♦ Dr. Le Thi Thu Huong

 

Concepts of “Hanoians”

 

thuongFrom different perspectives, there are different ways of understanding who a “Hanoian” is. In the study The Image of Hanoians in Late Modern and Contemporary Literature and Arts[1], the authors argue that “Hanoians” do not consist solely of those who were born and raised in Hanoi, but also include people who migrated from elsewhere and settled in the city. However, not everyone who migrates to Hanoi can be considered a “Hanoian.” A migrant is regarded as a “Hanoian” only after having lived in Hanoi for a sufficiently long period to be able to “integrate into the lifestyle, sensibilities, and ways of thinking of indigenous Hanoians.” According to the authors, this period may last a lifetime, or it may even require three generations living in Hanoi before one truly becomes a “Hanoian.” Another perspective that invites reflection suggests that when speaking of “Hanoians,” one should not evaluate all factors such as place of birth, household registration, or length of residence in Hanoi. Instead, consideration should be given to what contributions individuals have made to the development of the Capital during their time living in Hanoi. In reality, there are people who have migrated to Hanoi for less than a generation but, owing to their talent and rapid adaptation to the new environment, have achieved major success. Their careers are closely associated with Hanoi and hold significance for society and for the people of Hanoi; therefore, they are considered “Hanoians.”

 

thuongLikewise, some individuals were born in Hanoi and lived there for a period before moving to other regions, yet they have retained the core qualities of Hanoians and continue to embody and promote the values and character of “Hanoians” in their new places of residence. Such individuals should also be regarded as “Hanoians.” [2] Thus, the concept of who qualifies as a “Hanoian” may be approached from different viewpoints. In our opinion, however, a “true Hanoian” should be someone who has spent a certain period of time closely connected with Hanoi, has understood and learned the Hanoian way of life, and - most importantly - has made specific contributions in one or more fields that contribute to the overall development of the Capital of Hanoi [3].

 

 

Literary and artistic activities in the Capital are consistently marked by innovation and creativity

 

Distinctive Character Traits of Hanoians

 

thuongResearch findings and lived reality alike suggest that the most representative features of Vietnamese character are concentrated in the people of the Capital. This is not because Hanoians possess inborn or exceptional advantages, but because the Capital’s special circumstances have enabled residents living on this land to develop and express the nation’s shared values and the common qualities of people across the country. Ultimately, “Hanoian character” consists of the typical traits of Vietnamese people living in the Capital. Over time, it has evolved to suit new historical contexts; however, in essence, it does not change. The character of Hanoians includes the following fundamental traits:

 

thuongPatriotism, heroic spirit, and courage

 

thuongThang Long - Hanoi was formed and developed in close connection with the nation’s struggles to build and defend the country. It has been the nerve center under successive dynasties and political systems - the heart and mind of the entire nation. In times of war, the capital is the most perilous place, the primary target toward which the enemy directs its spearhead in order to rapidly complete invasion and domination of the whole country. Therefore, whenever the nation has faced war, Thang Long - Hanoi has been a place where heroes and outstanding figures have gathered. Some were born and raised here; others came from different regions. Yet when they heard that the enemy threatened the capital, they courageously stepped forward, ready to contribute their talent and virtue to defend the citadel and protect the country. Living in an environment where the nation’s strength and spirit of uprising were powerfully mobilized in the imperial capital, the people of Thang Long - Hanoi early came to embody patriotism, heroic resolve, and courage. Historical reality has demonstrated that whenever Thang Long - Hanoi was threatened, the will and resilience of the people on this land were brought to their fullest expression. The victories of the people of Thang Long - Hanoi across historical periods provide clear evidence.  

 

thuongFrom the Ly period, under the leadership and influence of Ly Thuong Kiet, the people of Thang Long fought bravely, stopping the enemy along the Nhu Nguyet River defensive line north of the capital. Ly princes such as Prince Hoang Chan joined the people of Thang Long in blocking enemy advances, preventing them from entering the citadel. In the 13th century, the Thang Long capital witnessed dramatic historical moments when the Mongol - Yuan forces invaded and devastated the city. The people of Thang Long, together with the Tran court, employed the strategy of “thanh da” (scorched earth/“empty houses and deserted gardens”), and subsequently achieved victories at Chuong Duong, Tay Ket, Ham Tu Quan, Dong Bo Dau, and other battlefields. The courageous and steadfast spirit of the people of Thang Long, together with people across the country, created the “Dong A” martial ethos and brought Thang Long to triumphant return.

 

thuongIn the 15th century came victories against the Ming; in the 18th century, the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da victory crushed 290,000 Qing troops. In the late 19th century, when French colonial forces invaded Bac Ky, the people of Hanoi resisted and won two victories at Cau Giay (in 1873 and 1883). Particularly decisive in the 20th century were achievements such as the success of the August General Uprising in Hanoi in 1945, which carried decisive significance for the entire country; the people of Hanoi exemplified the spirit of “Quyet tu cho To quoc quyet sinh” (“Determined to die so the Fatherland may live”) in the final days of 1946 and early 1947; Hanoi, together with the nation, fought the resistance war against France and liberated the Capital on 10 October 1954; and the decisive victory achieved by the people of Hanoi in the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” campaign during twelve days and nights at the end of 1972, shooting down many American B-52 aircraft over Hanoi’s skies. This compelled the United States to announce an end to the bombing of the North, sign the Paris Agreement in 1973, end the war of aggression against Vietnam, and withdraw its troops.

 

thuongHanoi stands as a representative symbol of the nation’s courageous spirit and resilient strength across historical periods. Therefore, in 2000, on the occasion of commemorating the 990th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi, the Party and the State conferred upon Hanoi the noble title: “Heroic Capital.”

 

 (To be continued…)

 

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[1] Vu Khieu, Bang Viet, and Nguyen Vinh Phuc (eds.). (2005). The Image of Hanoians in Late Modern and Contemporary Literature and Arts. Hanoi: Literature Publishing House, p. 11.

[2] Pham Tat Dong (ed.). (2010). Distinctive Personality Traits of the People of Thang Long - Hanoi. Hanoi: Hanoi Publishing House, p. 13.

[3] Nguyen Quang Ngoc and Le Thi Thu Huong. (2018). Textbook of Hanoi Studies. Hanoi: Vietnam National University Press (VNU Press).