Visiting the Snake and the Saint

The ancient village of Le Mat in Hanoi is best known for its snake-catching traditions and the local legend of the Saint Le Mat.

Le Mat, in Viet Hung Ward, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, was once a part of the Thuan An District in the town of Kinh Bac.

One of the main village attractions is the ancient temple where the local hero Le Mat is worshipped.

According to the legend, King Ly Thai Tong (1028-1054) had a beautiful daughter was captured by a serpent on the Thien Duc River or Duong River by order of the River-King.

Her father immediately dispatched forces to rescue the princess but they couldn't fight the serpent under the water.

A young man named Le Mat volunteered to the beauty.

With exceptional bravery, Mat jumped into the river, churning up the muddy-water to wrestle the monster.

The hero defeated the river-king’s snake and returned the princess's corpse to her father.

In thanks he was offered an office in the court and a bounty of 100 kg of gold, silk and satin, which he resolutely turned down.

Later, Le Mat, who lived a pure, plain and righteous life, contributed his military prowess to the court by training troops and establishing the national defenses.

In 1119 when he passed away, King Ly Nhan Tong accorded him the Thuong Dang Phuc Than (First Class Good God title) and commanded villagers to build a mausoleum temple to honor his saint-hood.

Although he is just a tutelary god of the village, the majority of people in the region commemorate the village by his name.

The temple, famous for its intricate internal patterns, was built during the Ly Dynasty.

The gate, constructed as a multi-layered three-door temple gate, has curved tubular roofing.

Words etched on its body retell Le Mat's historical deeds.

Inside, the four foundational 10-meter copper pillars are elaborately decorated with four super-natural creatures — a dragon, kylin, tortoise, and phoenix.

The shrine of the ill-fated princess is located outside to the west of the temple.

The temple has been embellished many times.

In 1670 during the reign of Le Huyen Tong (1662-1671), it was renovated by General Truong Phuc Hao – which explains why the temple resembles the style of the later Le Dynasty's architecture.

With its unique history, culture and architecture, the monument has withstood the test of time and serves as a special site for tourists.

Yearly, on January 23, a colorful festival is held to commemorate Le Mat by the locals.

Le Mat Village is also famous for its snake-catching industry and the delicious dishes made from the reptile.

The profession dates back to the Ly Dynasty and has continued.

However, due to the danger associated, people now mainly raise snakes rather than catch them as before.

There are many families in the village, particularly the Nguyen and Tran families, who are considered experts in catching and raising snakes.

The snake represents the familiar cultural symbol of the village, with associated activities ranging from snake-trading, snake recipes and festivals.

Le Mat has become the trading center for snakes in the northern provinces, and flaunts its reputation as the most famous international acclaimed snake-village of Vietnam.

Source Vietnamnet