Bao Vinh Communal House

"Đình Bao Vinh" is a traditional communal house located within an area of 874.3 square meters in Hương Vinh Ward, Huế City, Thừa Thiên Huế Province, Vietnam. It holds religious significance within the local community, serving as a focal point for communal activities and a place of worship for the founding ancestors of the village. The communal house is associated with the Phạm, Ngô, Lê, and Nguyễn lineages, which have historically played roles in the establishment and development of the village.

On December 16, 2021, Đình Bao Vinh was officially recognized as a historical relic under Decision No. 3316/QĐ-UBND by the People's Committee of Thừa Thiên Huế Province.
 

As part of the southward expansion of Vietnamese settlers, various villages emerged in the Thừa Thiên Huế Province, with Bao Vinh village being one of the early establishments. According to "Ô châu cận lục" by Dương Văn An (1553), Bao Vinh village was known as Bao Lương. During the Nguyen Lords' period, Bao Vinh village was under Mậu Tài District, Phú Vang Province. Under the Nguyen Dynasty, it became part of Vĩnh Trị District, Hương Trà Province, which is now Hương Trà town.

The exact founding time of Bao Vinh communal house remains uncertain. However, based on the village's formation and the Phạm lineage's genealogy in Bao Vinh, it is estimated that the communal house was built around the mid-16th century.
 

Throughout its history, the communal house's architecture evolved based on economic conditions. Initially constructed with materials like bamboo and thatch, it eventually transitioned to wood and brick walls with tiled roofs. The communal house underwent several renovations over time while maintaining its original location. The most significant renovation occurred in 1973, raising the walls, columns, and roof by 0.5 meters. Another renovation took place in 2009, involving lime painting and tile replacement.

Currently, the communal house houses four imperial edicts from the Nguyen Dynasty era. Notably, Bao Vinh communal house is known for preserving many Han-scripted materials such as decorative horizontal lacquered boards, couplets, and imperial edicts. These materials offer valuable insights into the history, culture, customs, and traditions of the local community and Vietnamese society at large.

Bao Vinh village's communal house today still retains almost intact the old architecture

Regarding the architecture of the communal house, through the restoration, it still retains the ancient features, including 3 compartments and two wings, the truss structure is made of finely carved wood. Inside are 5 altars.

Bao Vinh communal house carries historical, cultural, and architectural values. It reflects traditional Vietnamese architectural styles within a folk-religious context. The communal house is also a place for cultural preservation, with many Han-scripted materials. Despite urbanization influences, the communal house area still maintains its fundamental rural identity, evident in annual ceremonies that honor the village's founding ancestors.

The communal house hosts annual ceremonies on the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, during which locals come to pray for favorable weather and good fortune. The most significant event occurs on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month, commemorating Phạm Công Toại's establishment of the village.

Bao Vinh communal house is not only a spiritual hub for the locals' wishes and gratitude but also a cultural center where tradition thrives. Through various festivities and collective activities, it preserves historical and cultural values and imparts them to future generations.

Bao Vinh communal house is recognized as a provincial historical relic in 2021

When visiting Huế City, take a moment to explore the ancient Bao Vinh Village, known for its bustling trading port in the Đàng Trong region around 200 years ago. Make sure to stop by Bao Vinh communal house, located at the entrance of the village, easily recognizable by its prominent twin-horned banyan trees. For those who appreciate nostalgia, the communal house offers a sense of intimacy and familiarity, transporting them back to cherished memories. The village's ancient communal house, adorned with moss-covered roofs and weathered screens, stands as a testament to the passage of time and the continuity of cultural heritage.