Phuoc Tich ancient village is located in Thua Thien Hue province, about 40km North of Hue city. Along with Duong Lam ancient village, these two villages have been recognized as “the national relic” in Vietnam. However, unlike Duong Lam village which has the characteristics of the Northern Delta, Phuoc Tich village has keep almost intact the typical character of Hue and Central Vietnam cultural region.
Phuoc Tich – “Happiness is kept forever”
Lying along the O Lau river, the village uncannily has a poetic and romantic look. It seems not to be affected by the change of time. The village is more than 500 years old and no one knows exactly when it was built. In some records, people guessed that the village’s ancestor, Hoang Minh Hung from Nghe An province came to this place to start the ceramic works in the 15th century. The village was originally named Phuc Giang (which means fortune & happiness). People then changed it to be Hoang Giang (to commemorate Hoang Minh Hung). In the early 19th century the name was changed to Phuoc Tich: Phuoc (happiness); Tich (keeping) meaning that “Happiness is kept forever”.
Nowaday, Phuoc Tich village still retains the invaluable physical heritages which aren’t only ancient but massive as well. In total of 117 houses in the village,there are still 27 old houses which are mostly wooden houses consisting of three compartments with two lean-tos and 10 old family temples. Furthermore, 12 houses of families are classified as special values in Vietnam.
the typical character of Central Vietnam
Visiting the village, the first thing which impresses visitors is a green and quiet space. The structure and organization of the village is actually typical for the countryside in Central Vietnam. Over hundreds of years of construction and development, there are now only about 300 people remaining in the village. Despite having such a small population, the majority of villagers are doctors and teachers. The village boasts a close knit community and villagers gather together during festivals and holidays. Roads in the village are lined with low green hedges. They are kept neatly clipped by the local residents and neighbor can easily look into each other’s compound. Many temples have been built all around the village as a thanksgiving to ancestors. In the heart of the village, a big tree which is over 500 years old stands imposingly like the god protecting the entire village.
The well known pottery village
For many generations, Phuoc Tich village has been well known for pottery making. The pottery here is handmade and they are all glossy, sophisticated and long-lasting. In the flourishing period, Vietnamese used Phuoc Tich pottery to advance the king in the Imperial Palace. At present, there are only a few families who follow ceramics because of the high competition from industrial ceramics. One of those who preserved the village’s traditional pottery is Mr. Le Trong Dien. He is very famous for his own unique ceramic collection. The ceramics which has raised many generations of villagers is also the soul of Phuoc Tich village.
Finally, enjoying a home-cooked meal of traditional Hue dishes in a hundred-year-old wooden house in Phuoc Tich village will help visitors somewhat feel the pure beauty local life.
(Justin Ngoc Pham)
