Nhan Ly communal house preserves Hai Phong’s scholarly legacy

A communal house that tells the story of a scholarly village

Set amid the peaceful countryside of Nam Sach, Nhan Ly communal house stands out with its ancient tiled roof, sturdy ironwood columns, and intricate carvings. Despite the passage of centuries, the communal house has retained its tranquil charm, reflecting the rich scholarly traditions of the region.

According to historical records, the communal house was first built around the 13th century on a modest scale. Over the years, local residents repeatedly contributed labor and resources to expand the structure. The main worship hall took nearly a decade to complete, followed by the construction of the front hall, giving the complex its present-day grandeur.

Built in the architectural style of the Le Dynasty, the communal house features a massive timber frame, large ironwood columns, gracefully curved roofs, and elaborate carved details. Particularly notable are two wooden decorative panels, regarded as masterpieces of 17th-century Vietnamese woodcarving, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity of artisans of the time.

The communal house is dedicated to Dao Tuan Luong, the village tutelary deity who helped Ly Nam De fight the Liang invaders in the 6th century. In addition to honoring the tutelary deity, it also commemorates the village's 12 top doctoral laureates, making it not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the village's long-standing tradition of learning.

On October 29, 1957, the site was officially recognized by the State as a scenic and historical - cultural site. In 1990, it was designated a national historical and cultural relic, affirming its outstanding historical, architectural, and artistic value.

Carrying forward a tradition of learning

What distinguishes Nhan Ly is not only its centuries-old communal house but also its enduring scholarly tradition. Although not a large village, it produced many distinguished scholars. Historical records show that Nhan Ly had 12 top doctoral laureates, along with 34 successful candidates in intermediate and lower-level imperial examinations.

Among the village's 12 top doctoral laureates, many held important positions in the royal court. Most notably, Nguyen Hoan was a member of the Tao Dan Literary Society under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, a renowned literary circle of its time. Their achievements reflected not only academic excellence but also significant contributions to the nation in various fields.

Today, the names of these scholars are still honored within the communal house. For local residents, each visit is an opportunity not only to pay tribute to their ancestors but also to be reminded of the village's enduring respect for learning and talent.

On the 10th day of every second lunar month, the village holds the Nhan Ly Communal House Festival to commemorate the tutelary deity and forebears. Alongside ceremonial rites, the festival features folk cultural activities such as hat cheo (traditional operetta), wrestling and Chinese chess competitions.

After hundreds of years, Nhan Ly communal house remains a lasting symbol of the scholarly and cultural heritage of Hai Phong. Beyond preserving historical and architectural values, it continues to remind younger generations of their roots, the importance of education, and the cultural values passed down through the centuries.

LINH LINH

LINH LINH