The banyan tree, or Ficus benghalensis, is the sacred tree in Vietnamese lore, tradition and religion. We believe that there are spirits resting within the trees and there are punishments to anyone daring to violate the tree. Many place incense in its roof as an offering to the spirits.
Back In the old villages, our community is often built around the tree, and there would always be a banyan tree in the villages temple. With the tremendous pace of urbanisation, we have adopted many different practices to our modern lifestyle but the banyan tree remains its sacred place in our customs. No matter how the tree grows and destroys everything its root could reach, no ordinary person would risk himself to disturb the banyan tree.
We accept it, let it grow and enjoy the shades from its branches and leaves.
