When they were alive, Nguyen Van Dinh, born in 1910, and Nguyen Thi Sam, born in 1914, lived in Tuong Mai hamlet, now on Truong Dinh street. They had 10 sons and 5 daughters.

All of their 15 children married and had children. 

In 1984, Dinh passed away at the age of 74, and in 2007, Sam died at the age of 93. Of their 15 children, four have passed away. Their eldest son is 90 years old, and their daughters in law and sons in law are all over 65 years old.

To date, the great family has had 300 members, including 26 children, 89 grandchildren, 129 great-grandchildren, 67 great-great grandchildren and 6 great-great-great granchildren.

Earning their living as rice growers and facing difficulties, Dinh and Sam tried their best to fund their children’s study. The children were well educated and finished general school, and had stable jobs.

In the past, Dinh and Sam had large fields and land plots, which were precious assets that helped the family lead a comfortable life and get an education.

Of their 15 children, two worked as teachers, three worked in the railway sector, one worked as deputy director of a plant seed company, and the rest took other jobs.

After many years of farming, Dinh shifted to leasing pedicabs, a good business which brought high profits. This allowed them to accumulate large assets for their children.

Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren have worked in many business fields, including education, healthcare, diplomacy, business and construction, and have gained many achievements.

Nguyen Hong Chuyen, born in 1982, said there are over 300 members in the family, but they live in different localities so it is difficult to gather everyone at the same time.

It is easier for children and grandchildren to meet as they celebrate anniversaries. They gather in the 11th month of lunar year to celebrate the death anniversaries of Dinh and Sam, and on days to congratulate family members on their longevity.

In general, on death-anniversary banquets, they prepare 22 tables with delicious dishes for family members and relatives. This is the time for children and family members to enjoy food and share stories about their lives.

Organizing parties to congratulate members on their longevity became a tradition of the family 30 years ago, when the great-grandmother turned 80 years old. Parties are also organized when someone turns 70, 80, 85 and 90 years old.

They meet when they have good news and want to share their joy with each other, but also appear at any time they are needed. If someone falls seriously ill and faces difficulties, other family members will give both material and mental support.

The meetings of the family are noisy and members need large places to gather. In a recent post on social media, Chuyen’s daughter wrote that it was normal that her family members could not remember the names of everyone.

At meetings, family members usually play a game. Those who can name the 15 children of the great-great grandchildren will be awarded with money. However, this has proven to be a difficult game.

“I often fall into an embarrassing situation when I forget the names of family members. However, the feeling that I am a part of a great family is really special and exciting,” one member said.

The family often organizes tours and wear ‘uniforms’. Many people think they are members of a company that organizes tours for staff in summer.

Chuyen’s daughter says each family member has a different character, but all of them share family values and consider the great family as “the cradle that nurtures love and connection”.

Tu Linh