A small room inside Tan Sa Chau Church in Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Binh District contains hundreds of kerosene lamps in different designs and decorations, with each being a part of history.
Father Nguyen Huu Triet is already in his 60s but still gets excited when he hears about a kerosene lamp being found or sold somewhere in the north, thousands of kilometers away from his home.
The old man's passion for lamps originated in his childhood, when he noticed how his father, who was a teacher and a doctor of traditional medicine, treasured an enamel tea set and a Chinese farmer's pipe. They were the family's only valuable possessions.
His father only brought out the two antiques when guests came to visit, so that everyone could admire them. At the time, Father Triet wasn't aware of the value of the antiques, but they piqued his curiosity.
He inherited dozens of old lamps from the previous parish priest at Tan Sa Chau and cherished the memories of his father. He found a desire to collect old lamps, as way of preserving the past. They also provide light, Father Triet explained; a type of light that counters darkness and evil. The lamps have stood the test of time.
But it's not just about light. Father Triet said that each has a story to tell. Some he bought from antique shops in Ho Chi Minh City or from scrap iron dealers in the northern or central regions. Only by accident did he come across one ancient pottery lamp from the Dong Son era, while hunting for another.
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| A peanut oil lamp from Le Mac era, 16th - 18th centuries |
There is also a 1.5-meter tall lamp from India that has five wicks, and one from France that holds 7.5 liters of oil. Most of the lamps use peanut oil, kerosene or animal fat.
Nearly 20 years after he began his collection, Father Triet believes life is like a lamp. The light will extinguish at one point, so it's better to live life to the fullest while the flame still flickers.
He will donate his lamps to the catholic association when he passes. "I want to preserve them for the next generation," he said. "After I die, the lamps will continue to live on."
Source : Heritage Magazine 12/2010
