Nghe An: Mat fish on Giang river

Monday, April 15, 2013

Hong Son temple

Hong Son temple At fisrt it had the name Vo Mieu (Temple of Martial Arts) and also Duc ong temple. The temple is located in Hong Son ward, Vinh city. In 1984 it was renamed Hong Son.

It was built in 1831 by provincial education officer Nguyen Dinh Lap and General Ho Van Luu. In 1837, its Upper and Middle Halls were completed, while the Lower Hall, right and left houses were still under construction. In the US destructive war (1964-1972) the Lower hall was bombed. On the 210th anniversary of Phuong Hoang Trung Do (1998) the Lower Hall was restored to serve the religious demands of pilgrims and tourists.

Hong Son Temple is an excellent architectural vestige imbued with the Nguyen Dynastys features and style. It still preserves a valuable collection of religious statues. Now the temple has 19 perfect architectural works, attracting a lot of tourists and pilgrims. The temple was clasified as national-level historical architectural site in 1984.

Annually, three grand ceremonies are held at Hong Son temple
- On the 3^rd day of the third lunar month: Holy Mother Lieu Hanh death anniversary.
- On the 10^rd day of the third lunar month: King Hung death anniversary.
- On the 20^rd day of the eighth lunar month: Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan death anniversary.

Mat fish on Giang river

Giang river which is a part of the Lam River originates from the upper stream Hanh Lam, flows through Thanh My, Thanh Tien ... then merges with Lam river in Thanh Chuong district in Nghe An province.

In summer, when water goes dry, upstream of the river becomes droughty. However, in July and August floods on the river always changes and be extremely intense. Giang River is extremely intense but also a gentle river where is a home for Mat fishes. Mat fish is a kind of fish often live in rocks. Its meat is tasty and fat, has less bone; especially Mat fish is beneficial for milk, limits the cardiovascular diseases, is suitable for the elderly.
Nghe people consider Mat fish on Giang River as the rural specialties. In addition to cooking with tương, eating with hot rice, Mat fish has a different process that is toasting over charcoal pot then dip in ginger sauce. It is so great.