TRADITIONAL VILLAGE SELF-GOVERNANCE INSTITUTIONS IN THE THANH REGION: A STUDY OF THE HƯƠNG ƯỚC OF NHƯ ÁNG VILLAGE, TUẦN LA CANTON, NGỌC SƠN DISTRICT, TĨNH GIA PREFECTURE, ENACTED IN THE FIFTH YEAR OF MINH MỆNH’S REIGN (1824)

Through a comprehensive analysis of the Hương ước (village convention) of Như Áng village, Tuần La canton, Ngọc Sơn district, Tĩnh Gia prefecture - established in the 5th year of Minh Mệnh's reign (1824), this study examines four fundamental institutional structures that underpinned the functioning of traditional village life: (1) administrative-organizational institutions, (2) legal-normative institutions (community regulations), (3) ritual-customary institutions (social etiquette and traditions), and (4) property-economic institutions (distribution of resources and interests). On this basis, the article clarifies the village's internal service hierarchy, rules of reward and punishment, and major ceremonial practices such as blessing rituals, weddings, funerals, and filial piety observances. Additionally, the study analyzes the livelihood arrangements within the community, including fishing, trade, and the principles of resource allocation, contributions, and village customs in managing communal affairs. These elements vividly reflect a strong spirit of self-governance, emphasizing neighbourhood solidarity and communal ethics. The findings show that the Hương ước of Như Áng is not merely a village regulation document, but also a mirror reflecting a well-ordered autonomous structure, replete with discipline, moral codes, rituals, and regulations of a rural community in Thanh Hoa's lowlands in the early 19th century. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the institutional features of traditional Vietnamese villages in historical social contexts. Keywords: Self-governance; village institutions; Hương ước; Thanh region; Như Áng.