After 3 days and nights of smoldering, the hundred-year-old banyan tree in Nghe An is still green.
(Baonghean.vn) - Located on Highway 7, the nearly 250-year-old banyan tree in Nhan Hau village, Nam Son commune, Do Luong district is the oldest banyan tree in Luong land - a testament to many historical events.
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According to locals, the ancient banyan tree in Nhan Hau village (now in hamlet 6, Nam Son commune) was planted in the late 18th century, located in front of the temple of Nguyen Dang Quy - a son of the village and a mandarin who made great contributions to protecting the country and people during the Le - Trinh period. Photo: Huy Thu |
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In the past, next to the temple of Nguyen Dang Quy, there was also Nhan Hau village communal house. During the land reform, around 1957, both the temple and the communal house were dismantled, leaving only the ancient banyan tree. Today, this banyan tree still grows green and lush with luxuriant branches and leaves. Photo: Huy Thu |
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On the tree branches there are all kinds of symbiotic plants, moss covers like a carpet, especially there are many orchids. Photo: Huy Thu |
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This banyan tree is about 15m high, with a trunk circumference of 8m at its largest point. Mr. Le Danh Dien (74 years old), a resident of Hamlet 5, Dang Son Commune, whose house is near the banyan tree, said: Previously, the banyan tree was even bigger than it is now, with roots spreading out 2-3m around it. When National Highway 7 was upgraded, the banyan tree was buried about 1m deep. Photo: Huy Thu |
Around the trunk of the ancient banyan tree, there are many bumps and lumps. Because of the belief that the tree is sacred, local people have placed incense on the trunk, some even used cement to attach incense bowls and flower vases to it. Photo: Huy Thu
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Like the ancient banyan tree at Van Loc Temple (Cua Lo town), the main trunk of this banyan tree is also hollow, with a large hole at the bottom, where people can crawl into. When the banyan tree was covered, only a small part of the hole remained above. Mr. Le Van Mao (45 years old), who lives behind the banyan tree, said: In 1986, while watching a movie on the big screen one night, a young man accidentally threw a torch into the hole, causing the tree to burn. His father, Mr. Le Van Lien, when he was alive, when he discovered the tree was on fire, persistently poured water from the village well into the middle of the tree for 3 consecutive nights before the fire stopped. This story is still told by many local people. Photo: Huy Thu |
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Existing for nearly 2.5 centuries, the banyan tree in Nhan Hau village is a testament to historical events in the locality, especially during the Nghe Tinh Soviet movement of 1930-1931, the banyan tree was the place to hang the red hammer and sickle flag, calling for and encouraging revolutionary struggles. In 2018, the ancient banyan tree in Nam Son commune was included in the inventory of relics and scenic spots in Nghe An province. Photo: Huy Thu |
About 15m from the ancient banyan tree, there is also the well of Nhan Hau village communal house. The well was dug long ago (stones below and red bricks above), and used to be the source of cool, sweet water for the village. In 2012, the well was restored, and together with the ancient banyan tree, it has become a precious relic, a source of pride for the local people. Photo: Huy Thu
