Did you know that Xã Vân Canh has roots stretching back to the Lý Dynasty. Its current name emerged during the early Lê period. Xã Vân Canh is more than just a place. It is a tapestry woven with threads of history culture and artistic legacy.
Today we explore Xã Vân Canh a rural commune in Hoài Đức District of Hanoi. Imagine walking through a land where each corner whispers tales of dynasties past. This is Xã Vân Canh a place that has evolved through the ages. Once comprised of three villages Kim Hoàng An Trai and Hậu Ái Xã Vân Canh stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Vietnam.
Listen to the story of Tổng Hương Canh. It once encompassed two communes Hương Canh and Vân Canh. These collectively housed seven Canh villages. Local parlance referred to them as “kẻ Canh”. This hints at a community deeply rooted in its land for over two millennia.
Delve deeper into the history of Xã Vân Canh. According to the Ngoc Phả manuscript compiled by Nguyễn Bính. Phan Tây Nhạc journeyed from Châu Ái Thanh Hóa to settle in the Canh region during the reign of King Hùng XVIII. His subsequent military service earned him royal recognition solidifying his place in the region’s history. This is a land celebrated in local proverbs. “Mỗ La Canh Cót” highlights its esteemed reputation.
Seven villages once formed the Canh community. Ngọc Mạch Hòe Thị Thị Cấm Hậu Ái An Trai Kim Bảng and Hoàng Bảng. By the late 16th century Kim Bảng and Hoàng Bảng merged creating Kim Hoàng. They erected a grand communal house its Lương bảng hội đình still preserved today.
Historians specializing in Hán Nôm studies. They affirm Xã Vân Canh’s ancient origins dating back approximately 2000 years. This area benefits from the convergence of energy. It flows from Tam Đảo and West Lake towards Đồng Trầm.
Cao Biền a renowned Feng Shui master. He left an interesting remark while passing through in 894. He said “West Lake releases its energy. It settles in Vân Canh. Underground currents gather. This creates opportunities for academic success”. Throughout history Xã Vân Canh has produced fifteen distinguished scholars. They achieved the title of Tiến Sĩ through scholarly examinations.
Let’s talk about Hậu Ái village. It boasts a remarkable record of academic achievement. Nine individuals attained the Tiến Sĩ degree. Twenty-one achieved the titles of Hương Cống and Cử nhân. Fifteen were recognized as Sinh đồ and Tú tài. Đỗ Kính Tu was the first to achieve high academic distinction. He became a Thái học sinh under the Lý Anh Tông dynasty. He served as an advisor to the king. In 1182 he was appointed “Đế Sư” to King Lý Cao Tông.
Nguyen Bá Đôn from Hậu Ái composed a parallel sentence. It is enshrined in the village’s đình. “The sacred land gives birth to talented individuals. Their literary and martial prowess benefits the nation”.
Beyond academics Xã Vân Canh is known for Kim Hoàng folk paintings. It stands alongside Đồng Hồ and Hàng Trống paintings as a pillar of Vietnamese folk art. Kim Hoàng paintings blend the best aspects of Đồng Hồ and Hàng Trống styles. These paintings feature sharper lines and brighter colors. This unique blend created a distinct artistic identity. The craft flourished in the 19th century. A devastating flood in 1913 swept away the woodblocks. Economic hardship led to the gradual decline of Kim Hoàng painting.
Today efforts are underway to revive this unique art form. Nguyễn Thị Thu Hòa is the Director of Hanoi’s ancient pottery village. She passionately works to restore the unique paintings of Kim Hoàng village. The project has raised awareness and inspired people to adorn their homes. They now decorate the homes and the world with these exquisite artworks.
Now you know Xã Vân Canh. It is a place where history art and scholarly tradition converge. As we leave Xã Vân Canh carry with you stories of resilience innovation and cultural pride.