Previously, we had only been helping VACNE update their English website as part of our work with the Centre for Marinelife and Community Development. This event was a great opportunity to see what some of the activities VACNE takes part in.
In the morning, Caitlin and I were greeted in Hanoi by our fellow VACNE friends and were quickly swept away on a bus with about 20 other people to go to Hai Duong province. After a few hours, we stepped off the bus and into a beautiful market in Chi Linh district. The streets were flooded with people that were celebrating a festival for Vuong Duc Minh, a general of King Le Hoan (10th Century). As we walked through the market we stumbled upon a set of steps that led to the Cao Temple. The temple was where VACNE would be celebrating the recognition of the 54 “Lim” Trees as one of Vietnam’s Heritage Trees.
Canadian Volunteers in Cao Temple
Photo: Le Quy Tue
As we climbed the stairs to the Cao Temple, the landscape surrounding the temple became more and more beautiful. Outside the ornate temple, there were people singing beautiful traditional Vietnamese songs around the phenomenal 54 “Lim” Trees. Many local people surrounded the singers and the tree to celebrate the history the tree represented. Minutes later the temple was filled by hundreds of people in a parade to celebrate the festival for Vuong Duc Minh. The people in the parade were dressed in traditional colourful Vietnamese dresses and they were playing beautiful music. Some of the women and men had food offerings on their heads to offer to the temple.
Meanwhile, as the parade continued around the temple, VACNE announced the importance of the 54 “Lim” Tree to the local people and why it is celebrated as one of Vietnam’s Heritage Tree. As soon as the speeches were finished, VACNE unveiled the stone plaque placed in front of the tree to recognize the 54 “Lim” Tree as one of Vietnam’s Heritage Tree. After several news reporters, families and the community took their pictures to celebrate this momentous event, we shared lunch with our VACNE friends. Shortly after, we went back onto the bus to return to Hanoi. The day was magical and I will remember it forever.
By: Danielle Castellino, Centre for Marinelife and Community Development (MCD) Volunteer