Vĩnh Phúc Communal House Relic 2

Vĩnh Phúc Communal House is a relic associated with the cultural and religious life of the local residential community; it is a place of worship Saint Nguyễn Quý Công Hoàng Phúc Trung, the village tutelary deity revered and worshipped by the people for many generations. His name and merits have been passed down in deity legends, records, and Hán Nôm documents preserved at the relic.

According to the deity legend, Saint Nguyễn Quý Công Hoàng Phúc Trung was born in Bính Dần (1026), in Lệ Mật village. From a young age, he was renowned as an intelligent, strong person with extraordinary talent and spirit. At the age of 13, he was named Quý Công; by the age of 16, he had demonstrated outstanding talent and was employed, holding the position of Supervisory Official at the royal court.

During his service to the royal court, Saint Nguyễn Quý Công Hoàng Phúc Trung was known as a talented person with merits for the country and the people. Stories about his life, talent, virtue, and merits were passed down by generations of people, becoming the basis for the formation of the local tutelary deity worship. After his death, to commemorate his merits, the people established a place of worship and honored him as the village tutelary deity.

Every year, the people organize the Vĩnh Phúc Communal House festival on the 12th day of the first lunar month and the 12th day of the 10th lunar month. In particular, the 12th day of the first lunar month is the birthday of Saint Nguyễn Quý Công Hoàng Phúc Trung, while the 12th day of the 10th lunar month is the day of his death. These are important festivals in the religious life of the community, expressing the people's reverence, gratitude, and the moral principle of “remembering the source when drinking water” toward the tutelary deity.

During the festival, local people organize traditional rituals at the communal house such as incense offering, sacrifices, ceremonial processions, and activities commemorating the Saint. The ritual part is organized solemnly and respectfully according to traditional customs. In addition, there are cultural, artistic, and community activities, creating a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere and contributing to strengthening solidarity within the residential community.

The Vĩnh Phúc Communal House festival is not only an occasion for the people to remember the birth date, death date, and merits of Saint Nguyễn Quý Công Hoàng Phúc Trung but also an occasion to educate generations, especially young people, about historical and cultural traditions. Through the rituals and festival activities, the traditional cultural values and fine customs of the locality are passed down and preserved.

Vĩnh Phúc Communal House is therefore not only a place of worship for Saint Nguyễn Quý Công Hoàng Phúc Trung but also a important cultural and religious space of the community, preserving the historical imprints and cultural traditions of the region. Maintaining the festival on the 12th day of the first lunar month (birth date) and 12th day of the 10th lunar month (death date) contributes to preserving and promoting the value of the relic and meeting the legitimate cultural and religious needs of local people.