From Sa Ky to Hoang Sa: Stories from the Edge of History

From the Sa Ky estuary, hundreds of years ago, the Hoang Sa militia set sail into the vast ocean to plant markers, exploit resources, and safeguard maritime sovereignty. In this enduring legacy, today, fishermen from Ly Son (Quang Ngai) continue to venture out to sea amidst the turbulent waves, carrying the memories of their ancestors and the sacred love for their homeland's islands.

Historical records, such as the "Dai Nam Thuc Luc Tien Bien," detail the activities of the Hoang Sa fleet under the Nguyen Lords. It mentions that in the autumn of the seventh month, the Hoang Sa people from Quang Ngai sailed to the Hoang Sa archipelago, where they were once blown off course to the waters of Quynh Chau in Thanh (China). The Thanh governor provided them with provisions and allowed them to return. The book also describes the archipelago as having over 130 sandbanks, stretching for thousands of miles, with freshwater wells and abundant marine products like sea cucumbers and turtles. The Hoang Sa fleet initially comprised 70 men from An Vinh village, tasked with sailing out annually in the third month and returning in the eighth, submitting their findings.

Following these historical accounts, a visit to the former An Vinh village, now part of Tinh Khe commune in Quang Ngai, reveals stories of the Hoang Sa militia from centuries past. Elder Nguyen Thanh Menh, 75, a former head of the People's Committee of Ly Son island district, led the way to a small temple near the Sa Ky estuary. He reverently offered incense, sharing the village's oral traditions about Ba Chua Ngoc, a revered figure believed to be sent by the Jade Emperor to help the people. Villagers prayed to her for health, prosperity, and peace. Fishermen also offered prayers for calm seas and bountiful catches.

Many believe Ba Chua Ngoc is highly auspicious. Adjacent to the temple is a large area known as Vuon Don, where the Hoang Sa militia established their barracks. Before embarking on their voyages, the militia would prepare offerings and devoutly worship at the Ba Chua Ngoc temple, praying for safe journeys and successful missions. The smoke of incense would drift with the wind, enveloping the village. Afterward, they would proceed to Vuon Don for their pre-departure military ceremony, a solemn occasion before setting sail. These simple, brave villagers would then board their boats, rowing out into the estuary.