Time-Honored Customs Along the Len River

12/09/2026
When Thieu Xa, a village nestled along the Len River, a tributary of the Ma River, is mentioned, people think not only of its beautiful landscapes but also of its distinctive customs, which have been passed down for hundreds of years and remain preserved to this day.

Những mỹ tục ở vùng đất bên sông Lèn

The winding Len River flows past Thieu Xa Village.

From National Highway 1A, head north and turn right at Len Bridge. Follow the Len River for a while and you will reach Thieu Xa Village. Backed by Con Rua Mountain, also known as Thieu Mountain, and facing the river, the village enjoys a sturdy natural setting and a picturesque landscape of mountains and water. Before the August Revolution, Thieu Xa belonged to Chi Ne Canton and later to Cau Loc Commune, in what was formerly Hau Loc District. Today, Thieu Xa is part of Dong Thanh Commune.

To this day, there is no definitive record of exactly when Thieu Xa Village was established. However, generations of local residents believe that people came to settle and make a living along the riverbank many centuries ago, gradually forming a village community. The story of the village’s origins continues to be passed down.

Thieu Xa was originally formed from three small hamlets: Ha, Ve and Hung. In the early days, the population was still small, with residents concentrated in separate hamlets. Ha and Ve were located along the river, while Hung lay near the foot of the mountain. Later, rising river waters frequently caused flooding, forcing residents of Ha and Ve to move further inland and settle alongside the people of Hung. The new settlement was named Thieu Hung, and was later renamed Thieu Xa.

Những mỹ tục ở vùng đất bên sông Lèn

The open ground below Sung An Pagoda is where the Thieu Market is held on the 26th day of the last lunar month.

Because Thieu Xa lies at the foot of a mountain and alongside the river, it has no vast expanses of farmland. Fragmented land and frequent flooding have long presented significant challenges to local livelihoods. Nevertheless, generation after generation, the people of Thieu Xa have persevered in overcoming difficulties, working and producing to gradually build more prosperous lives.

Amid the rhythms of modern life, local residents continue to recognize the importance of preserving their long-standing cultural values. These include the village well, architectural heritage and, in particular, the village’s time-honored customs.

When it comes to the traditional customs of Thieu Xa, it is impossible not to mention General Do Phuc Dong, also known as Le Phuc Dong. He was said to have been a native of Thieu Xa, although another account holds that he originally came from elsewhere and sought refuge in the riverside area during a time of turmoil. The villagers sheltered and supported him, and he eventually became regarded as one of their own.

Strong, intelligent and skilled in martial arts, Do Phuc Dong devoted himself to the cause when Le Loi raised the banner of resistance against the invading Ming army. On one occasion, he led a fleet of war boats down the Len River to engage the enemy at Than Phu Estuary, in what was formerly Nga Son District. The naval battle ended in victory on the 26th day of the last lunar month. According to local tradition, this was also the first victory of his military career.

Upon his return, General Do Phuc Dong was warmly welcomed by the villagers, who organized singing and celebrations in his honor. Amid the jubilant atmosphere, he ordered the opening of Thieu Market, held only once a year on the 26th day of the last lunar month, to commemorate the victory.

Since then, once a year on the 26th day of the last lunar month, villagers of Thieu Xa and people from surrounding areas have flocked to the market to celebrate. The Thieu Xa Market is special not only because it is held just once a year, but also because it is known as a market where people “buy good fortune and sell away bad luck.” Sellers come with the belief that they can leave their misfortune behind before entering the new year, while buyers believe that the things they purchase at the market will bring them good luck. The goods remain ordinary everyday necessities, including food, agricultural products and household items. Yet both buyers and sellers come to Thieu Market in a cheerful and festive spirit.

Held from early morning on the 26th day of the last lunar month, Thieu Market resembles a joyful festival filled with hope for the year ahead. Neither sellers nor buyers are overly concerned with profit. The special market is remembered in a folk saying passed down by the people of Thieu Xa: “Leave your children and grandchildren behind, but never miss the 26th-day Thieu Market.”

Speaking about the year-end Thieu Market, Le Van Duong, a native of Thieu Xa, said: “More than a form of commerce, Thieu Market is like a beautiful spiritual tradition. In the past, the market was often held along the river, bustling with boats and people coming and going. Later, it was moved to the large open area just below Sung An Pagoda, also known as Thieu Pagoda. When the day comes, no one needs to remind anyone – people throughout the village simply set off for the market.”

Alongside Thieu Market, another traditional custom in Thieu Xa is believed to have originated five or six centuries ago. It is the practice of celebrating Tet again on the first day of the second lunar month.

According to accounts passed down by village elders, this custom is also associated with General Do Phuc Dong. Legend has it that one year, he had to leave home to fight a distant battle and returned only after Tet had ended. The general of the Do family then asked permission to organize another Tet celebration for the villagers.

“From then on, every year on the first day of the second lunar month, Thieu Xa celebrates Tet again. The second Tet celebration can sometimes be even grander than the main Tet holiday. The traditional flavors remain unchanged: banh chung, banh giay, fatty pork, pickled onions and red parallel couplets. Today, the custom is still preserved.” (Hau Loc Gazetteer, Social Sciences Publishing House, 2018).

Những mỹ tục ở vùng đất bên sông Lèn

The village well in Thieu Xa.

Speaking about the custom of celebrating Tet again, Le Van Hung, deputy head of the management board for the Thieu Xa relic site and village festival, said: “Celebrating Tet again is a long-standing cultural tradition, said to have been established by General Do Phuc Dong and preserved by local people over many centuries. On this occasion, alongside banh chung, banh giay is also an indispensable offering. The pounding of banh giay is even organized as a competition among families and community groups.

“Before celebrating Tet again at home, residents bring the prepared offerings to Thieu Village Communal House to make offerings. This is both a way of remembering their ancestors and a prayer for good fortune and a smooth, prosperous year ahead. Although the custom lasts for only one day, it holds great significance in the cultural life of the people of Thieu Xa.”

Standing beside the Len River as its waters flow toward the sea, Le Van Hung gazed thoughtfully toward the village and reflected: “Thieu Xa is changing and developing day by day, with the face of our rural village becoming more spacious and prosperous each year. Fortunately, amid all these changes, our traditional cultural values and long-standing customs continue to be cherished and preserved by successive generations – like an everlasting source flowing through the land and people of Thieu Xa.”

Source: vhds.baothanhhoa.vn

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