The community continues to safeguard these treasures, preserving their sacred significance.

This year, instead of a ceremonial procession, villagers held a simpler ritual with chants and offerings at the home of Phan Hung Vy (70 years old), the current custodian of the relics.

According to tradition, a guardian, known as the "Co Dao Chu," is elected every two years. However, in the Year of the Snake, after a ritual seeking divine approval, "the higher powers" permitted Mr. Vy to continue his role.

A sacred duty entrusted by history

At the recommendation of local leaders, we met with Phan Hung Vy in Phu Ho Hamlet and expressed our wish to see the golden relics of Emperor Ham Nghi.

Mr. Vy explained that the golden elephants and other relics are not casually displayed. Permission must be granted by "the higher powers," and this is determined through a sacred coin-casting ritual.

If one coin lands heads up and the other tails up, it signifies divine approval to view the relics.

If both coins land the same way, it means the request is denied.

Dressed in a red ceremonial robe, Mr. Vy performed the ritual in front of Tram Lam Holy Mother’s shrine. When the coins landed favorably, he unlocked the treasure chest containing Emperor Ham Nghi’s relics.

Mr. Vy has held this sacred duty since 2023.

"For two years, I have been the guardian of these treasures. Every year on the 7th day of the first lunar month, we perform a ritual to determine whether a new guardian will be chosen. This year, the higher powers allowed me to continue this duty," he shared.

Though the task is heavy with responsibility, Mr. Vy considers it an honor and a blessing.

A relic from Vietnam’s resistance against French colonial rule

According to historical records, in 1885, as the imperial capital of Hue fell, Regent Ton That Thuyet led the 14-year-old Emperor Ham Nghi into the mountains to escape. They reached Phu Gia, where the Emperor established Son Phong Base and issued the second Can Vuong edict, calling for national resistance against the French.

During an attack by French forces, Emperor Ham Nghi sought refuge in Tram Lam Temple. Legend says that the Holy Mother appeared in a dream, warning him of the enemy’s approach. Upon awakening, the young emperor sounded the temple bell and convened his loyalists, bestowing sacred titles upon the temple.

Before fleeing to Quang Binh, Emperor Ham Nghi entrusted the people of Phu Gia with precious royal relics, including:

Two solid gold elephants (one weighing 2.7 taels (101 grams), the other 1.7 taels (64 grams)).
40 royal decrees.
8 sets of court attire, ceremonial flags, and parasols.
Two gilded swords.
A bronze guardian lion and an imperial robe.
20 silk fans.

The sacred role of "Co Dao Chu"

Since receiving these relics, the people of Phu Gia have treated them as sacred, ensuring their protection across generations.

Every two years, the village elects a new Co Dao Chu - someone with a strong reputation, good character, and a harmonious family. The chosen guardian takes the relics home and must not misplace or damage them. At the end of their term, the relics are passed to the next guardian.

According to Nguyen Van Nhan, Chairman of Phu Gia Commune, over the past century, more than 50 elders have been entrusted with this sacred duty.

The selection of a guardian follows strict criteria:

They must be over 65 years old.
They must be highly educated and knowledgeable in rituals.
They must be married ("song tuyen"), meaning both husband and wife are alive.

Before assuming their role, the new Co Dao Chu performs a ceremony to seek divine approval and reaffirm their duty.

The guardian is subject to strict spiritual guidelines:

They must not cook or farm while in possession of the relics.
Their bed must be positioned near the relics.
They must avoid interactions with women.

This tradition has been faithfully upheld since the 19th century, preserving both Emperor Ham Nghi’s legacy and the sacred trust of the people of Phu Gia.

Thien Luong