VI
EN
Old signs – still there or gone? It's not just a question of their physical existence, but also a reminder of the cultural and spiritual value they hold in the hearts of each person.
Hanoi is a thousand-year-old city with many layers of culture stacked upon one another, always leaving indelible marks on people's hearts. Among them, the old streets remain an important part, preserving memories of a golden age.
The PHUC THINH sign at 69 Hue Street.
Over the years, these old signs have become valuable cultural heritage, carrying within them stories of commerce and lifestyle of a bygone era. Old signs are not just weathered boards; they are witnesses to time, preserving memories of a historical period and a distinctive cultural feature of old streets.
Although many signs have faded over the years, replaced by modern LED billboards, there are still street corners and roads that retain a touch of nostalgia through hand-painted lettering and old wooden frames.
The Lợi Ký advertising sign on Hàng Hòm street advertises the sale of leather chests and bell locks.
The Lợi Ký signboard is over 70 years old. The walkways and entrances remain unpainted and untouched. Lợi Ký is the name of the ancestors. The house has been inhabited for generations. The current owners are descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Lợi Ký.
This family used to specialize in selling leather trunks and bell locks to soldiers. Over time, this business became unsuitable, so the homeowner had to switch to motorcycle repair to earn a living.
In addition, the magnificent house located at the corner of Hang Bong and Quan Su streets has a sign embossed that reads "Pham Ngoc Phuc Barbershop and Bathhouse". Mr. Pham Ngoc Phuc was one of the first capitalists of Hanoi during the French colonial period, a contemporary of businessman Bach Thai Buoi.
Sign that reads "Pham Ngoc Phuc Hair Salon and Bathroom". Photo: Petro Times
On streets like Hang Than, Hang Ga, and Hang Bong, embossed signs still stand, as relics of time. These symbols are not merely means of advertising, but also reflect the aesthetic taste and status of the owner.
The DUC THINH sign on Hang Dao Street.
They are usually made of cement or fired brick, painted yellow or red, with Chinese characters or Vietnamese script, accompanied by contrasting decorative patterns. Despite the passage of time, some of these old signs have been preserved. On Hang Non Street, the remaining houses still have clearly visible embossed signs.
For example, the house at 7A Hang Non Street, with the inscription "Tan Hung," built around 1945, is a landmark reflecting the family's history and the craft of making wide-brimmed hats. Next to it, the "Thuan Thinh" sign at 44 Hang Hom Street, embossed with cement, also marks the commercial history of a bygone era.
Tan Hung sign at 7A Hang Non
Thuan Thinh sign at 44 Hang Hom
However, amidst the constant changes in the city, many old signs have disappeared. Many houses have been demolished or renovated, causing the loss of valuable heritage.
New homeowners, driven by economic motives or a desire for modernization, have largely disregarded the preservation of historical landmarks. Maintaining these old signs presents a significant challenge. While many Hanoians lament the gradual disappearance of these relics, very few conservation programs have been proposed.
The HA LONG sign at 34 Hang Trong Street.
The TRANG sign is located at 12 Nha Tho Street.
Alongside the vibrant, oversized billboards, the image of old, simple, and rustic cement lettering has created a special mark on Hanoi. Over time, as modern life constantly changes, people increasingly yearn to rediscover the remaining memories on the facades of old houses, amidst the myriad new things that quickly come and go in the relentless whirlwind of today's society.
Preserving old signs is not just about retaining memories, but also about preserving historical and cultural values. Finding solutions to protect them is crucial, preventing these precious signs from becoming mere memories in the hearts of those who love Hanoi.
