Over hundreds of years, these place names have done more than help people identify where they live. They have also become part of the region’s cultural identity, serving as a thread that connects the past, present, and future.
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| Thanh Tien paper flower craft village. Photo: Anh Viet |
As Vietnam continues implementing its policy of reorganizing administrative units, streamlining the government apparatus, and improving the effectiveness of state management, the issue of preserving traditional village names has once again come to the forefront.
Hue is a land shaped by layers of historical and cultural heritage accumulated over many centuries. From ancient villages in the lowlands, such as Phuoc Tich, Phuoc Yen, Bao La, Kim Long, Thanh Tien, Duong No, An Truyen, and Thu Le, to mountainous and coastal villages, each name is associated with its own story of land reclamation and settlement, traditional occupations, historical figures, or important local events.
Many people may think that a name is merely an administrative label, but in reality, village names contain a wealth of cultural information. The mention of Kim Long recalls the capital of the Nguyen lords before the construction of the Phu Xuan Imperial City. Duong No evokes memories of President Ho Chi Minh's childhood years in Hue. Thanh Tien brings to mind the centuries-old tradition of paper flower making. Thanh Ha and Bao Vinh recall the ancient trading ports that were once among the busiest in Dang Trong (the Inner Realm).
These place names are “living museums”, pages of history preserved in the everyday life of the community.
In recent years, Hue has made considerable efforts to preserve traditional place names while reorganizing its administrative units. Many village, commune, and ward names with historical significance have been retained, helping protect the identity of the former imperial capital. However, when we look back honestly, there are also lessons that deserve careful reflection.
During some previous rounds of administrative reorganization, many long-established place names disappeared from official maps. Some village names had existed for hundreds of years and were closely associated with the history of land reclamation and the cultural traditions of local communities. However, after communes and wards were merged, these names were no longer used in official administrative designations. Although this may have brought certain benefits for administrative management, it has also caused part of the region's cultural memory to gradually fade over time.
Place names not only facilitate administrative management but also evoke emotional connections, foster a sense of belonging, and inspire pride among local communities. A place should not only be governed effectively but should also be recognized through the distinctive values that define its identity. Therefore, when reorganizing local administrative units, the selection and preservation of names should be regarded not merely as a technical matter, but also as an important cultural consideration.
The loss of a place name means that part of a community’s collective memory is also at risk of fading away. When a village name no longer appears on maps, in administrative documents, or in social life, younger generations have fewer opportunities to learn about the history of their own homeland. Over time, the stories associated with that place may gradually be forgotten.
Conversely, by valuing and preserving traditional place names, we gain an effective means of teaching local history, fostering attachment to one’s homeland, and strengthening community identity. This is also an approach adopted by many countries around the world as they undergo urbanization and modernization.
It is these ancient place names and long-established village names that give each region its cultural depth and distinctive appeal.
Hue is entering a new stage of development as a centrally governed municipality and a unique heritage city of Vietnam. In this process, streamlining the administrative apparatus and improving the effectiveness of governance are essential. Equally important, however, is the preservation of the many layers of cultural heritage accumulated over time.
Administrative structures may be changed to meet development needs. Boundaries may be adjusted to support modern governance. However, great caution must be exercised when altering village names that have endured for generations.
Because, ultimately, a village name is more than a place name. It embodies the memory of a community, bears the imprint of history, and forms part of the soul of the land.
For a heritage city like Hue, sustainable development cannot come at the cost of losing these precious elements of its identity.