🌳 Nestled at the end of the bustling ancient street of Đồng Văn town, in Làng Nghiến, Hamlet 3, lies a small, humble shrine perched on a rocky slope. This unassuming shrine, backed by towering stone mountains, is not just a spiritual destination but holds within it a mystical legend preserved by the Tày ethnic community for generations.
The Origin of Thirst
🔮 Long ago, this land was a haven of natural abundance. Vast green meadows, lush trees, and birds chirping joyfully every spring. But as humans arrived to cultivate the area, the land began to wither, plants wilted, and life withered. Streams dried up, fields cracked under the sun, and the people faced unrelenting hardship.
One day, a wise shaman passed through the village. Observing the terrain and the mountains, he spoke solemnly:
“This land holds the energy of ‘hidden dragons,’ but its water veins are blocked, preventing it from thriving. To save this valley, the water source must be unblocked.”
🌄 Following his advice, the villagers set out to search the mountains and valleys for the obstructed water vein. After days of searching, they found a tiny trickle of water emerging from the base of a towering mountain to the northwest of the valley. The shaman declared:
“This is the dwelling place of the Water God. If you are sincere, the Water God will grant you water to save the land.”
The Sacred Water Ritual
✨ The villagers prepared offerings and built a simple altar by the spring. They held a grand ritual that lasted three days and nights. As the ceremony began, the tiny trickle of water grew into a clear, flowing stream. 💧 The sweet, cool water brought life back to the valley, greening the fields and giving people a precious source for their daily needs.
In gratitude, the villagers built a small shrine at the spring to honor the Water God. From that day on, the valley of Đồng Văn flourished with abundance and prosperity.
The God’s Warning
⛰️ However, prosperity soon led to complacency. Many villagers became lazy and indulgent, neglecting farming duties and spending their days drinking and lounging. They chopped down trees recklessly, hunted animals carelessly, and abandoned the care of the sacred shrine. Over time, the shrine became overgrown with moss, and its stones were covered in vines.
🌌 One night, the Water God appeared in the dreams of the village elders, angered by their neglect:
“If you continue to live in idleness and disregard, I will return this land to the barren wilderness it once was.”
The next morning, the once-fertile valley shrank, replaced by jagged karst mountains. Streams vanished, and only a small patch of green fields remained as a reminder of their past abundance. Terrified, the villagers restored the shrine and offered prayers, promising never to repeat their mistakes. The Water God accepted their offerings but did not lift the curse entirely.
Modern Worship and Rituals
🎇 Today, every year on Lunar New Year’s Eve, the villagers of Đồng Văn gather to hold a sacred water ceremony. They pray to the Water God for good health, bountiful harvests, and harmonious weather. On the first day of the month or the full moon, locals frequently visit the shrine to offer incense and pray for peace, prosperity, and safe journeys.
🏞️ The Water God Shrine in Làng Nghiến has become not only a place of spiritual devotion but also a symbol of the deep connection between humans and nature. It stands as a reminder to cherish traditional values and protect the precious resources gifted by heaven and earth.
🌟 This legend whispers through the majestic mountains of Đồng Văn, carrying the spirit of the land in the hearts of its people.
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