Ancient forest in Vietnam revered as sacred guardian of vital water sources

In the heart of Gia Lai province, Vietnam, lies Hòn Cấm, an ancient forest revered by the local community of Tiên Hòa village as a sacred natural treasure. This lush forest is not just a source of natural beauty but is considered the guardian of the underground water sources that have sustained the region's inhabitants for generations.

Elders in Tiên Hòa, like 90-year-old Trần Trọng Tấn, share ancestral teachings emphasizing the forest's importance. "Our ancestors taught us that the forest is for everyone. Losing the forest means losing our water sources," Tấn explained. For generations, villagers have adhered to strict, unwritten rules, refraining from logging or exploiting forest resources. This collective stewardship has ensured that even during severe droughts, the village's wells have never run dry, a testament to the forest's protective role.

Local legends add a layer of mystique to Hòn Cấm. One tale, documented in the book 'Nước non Bình Định,' speaks of a woodcutter felling an ancient tree centuries ago. Upon cutting the tree, a skull with green hair emerged from the stump before vanishing. A wealthy landowner later bought the log, but his family faced misfortune until he built a shrine at the original tree's location to appease the 'green-haired spirit.' This story, along with others, has reinforced the community's commitment to protecting the forest.

The forest's name, Hòn Cấm (meaning 'forbidden mountain'), originated when the landowner petitioned local authorities to prohibit woodcutting. This historical decree, combined with the rich folklore, has helped Hòn Cấm remain remarkably intact, a vibrant green sanctuary amidst a changing landscape. The forest stands today as a powerful symbol of the community's deep-rooted connection to nature and their successful efforts in environmental preservation.

“

Our ancestors taught us that the forest is for everyone. Losing the forest means losing our water sources. For generations, the villagers have not dared to touch the forbidden forest. That's why in the driest years, when other areas ran out of water, the wells of Tiên Hòa village have never run dry.