Confucian relic sites are an indispensable component of Hanoi’s cultural
heritage system, illustrating the traditional fondness for learning in
the capital city.
According to the latest
statistics, Hanoi is home to 201 Confucian relic sites, mostly temples
and places of worship dedicated to scholars including Van Mieu (the
Temple of Literature); 83 of which have been ranked nationally.
In the past 14 years since the Law on Culture Heritage came into
effect in 2001, historic and cultural relic systems in the capital have
been restored and embellished.
Hanoi has proposed
ranking an additional 450 historical, cultural relic sites nationally,
including 47 temples dedicated to ancient scholars.
Deputy Head of the Hanoi relic sites management board Nguyen Thi Thuy
said 15 Confucian relics have been restored in recent years thanks to
the Law.
The management board reviewed the status of
the Confucian relic sites in the capital between 2013 and 2014,
selecting those to receive upgrades and improvements, she noted.
Localities home to Confucian relic sites have been asked to collect
and supplement relevant documents and objects such as epitaphs, royal
ordinances, family records, and ancient books to increase the value of
the vestiges.
As one of the most important Confucian
symbols of the country, the Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) and Quoc Tu
Giam (Vietnam’s first National University) have been notably
maintained.
From 2013 to early 2015, the Van
Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam’s Scientific and Cultural Activities Centre completed
project upgrades to the Thai Hoc house, the Bell house, the Drum house
and the shelters of the doctoral steles, said Deputy Director Nguyen Thi
Luan.
According to Associate Professor Dr Nguyen
Quoc Hung from the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies
(VICAS), Confucian relic sites receive due attention from organisations
and individuals, especially from schools and families.
Localities and families often hold ceremonies to pay tribute to the
ancient scholars with high marks on their royal examination and organise
study promotion activities at Confucian relic sites, he cited as
examples.
The Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam’s Scientific and
Cultural Activities Centre hosts a number of activities annually to
draw students to the sites and works with other agencies to build a
heritage education promotion programme.-VNA