(VOVworld) – The traditional Viet village is associated with a river dyke, a village gate, banyan trees, a water well, orchards, and fish ponds. This structure fits Viet rice farming and constitutes Vietnam’s typical rural space.
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| Duong Lam ancient village on the outskirts of Hanoi |
A traditional Viet village is surrounded by bamboo shrubs, which provides shade and protects villagers from invaders. The village gate is important to the real and spiritual life of the countryside. Each gate has its own structure, which harmonizes with the rural space. The curved arch reflects villagers’ aspirations. Duong Lam village, 50km west of Hanoi, retains typical features of an ancient Viet village, including a village gate built in 1553. Architect Le Quang Ngoc says:“This gate is so simple, but attractive because it stands together with a banyan tree, a lotus pond, and small, curved alleys. The ambiance makes the village a marvelous wealth of inspiration for artists and photographers”.
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| A village well in Duong Lam |
The village well serves as a venue for communal activities. The well is built in the front or middle part of the village. According to ancient thought, the well is the village’s eye, reflecting the tranquil rural life. Folklorist Tran Minh Nhuong says: “In the Red River delta, there are vestiges of ancient wells, which are still being in use. Some wells are made of clay, others of Laterite in different shapes. In front of a temple, pagoda or tomb, there is always an ancient, sacred water well”.
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| A village gate in Ninh Hiep on the outskirts of Hanoi |
The village’s main road leads from the gate to the communal house, a sacred place, which is built on a propitious position determined by geomancy. The temple honors the village’s founders. The communal house is where major village events take place. Architect Le Quang Ngoc says:“The communal house is large and its surroundings are decent. Thriving villages have larger communal house".
The structure of a traditional Viet village is well integrated. Behind a bamboo bush, an alley paved with bricks leads to hamlets and houses. There are many small inter-connected alleys. This structure creates a peaceful ambience, which reminds those who are far from the homeland of their origin and tradition.