Was it fate or serendipity that led the five families to Vinh Long? Long Thanh Village Temple stands before us. It is more than just bricks and tiles. The temple represents a journey of faith, resilience, and community.
Let’s step back to around 1754. Imagine the scene. Families like the Mai, Ho, Mac, Vo, and Doan were among the many immigrants. They arrived in Vinh Long. They sought to build villages, establish hamlets, and create a life. These families erected a simple communal house made of leaves. This humble structure was in Bung Binh village. It served as a place to worship the village God.
In 1844, Nguyen Van Khiem recognized the location was not ideal. He offered a piece of his land near the Long Ho River. This act of generosity allowed them to move the Long Thanh Village Temple. In 1852, the Nguyen court ordained Long Thanh Village Temple. It became the God of Bon Canh Thanh Hoang. This title is still worshipped at the queen’s house today. Descendants of the Ho family maintain this tradition in Vinh Long.
Now, picture 1913. Long Thanh Village Temple undergoes a transformation. It was rebuilt with solid bricks and tiles. It was renamed Long Thanh Mieu Vu. The temple showcases typical village communal house architecture. It is common in the South. It may not be as massive as Northern communal houses. It reflects the cultural life and beliefs of the local community. It shows their journey to reclaim and open the realm.
Look at the roof. Long Thanh Village Temple features five pyramid-shaped roofs. Two Banh It roofs and fish-scale tile roofs add to its unique design. These features are common in the southwestern region. Like other communal houses in Vinh Long, the layout includes four main rooms. These are martial arts, main chamber, guest house, and kitchen.
Notice the screen in the middle of the yard. Beyond it lies the martial arts house. This space hosts adoration ceremonies, operas, and important holidays. The main temple stands at the center. It has a four-pillar design. Eight punching rafters and eight decisive rafters ensure dryness and ventilation.
Behind the Long Thanh Village Temple, you will find the guest house and kitchen. In the main hall, they worship the Village’s Tutelary God. Also, there is a worship of the National Tablets of the Hung King. It includes the Ta Huu Ban List and the Bach Ma Thai Giam God. Red painted envelopes, horizontal panels, and parallel sentences adorn the space. These gilded carvings add to the temple’s sacred atmosphere.
The rear of Long Thanh Village Temple holds a discreet space. Here, ancestors and sacred objects are honored. In front of the yard, there is an altar to the Nong god. Also, there is the Ong Ho stele, Bach Ho temple, and Ngu Hanh Nuong Nuong temple.
Each year, Long Thanh Village Temple hosts two major festivals. The Ha Dien Festival happens on the full moon day of the third lunar month. The Thuong Dien Festival occurs on the full moon day of the 10th lunar month. Traditional rituals like Tuc Yet, Tien Hien, and Xay Chau are preserved here.
Long Thanh Village Temple achieved national recognition on March 25, 1991. It stands as a testament to the cultural and historical significance. Long Thanh Village Temple preserves the traditions and beliefs. It embodies the spirit of the community.
Take a moment to appreciate the history and culture. Long Thanh Village Temple is a lasting symbol of Vinh Long’s heritage.