In Quang Huc Commune, Tam Nong District, Phu Tho Province, a thousand-year-old persimmon tree has stood the test of time, serving as a spiritual symbol for the local community. Recognized as a heritage tree in 2024, this ancient tree is deeply intertwined with the history and beliefs of the people in the region.

Every year, during local festivals, residents gather around the tree for ceremonial offerings, expressing gratitude and praying for bountiful harvests and peaceful lives.

A sacred relic standing tall for a millennium

The 30-meter-tall persimmon tree has a trunk circumference of nearly 10 meters, with massive roots extending deep into the earth. Over time, a large one-meter-wide hollow has formed in its rugged trunk, adding to its mystical aura.

According to Nguyen Hong Nghiep, Deputy Chairman of the Quang Huc Commune People’s Committee, historical records indicate that the tree is approximately 1,000 years old. It was originally located on the grounds of Ha Temple, but over the centuries, the land was repurposed, and today, the commune’s administrative office stands nearby.

A witness to history

Nguyen Van Truong, a 70-year-old lifelong resident, shared his deep connection to the ancient tree. He recalled how his home had always been sheltered under its expansive canopy.

Despite enduring wars, storms, and historical upheavals, the persimmon tree has remained steadfast. Even during fierce battles, when bombs and gunfire shook the village, the tree stood tall, offering shade and protection to generations of villagers.

A tree that bears fruit and spiritual significance

Every autumn, the tree blossoms and bears fruit. Its golden, aromatic persimmons, each the size of a fist, fill the surrounding neighborhood with their distinct fragrance.

Locals affectionately refer to the tree as "Grandfather Persimmon," a testament to its revered status. Over the centuries, strong storms have broken some of its branches, but instead of discarding them, the villagers carefully preserved the fallen limbs at the base of the tree, believing they hold sacred energy.

For the people of Quang Huc, the persimmon tree is more than just an ancient relic - it is a spiritual guide. Whenever villagers face important life events or challenges, they come to the tree to pray for strength, peace, and success.

Standing beneath its towering branches, each visitor shares a common wish: to find resilience, just as the tree has endured for a thousand years.

Duc Hoang