Built in 1578, Hà Hồi communal house, located in Thuong Tin town (Hanoi, Vietnam), is a place worshiping the Saint of High mountain (Cao Sơn Đại Vương), this is the location where the Tay Son defeated The Qing invasion in 1789.
The whole diameter is formed like the shape of a crossbow, the bridge pointing to the East like an arrow; with many representative features of a big front yard, 5-doors system, a lotus pond and a rock bridge. Like other typical Vietnamese communal houses, influenced by Chinese architecture, the structure of Hà Hồi communal house follows “Nội công ngoại quốc” layout; of which the central house area shapes like ‘工’ (Công) and the surrounding area envelops the heart of the place like ‘国’ (Quốc) in Chinese characters along with gabled walls.
Having all the tales told by elders of the village, this building has witnessed many up and down events throughout history, one of them is the battle in Ky Dau Spring 1789; as well as, carries spiritual, historical and cultural values. It was named Hà Hồi in the Tay Son dynasty; King Quang Trung won the battle with Qing patrol and destroyed their port Hạ Hồi in 1789. The current name Hạ Hồi is a commemoration associated with the victory of King Quang Trung of Vietnam.
Aside from the Saint of High mountain, Hà Hồi communal house also worships Devine Farmer and Goddess Hau – who donated considerable wealth to build the communal house.
Photo
Trieu Chien
