| History |  |
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Tran Tu Nhac, an intelligent mandarin who lived during the reign of King Gia Long (around 200 years ago), built this house. In late 1802, he and some others were sent to China as the King's envoys. Before departure, he wanted to leave something to his offspring and show his gratitude towards his ancestors. So he had this house built. Like other family chapels in Hoi An, the Tran house is situated in the middle of a 1.500 sq m garden with high surrounding walls and a gate. Ornamental plants. flowers, fruit trees and several century-old plants are grown in the front. The architecture of the house bears the Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese styles, and it has remained almost the same as two centuries ago. The house is made of precious wood. It is compose of three compartments and two lean-tos. Its roof is covered with pan-tiles. The wood. en columns and beams are decorated with refined carvings. The house is divided into two parts: the main one is used as the worshipping place, and the other one, as the living space for the clan's head and for receiving guests. The design of the house respects the rules of traditional geomancy. |
| Description | |
Today, some of his belongings are still kept at the house, such as a sword and a seal. People of the Tran clan often go to the house to pay their respect to their ancestors.
Annually, all the clan gather in the house, in front of the altar to show their gratitude and piety towards their ancestors and to pray for happiness. On this occasion. they recall the past, discuss the future and teach their offspring to do good things. The meeting is organised in a joyful and warm atmosphere. Parents educate the children about the clan's traditions. Such annual gatherings help strengthen the attachment of the clan and are opportunity for new members to the make acquaintance with each other, to define their rank in the clan's hierarchy. The house of the Tran clan is a famous tourist attraction thanks to its architectural and cultural values, and it is a fine example of the distinctive clan life of Hoi An residents among the multi-ethnic community of Vietnam. |
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