Ong pagoda was in institution by efforts
of a segment of Hoa people in two chief towns Quang Chau and Trieu
Khanh of Quang Dong, China in 1894 - 1896 for worshipping Quan Cong.
This 532 sq.m pagoda stays in Hai Ba Trung road (Tan An precinct
belonging to Ninh Kieu wharf area) in east - west direction.
In
respect of architecture, it deeply carries out Chinese architecture
since almost elements consisting of stone pillars, underpinning,
purling, etc., were brought from Wangdoung. It’s shaped as "Quoc"
character (old Han script) where including closed ranges of apartments
locating quadrate one another and a space in the centre called Thien
Tinh (open well).
Main worship apartment in Ong pagoda Foto: Nguyen Hanh |
Despite the unique and gaudy
appearance, the Ong pagoda is deep in ancient property. Factually,
sophisticated carving items place the pagoda to be both solemn and
bright. Moreover, the relic is put in celebrated quality through its
great arts and religious value through calligraphy in model of "Trien"
and "Thao" engraved in horizontal lacquered boards, pots, urns, bronze
bells, etc.
In respect of faith and religion,
the faith stands out for the more frequency than the religion.
Personalities given adoration becomes various as if "mishmash-like
modern popular religion reality" in the book "Hoa people in South
Vietnam" by Tsai-Maw-Kuey. The Ong pagoda brings not only religious
services but also cultural and educational doings of the Hoa for
sustaining traditional cultural values like wood sculpture and
calligraphy.
With regards to historical meanings,
in the war against the American troops, it is in the pagoda the Hoa
gave cover to revolutionary soldiers whose secret deeds done inner the
city. Obviously, that precious assistance has helped tighten the Hoa -
Viet friendship in the struggle against the national liberation and
building.
As a place carrying historical and architectural values,
the Ong pagoda was recognised cultural historical relic by Ministry of
Culture and Information (MOCI) on June 21st 1993.
Festivals in Ong pagoda
Of all festivals occurring all year
round, Tet Nguyen Dan is the biggest-organised one. Besides, some other
festivals are also held in Ong pagoda, as follows:
- Birthday of main deity Phuc Duc (sir Bon) occurring on 2nd of the second month every lunar year
- Birthday of Thien Hau Thanh Mau on 23rd of the third month every lunar year
- Birthday of Quan Cong on 24th of the sixth every lunar year
- Birthday of Tai Bach Tinh Quan (Deity Tai) on 22nd of the seventh month every lunar year
Source: content.cantho.gov.vn
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Ninh Kieu Harbor | My Khanh Tourist Village | Bang Lang Stork Garden | ||
Binh Thuy Ancient House | Hau River Farm | Binh Thuy Communal House | ||
Ong Pagoda | Can Tho Gardens | Nam Nha Pagoda |