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What’s in a name?

The Star 22nd Aug 07

Depending on how you look at it, street names could either be mere destinations on a map or reminders of the past.

SAMBAL ON THE SIDE by BRENDA BENEDICT

It all started after a Sejarah class back in Form Four when a classmate told us that a main street in our native Johor Baru bore her grandfather’s name. We were in awe.

The next time you cross a street, take note of its name and research it. You will be surprised at what you find. — AP Photo

That little piece of information, casually mentioned one sultry afternoon, beat having to memorise reams of notes that our teacher used to dictate to us. History was momentarily fleshed out – even if in this case, it was two generations after. That also marked the start of my interest in street names and the stories behind them.

This interest also provides information on the countries I visit or live in. Street names are often attributed to famous political figures. Naturally, some need no introduction – Nelson Mandela, Konrad Adenauer or Ho Chi Minh.

Then there are names that may not be immediately recognisable to foreigners in a particular country. For instance, we know the man named Maharajalela and his place in Malaysian history. But, for some visitors, it could initially just be a street name that’s a mouthful.

Yet all these names – and the people behind them – have left their mark on their country’s political, social or cultural landscape. And the fact that they are repeated in cities or districts across a nation is indicative of their distinction.

Hai Ba Trung is the name of a district, and a main street, in Hanoi. Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City also boast their own Hai Ba Trung streets.

Translated it means the “Two Sisters Trung”. The sisters – Trung Trac and Trung Nhi – were born during China’s 1,000-year occupation of Vietnam. They are revered as national heroines for leading the first successful revolt against Chinese occupation in 39 A.D.

Highly educated and skilled in martial arts, the sisters had mobilised their countrymen to expel the Chinese and successfully kept them at bay for three years. But their victory was short-lived and the Chinese attacked again under the command of General Ma-Vien.

Once you know the history behind a streetname, you'll have new respect for the road. - Reuters

Despite having fought valiantly, the sisters finally drowned themselves in the Hat Giang River to avoid capture by the invaders. Shrines are dedicated to them nationwide and an annual festival is held in their honour on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

Running close to Hanoi’s famous Hoan Kiem Lake, Ly Thai To Street is named after the emperor who founded the illustrious Ly Dynasty. Regarded as one of the greatest rulers in national history, he founded the capital city of Thang Long (meaning “ascending dragon”), which is now modern-day Hanoi.

Ly Thai To and his descendants are also credited for establishing Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature. Among others, they promoted agriculture and created the first flood control system along the banks of the Red River which flows past Hanoi.

Phan Chu Trinh Street is one of many that intersect Hai Ba Trung Street. It is named after an early 20th century nationalist who advocated a peaceful, non-violent struggle to gain independence from the French. Ho Chi Minh was one of his fellow political activists.

And finally, the city’s grids aren’t really complete without a nod to Vietnam’s artistic community.

To Ngoc Van is a quiet street in the outskirts and a favoured address of expatriates. It is named after the man who is deemed the “master of Vietnamese oil painting”. Some claim that he was influenced by the French impressionist, Gauguin. His later works reflected his involvement in the French resistance movement. He was killed in 1954 during the famous Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Obviously, I do not claim to have given an exhaustive description of the personalities above. Neither is it an exhaustive list of the country’s luminaries. However, I have had many “a-ha” moments when Googling about street names I come across here. That is why Hai Ba Trung, which was initially just the street where you could buy electrical goods, now has a different undertone for me.

So a street may not always just be a destination. Sometimes, it can be an insightful journey into the past.

Brenda Benedict is a Malaysian living in Hanoi. She enjoys people-watching as it gives her fodder for this fortnightly column. Apparently, the village where she lives was once home to a famous poetess named Ba Huyen Thanh Quan.