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| Guide | Haiphong | Attractions | Kienbai communal house |
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kien bai communal house |
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Kien Bai
communal house was built after the 17th century. It has a "J"-shaped
construction. Its greatest hall has three compartment and two wings,
all made of wood, even the floor. The two compartments at the back
are the place of statues and offerings. The construction year (1681)
and the names of donation makers were carved in the main pillar.
The communal house has been under reparation for many times,
especially in 1859, 1937 and 1992-1994. Its architecture is quite
similar to that in the 17th century. According to "Thuy Nguyen huyen
than tich" (numbered AE.a.1239 in Library of Institute of
Vietnamo-chinese Studies), Kien Bai communal house is a place for
worshipping two tutelary genies Ngoc and Bich, the twins. They were
both smart when alive, unfortunately, they both died young. After
their death it is said that their spirits were ready to help the
villagers have a safe and sound life. They also supported King Tran
in His Majesty’s struggle against enemy. Grateful to them, His
Majesty had a temple built to worship them and conferred on them the
names of God: Trung Quoc Cam Ung thuong dang than and Loi Cong Uy
Dieu thuong dang than.
Every year, festivals in Kien Bai communal house take place from the
10th to 12th of the first month of lunar year. On the first day,
formal rituals can be observed, such as the pagoda-entering rite,
the tutelary name board procession, the water procession from the
pagoda to the communal house. On the second two days there are often
competitions such as flower-catching contests, cooking contest, and
"dum" singing.
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