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THE HERITAGE JOURNEY
Respecting roots
Hoi An’s family ancestor worship houses are open
to the public, offering an insight into one of the
most important aspects of Vietnamese traditional
culture.
Duc Hanh
explores
Nguyen Tuong
family house
Locally known as the Ong Lon Pal-
ace, the altar house has been ranked
among the province’s top cultural and
archeological relics since 2008. Situ-
ated in a narrow alley at 8/2 Nguyen Thi
Minh Khai street in Hoi An, the house
was built in 1806. It has been home to
14 generations of Nguyen Tuong Van’s
family (1774-1822).
Nguyen Tuong Van, who was born
as Nguyen Van Van in Cam Giang dis-
trict in Hai Duong province, was award-
ed land by Emperor Gia Long in Dien
Ban district’s Cam Pho commune (now
part of the old quarter of Hoi An). Em-
peror Minh Mang assigned him as the
headmaster of the Royal Army in 1820.
The house preserves 20 royal
honour diplomas from the Nguyen
Recommended
T
he custom of worshiping ances-
tors is a beautiful, colourful and
joyful tradition in Vietnamese
culture. For years the Vietnam-
ese have worshiped their ancestors
based on the belief that the dead have
a continued existence and may possess
the ability to influence the fortunes of
the living.
The majority of Vietnamese homes
have ancestor altars installed in the
most important position, to honour
and remember their ancestors. The size
of the altars varies but they have to
be located in a high, clean, respectful
place in the house. Incense and flowers
are used on the anniversary of a fam-
ily member’s death, on the Vietnamese
New Year, and on other occasions.
Each wealthy family in Hoi An has
their own ancestor worship house that
retains its original structure according
to the family tree. Each dates back at
least 200 years and most were repaired
in the 19th century.
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