Unveiling the Cultural Treasures of the Doai Region: A Journey through its Rich and Unique Heritage

The Dai Phung Ancient Communal House and the traditional festivals of the Doai region (now the Dan Phuong District on Hanoi's outskirts) have been long-standing and beloved tourist attractions.

Administrator

17 February, 2025

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The residents of Dai Phung Hamlet in Dan Phuong Commune are bustling with excitement as they prepare for their upcoming village festival. The community is abuzz with street decorations, ritual procession rehearsals, and final touches to welcome visitors to the special event, which includes the recognition of Dai Phung Communal House as a National Relic.

Bird’s-eye view of the majestic Dai Phung Communal House. Photo: Tran Trung Hieu/ Dan Phuong Department of Culture and Information

A Historic Architectural Marvel

Bui Vinh Thuy, the dedicated keeper of Dai Phung Communal House, shared its rich history: “This ancient structure dates back to the 17th century and pays homage to both the Lightning Flame Light, or the God of Lightning, worshipped by Phung Canton, and General Vu Hung, a deified man who played a pivotal role in defeating invaders during Emperor Tran Nghe Tong’s reign. The grateful villagers erected a temple and designated the 18th day of the first lunar month as a memorial for their patron deity.”

The intricate and elaborate wooden decorations of the Dai Phung Communal House captivate visitors.

Spanning an impressive 2,542 square meters, the Dai Phung Communal House stands as a unique artwork in itself, housing a plethora of precious relics, both tangible and intangible. Its architecture is divided into three main parts: the front hall, the primary worship hall, and the sanctuary. One notable feature is the ancient laterite well at the right end of the house, providing a year-round source of drinking water.

According to Nguyen Thi Quynh Lam, head of the Dan Phuong Department of Culture and Information, the Dai Phung Communal House stands out for its original components crafted from xoan or sapele wood. Its large, low roof perfectly suits the space, climate, and local circumstances, showcasing the creativity and skills of the local artisans. The structure follows the “stacked beams-gong stand-lower rafter” style, boasting six rows of roof feet and a total of 64 columns, with the largest column exceeding 0.6 meters in diameter.

The “Elephant and Soldier” carving at the Dai Phung Communal House showcases the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans.

The true masterpiece of the Dai Phung Communal House lies in its dense carvings, featuring nearly 1,000 motifs that showcase a very high level of artistic expertise. The artisans of the time skillfully portrayed vivid themes and compositions reflecting the social life of the 17th century. Notable carvings include “Glorious Return to Prostration before Ancestors,” “Dragon’s Jaw Tomb,” “Fairies Bathing in Lotus Pond,” and “Wrestling,” each telling a story of cultural and historical significance.

Every detail in this building is unique, from the bracing to the beams and rafters, each with its own distinct theme that elevates the structure to the realm of art.

Among the preserved carvings, you’ll find scenes from both the mortal and immortal worlds, blurring the lines between man and nature. The communal house also boasts countless carvings of animals, from sacred creatures like dragons, unicorns, turtles, and phoenixes to those associated with warriors, such as war horses and elephants, and even those close to humans, including buffaloes, cats, birds, fish, and geckos. Each animal is vividly brought to life through intricate engravings that adorn the interior of the house.

A close-up of a delicate wood carving showcases the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating this legendary communal house.

One of the most beloved pieces is the “Cat Biting Fish” carving, which captures the intricate whiskers and ears of the cat and the delicate scales and fins of the fish. Meanwhile, the playful “Dragon and Lizard” carving symbolizes the ancient belief in lizards (geckos) as fire-keeping creatures akin to dragons.

“The carvings of Dai Phung Communal House are a testament to the high artistic value and rich cultural heritage of the local community,” said Lam. “The arrangement and integration of these carvings into the architectural components create a vivid and cohesive artistic whole.”

Celebrating and Preserving Heritage

The vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the Dai Phung Village Festival brings the community together in a celebration of their rich heritage.

Dan Phuong Commune, once a bustling hub of merchant ships along the Hat River, holds a special place in history. The spacious and majestic Dai Phung Communal House, situated at the village’s entrance, overlooks the ancient Day River and the majestic Tan Vien Mountain to the northwest.

The convenient trade route with Thang Long, the cultural epicenter of its time, exposed this rural area to a wealth of cultural, architectural, and artistic influences. This exchange of ideas and talents produced a multitude of scholars and successful merchants.

Bui Xuan Sach, former vice chairman of the Dan Phuong People’s Committee, highlighted the uniqueness of the Dai Phung Communal House, noting its rare carving of the dan day, a musical instrument used in ca tru singing. This discovery suggests that this traditional art form has deep roots in Dan Phuong.

In the lead-up to the main festival, the entire village of Dai Phung buzzes with excitement. Households join forces to decorate the streets with colorful lantern clusters, national flags, and festive bunting. The community also unites to clean and prepare the village for the grand celebration.

The Dai Phung Communal House stands as a testament to the unique cultural and architectural values cherished by the community.

According to Cu Dinh Lich, the hamlet chief of Dai Phung, the community is home to 815 households and over 3,400 residents. “While Dai Phung Communal House was recognized as a special national relic in 2019, it is only this year that we are officially holding a ceremony to receive the certificate,” Lich shared.

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone as it is the year of the Grand Festival, held once every five years and filled with extraordinary activities and rituals. This occasion has the entire community brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation.

During the Grand Festival years, Dai Phung invites neighboring villages in the commune, such as Dong Khe, Doai Khe, and Phuong Tri, to join in a grand procession. The palanquin procession is a spectacle to behold, with flags and banners filling the sky and the rhythmic beats of drums and gongs resonating through the venue. Men, women, elders, and children all participate, recreating the epic battles led by General Vu Hung against the Gao barbarians.

Sculptural details depict the intense battles fought by Vietnamese soldiers under the leadership of General Vu Hung against the Chinese Gao barbarians.

The festival strikes a harmonious balance between solemn rituals and exciting activities. While traditional customs and reverence are observed inside the communal house, the outdoors buzzes with lively entertainment. The Dai Phung Communal House Festival is an opportunity to honor the ancestors, express gratitude for their blessings, and enrich the cultural life of the community.

On February 15, Dan Phuong District will host a ceremony to bestow the Special National Relic Certificate upon the Dai Phung Communal House. The event will comprise two parts: the official certificate presentation and a vibrant festival featuring a photo exhibition, traditional costume showcase, cultural specialty market, culinary contests, and folk games.