Did the spirits of three heroes inspire the founding of Nghè Lễ Xá? We stand before Nghè Lễ Xá in the village of Đa Tốn, Gia Lâm district. This sacred place holds the memory of the Đào brothers, also known as Đào Tam Lang. These three brothers defended their land against invaders in the early years of the Công Nguyên period. Nghè Lễ Xá safeguards the chronicles of their heroism. The villagers erected shrines to honor their bravery. Đào Đô Thượng was enshrined at Sơn Tốc temple, becoming the deity Ngọc Động. Đào Chiêu Hiển found his place at Nghè Ông Hai as the deity Lễ Xá. The third brother, Đào Tam Lang, is honored right here at Nghè Lễ Xá. By the 17th century, the people of Ngọc Động and Lễ Xá elevated all three brothers to village guardian spirits.
Nghè Lễ Xá isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to Vietnamese artistry and history. The oldest artifact found here, a decree dating back to 1767, suggests a founding during the Lê dynasty. The complex saw major restorations during the Nguyen dynasty, further enriching its historical tapestry. Then in 1989, the community restored it to the splendor we see today. Notice the harmony between the structures and the surrounding environment. Look closely at the intricate carvings. Familiar motifs like clouds, dragons, and flowers adorn the surfaces. The Nhà Tiền Tế, a three-room structure, showcases a traditional Vietnamese architectural style. Its unadorned wooden pillars and tiled roof exude a simple elegance.
The Hậu Cung, a two-room building, also follows this style. However, its elevated platform sets it apart, creating a stage for the deities. Inside, the altar and spirit tablets resonate with the presence of the Đào brothers. The Khám, a rectangular structure with intricate carvings of dragons, spirits, and floral patterns, adds to the spiritual atmosphere. Don’t miss the two bronze bells, one inscribed with the Quang Khánh Tự Chung from the 19th century Minh Mệnh era. A smaller two-room building next to the main temple houses the Mother Goddesses. This addition reveals the deep reverence for feminine deities in Vietnamese folk religion.
Nghè Lễ Xá’s treasures include 31 statues, stone steles, and a captivating collection of decrees, some dating back to the 18th century. Every year on the 10th day of the second lunar month, the villages of Lễ Xá and Ngọc Động hold a grand festival. A unique tradition involves the symbolic transfer of the deities’ tablets between the two villages. This ritual strengthens the bond between the communities. The procession, complete with vibrant costumes and traditional music, is a spectacle to behold. Nghè Lễ Xá is more than just a temple. It is a living testament to the spirit of the Đào brothers, the artistic skill of generations of Vietnamese artisans, and the enduring power of community.