Quang Nam – The Timeless Tapestry of Ancient Architecture and Mysterious Cultural Imprints

Quang Nam, with its unique geographical position and natural conditions, boasts diverse terrains ranging from mountains, midlands, coastal plains, to urban areas. It has been the long-term residence of ethnic minorities and a crossroads of cultural exchange with neighboring countries. This convergence has created a vast, distinctive and mysterious cultural treasure trove.

1, Door Eyes – The Sacred Eyes of Hoi An

Door Eyes are decorative pairs symmetrically placed above the main entrance of old houses in Hoi An. According to the Center for Cultural Heritage Conservation of Hoi An, the ancient town has over 200 different designs of Door Eyes, varying in shapes such as round, octagonal, hexagonal, square, or semi-flat hemispheres.

Despite their diversity, all Door Eyes share two main parts: the core and the rim. The core is often adorned with patterns such as the yin-yang symbol, flower stamens, or Chinese characters for prosperity (Phuc), longevity (Tho), or intricate seals. Surrounding the core, the rim is exquisitely carved into shapes of chrysanthemums with six or eight petals, bodhi leaves, octagons, dragons, or bats encircling the prosperity character (Phuc). In some cases, a red silk piece is added for decoration.

The origin of Door Eyes remains debated. Some researchers suggest they date back to the 17th-18th century when the Chinese settled in Hoi An. Cultural researcher Phung Tan Dong believes the practice of worshiping and decorating Door Eyes stems from the animistic belief that everything has a soul. This tradition reveres Mon Than – the gate deity protecting homes and temples.

In the minds of generations of Hoi An residents, Door Eyes act as “sacred eyes” guarding the house, distinguishing good from evil. They symbolize the aspiration for a prosperous, peaceful life, warding off misfortunes, and keeping evil spirits at bay.

2,The Legend of the Temple Bridge

Japanese Covered Bridge or Temple Bridge is an iconic structure of Hoi An, built in the 17th century, embodying the cultural essence of Vietnam, Japan, and China . According to legend, a giant sea monster (called Cu by the Vietnamese) had its head in Japan, its tail in India, and its back arching through Hoi An. The monster’s movements were believed to cause earthquakes in Japan and disrupt peace in Hoi An which is the trading centre of neighboring countries.

The Japanese built the bridge as a symbolic sword to suppress the monster, ensuring the tranquility and prosperity of the three nations. Beyond its spiritual significance, the Temple Bridge has served as a vital link for transportation and a place of worship for Hoi An residents over centuries.

3, My Son Sanctuary – The Enigmatic Heritage

My Son Sanctuary, with over 70 crimson-red towers nestled amid dense jungles, is a hallmark of Cham architecture. Built continuously from the 4th to the 13th century, these towers reflect the historical, cultural, and artistic values of the Champa civilization.

What sets these towers mystic is their resistance to moss and weathering, while modern bricks used for restoration often succumb to moss or salt corrosion. The towers’ fiery red hue remains vivid through the ages.

This phenomenon raises intriguing questions: Were the bricks fired before construction, or were they laid as unfired clay? How did the Cham people bond the bricks so intricately? Some theories suggest the use of resin-based adhesives, but this does not fully explain the construction of stable sandstone arches. Could the Cham have relied on divine power to craft these magnificent structures? My Son Sanctuary continues to captivate visitors, drawing them into its enduring mysteries.

Exploring Quang Nam is not only a journey through breathtaking landscapes and ancient structures but also a profound dive into the soul of a region that bridges the past and present. It invites us to marvel at the mysteries left behind by its ancestors and cherish the harmonious coexistence of diverse traditions that continue to thrive here today.

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