The planting of the Đình Bảng’s báng tree (Ficus callosa Willd) at Thăng Long Imperial Citadel
On the morning of 28 February 2015, Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre worked with Đình Bảng People’s Committee and the Management Board of Đô Temple in Bắc Ninh to organize a tree-planting ceremony at the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long.
With agreement from the Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre, the popular báng tree native to Đình Bảng (formerly Kẻ Báng) has been brought by the descendants of the Lý kings to be planted at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, at the centre of the Forbidden Citadel and previous palaces associated with the dynasties of Lý, Trần, Lê, Mạc and the history of Thăng Long as the national capital city.
The báng tree, which is also known locally under several other names such as đa gáo, đa chai, gùa, co pảng, páng, and scientifically termed Ficus callosa Willd, is a tree of the Moraceae family and indigenous origin. This is a tree with straight trunk, measuring between 20 and 24 metres. In some rare cases, it can grow as tall as 40m, with thick and gray bark and majestic look.
The village of Đình Bảng is also known as Kẻ Báng because it is surrounded by thickets of báng trees and a haven for various species of birds. Đình Bảng is considered the natal village of the Lý dynasty because it was the birthplace of the first Lý king Lý Thái Tổ, who civilized Thăng Long- Hà Nội and gave rise to the culture of Great Việt. This is one of the most sacred and scenic lands of Kinh Bắc – Bắc Ninh. Regretting the destruction of the massive forest of Báng trees by war and time, the people of Đình Bảng have travelled the length and bread of Vietnam in search of the remaining trees and brought them back to be planted at the historical site of Đô Temple with a view to restoring the magnificent “Báng forest” and returning the trees to their native land of Kẻ Báng. Restoring the Báng forest is, according to them, restoring the landscape of the historical site, thereby contributing to the preservation of cultural identities of Kinh Bắc and showing gratitude to the predecessors who were credited with the construction and defence of the homeland and the country.
The planting of the báng tree at Thăng Long Imperial Citadel will bring Đình Bảng as the natal place even closer to the imperial palaces in Thăng Long where the Lý kings ruled. The tree-planting ceremony, which takes place on the very first days of the new year, is also a meaningful contribution to the campaign of afforestation and environmental protection: “Let’s plant more trees in spring to give our country more vitality”.
Some photos at the tree-planting ceremony:
Kim Yen
Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre
