Along the paths of Giang Cao's second hamlet, the revered traces of the ancestral landowners, Thành Hoàng Lê Huệ and Lê Kiêm, remain firmly entrenched in the memories of the people. Interwoven with legends, the Mieu Ban stands as a focal point for deep-rooted memories and traditions.
According to the tales passed down by the elderly, during the Trần dynasty, when epidemics ravaged the land, the renowned healers Lê Huệ and Lê Kiêm pitched their tents on the elevated grounds of Hoàng Xà, near the banks of the Red River. With their remarkable skills in herbal medicine, they saved thousands from the agony of disease. Their sacrifice and dedication earned them the esteemed title of Thành Hoàng, namely "Lê Huệ, the third illustrious figure," and "Lê Kiêm, the fourth grand figure."
The area around Mieu Ban has witnessed significant historical fluctuations. Before 1945, it was a bustling marketplace, the vibrant heart of the neighborhood. Pre-1965, amidst the emerging battlefield, Miếu Bản transformed into a lime-burning and orange-growing site. During the resistance against the French and American forces, it became a sanctuary for revolutionaries and a gathering point for weapons and supplies.
However, the spirit of revival cannot be overlooked. In 2010, Miếu Bản underwent rejuvenation, once again restored through social funding, showcasing the community's care and gratitude towards the cultural heritage. With a total cost of nearly 4.3 billion Vietnamese dong, this unique architectural endeavor not only revives waves of memories but also instills pride in the glorious past.
The precincts of Mieu Ban, nestled beside the Red River, exude a dignified beauty, preserving precious artifacts such as ancestral tablets, the "Great Dao of Moral Virtue" manuscript, and paired couplets. Every year, on the fifteenth day of the second lunar month, a festival is held, filling the air with solemnity and reverence.
Mieu Ban is not just a significant spiritual site; it is a symbol of faith and gratitude from descendants to their predecessors, those who sacrificed and contributed to the community. They remain present, guiding the future path of Giang Cao village, resurrecting the enduring cultural values of the nation.
Mieu Ban Giang Cao Village is a vibrant tableau of the glorious past and hopeful present of a community. The indelible marks of the esteemed healers Lê Huệ and Lê Kiêm, from the Trần dynasty, persist within the sacred space of the shrine, reminding of selflessness and filial piety. Simultaneously, the restoration and preservation of Miếu Bản serve as a clear testament to the resurgence and development of a nation, contributing to the honoring and safeguarding of its enduring cultural heritage.