royal decrees, the oldest dated decree is from the 44th year of the Canh Hung era (1783), and the most recent is from the 9th year of the Khai Dinh era (1924). In the photo: A corner with the seal of the royal decree from the 44th year of the Canh Hung era. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| Even after 238 years, the Chinese characters and decorative patterns on the imperial decree from the 44th year of the Canh Hung era (1783) remain sharp and clear. Many who admire this imperial decree are amazed and full of praise. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| Ancient royal decrees are valuable in many aspects for studying the history, culture, and traditions of the locality and the nation. In the photo: The backs of these ancient royal decrees are also decorated with beautiful patterns, including dragons and phoenixes. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| For over half a century, this set of royal decrees has been considered a treasure of the Nguyen Thinh family, carefully preserved and only brought out for important family or village events. Many descendants of the family have never even seen this precious set of royal decrees in person. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| Mr. Nguyen Thinh Thanh, the clan leader of the Nguyen Thinh main lineage, added that from the time it was stored until 2014-2015, this set of royal decrees was borrowed by the Phuc Xa communal house renovation committee to be translated at the Institute of Han Nom Studies. During the handover process, one round box containing the royal decrees was lost. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| It is known that the Nguyen Thinh family isfamilyA prominent family in the ancient Phuc Xa village, spanning over 15 generations across three branches. Among these royal decrees, there are two decrees conferring divine status upon the ancestor of the Nguyen Thinh family. These are: Phuc Son Thach Tru Ba, "General, miraculous and righteous deity, bestowed by the imperial court, honored with the most sacred title." (Photo: Huy Thu) |
