Nom Village Market: A Symbol of Vietnam’s Rural Trade
Nom Market, located in Nom Village, Dai Dong Commune, Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province, is a historic market with a 200-year history. It sits right in front of the ancient Linh Thong Pagoda and used to be a specialized trading center for bronze products, a traditional craft that brought prosperity to the entire region. Today, Nom Market has transformed into a local market serving the daily needs of the community while still retaining the unique cultural charm of a traditional Vietnamese village market.
The Nom Village Relic Complex: Preserving the Essence of Vietnamese Rural Life
Nom Village is renowned for its cultural and historical relic complex, comprising Nom Pagoda, Nom Communal House, Nom Bridge, and Nom Market. These sites harmoniously blend to create a peaceful and ancient picture of traditional Vietnamese rural life. They also showcase the distinctive characteristics of the Red River Delta region, where cultural, spiritual, and commercial values intertwine.
Nom Market, constructed during the Le Dynasty and renovated several times during the Nguyen Dynasty, is remarkable for preserving its ancient charm. Its architecture and bustling atmosphere have remained largely unchanged over time. Nom Market was once a vibrant hub for bronze traders and craftsmen in the area. In the past, up to 70% of Nom Village households were engaged in bronze casting or trading. The villagers would travel far and wide to sell their cast products and collect or exchange scrap metal for the local craft villages. This vibrant trade made Nom Village one of the wealthiest villages in the region.
In the planning of ancient Vietnamese villages in the Red River Delta, the market and the pagoda were typically located outside the village, serving as an “open special zone.” This arrangement not only reflected the defensive mindset of ancient Vietnamese villages but also demonstrated their adaptability in engaging in trade with the outside world. Nom Market, situated on a spacious plot of land in front of Nom Pagoda, is a perfect example of this planning principle.
The folk verse, “For scrap metal, go to Nom Bridge,” has been passed down through generations in the area. It not only evokes the trade activities of the past but also underscores the role of Nom Market in regulating the economic and social life of Nom Village for centuries.
Adapting to the Times
Over time, Nom Market has evolved from being a center for scrap metal and bronze product trading. In 1997, it was rebuilt with two rows of single-story shops and five sections selling various sundries. Today, the market operates 12 sessions per month, on the 1st, 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 26th, and 29th days. Although it may not be as bustling as it once was, Nom Market retains its rustic charm with its unplastered red brick houses.
The market continues to attract visitors from far and wide, bringing back the lively atmosphere of the past. The transformation of Nom Market reflects its ability to adapt to modern needs while preserving the cultural and historical values of the region.
Recognizing its unique historical, architectural, and cultural values, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism issued Decision No. 50/QD-BVHTTDL, officially recognizing the Nom Village Relic Complex in Dai Dong Commune, Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province, as a National Historical and Architectural Art Relic. This achievement is a source of pride for the people of Nom Village and a testament to the successful preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in modern times.
