Hung King is regarded as the ancestor of the Vietnamese people. The era of Hung King marks the beginning of Vietnam’s nation-building, bridging the clan and tribal periods to the era of social differentiation. It signifies the birth of Vietnam’s first nation and lays the foundation for today’s Vietnam. Although the exact duration of the Hung King era is uncertain, the lineage of Hung King, which has been passed down, spans over 2,000 years across eighteen generations. Some historians predict that the Hung King era lasted from the 7th century BC to 258 BC.
In Vietnam, there is a saying: “No matter where you are, remember the day of ancestor worship on the tenth of the third lunar month.” Every year, the tenth day of the third lunar month is the Hung Kings’ Festival, when the annual rituals honoring Hung Kings are held. On this day, people from all over Vietnam, as well as overseas Vietnamese, travel with reverence and gratitude to Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province for the ceremonies. For visitors, participating in the Hung Kings’ Festival is an unforgettable pilgrimage and cultural experience.
The procession ceremony at the Hung Kings’ Temple is an important ritual that embodies the Vietnamese tradition of remembering one’s roots. It honors the valuable legacies of the Hung King era, such as the diligence and creativity in labor, the unity in overcoming natural disasters and enemies, and the courage and resilience in resisting foreign invasions.
The incense offering ceremony begins with a band and a dragon dance troupe leading the way, followed closely by a ceremonial palanquin carrying the offerings and another palanquin with traditional foods like sticky rice and rice cakes. The officiant then guides the incense offering group to the altar to present the offerings. After completing the rituals, the officiant reads a memorial text honoring the great achievements of Hung Kings.
Square and round sticky rice cakes are essential foods for ancestor worship during the Hung Kings’ Festival. These dishes trace their origins to the sixth generation of Hung King and have become traditional Vietnamese delicacies. Made primarily from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, they offer a unique and irreplaceable flavor. In terms of shape, the square cake symbolizes the earth, while the round cake represents the sky, reflecting the ancient belief in the harmony of heaven and earth.
In 2024, the Hung Kings’ Festival will feature not only the traditional ancestor worship rituals but also a Cultural Tourism Week. During this event, activities will include cultural camps, exhibitions, performances by local folk artists, and showcases of world heritage documents, books, newspapers, and photographs. There will also be competitions for making sticky rice cakes and pounding rice cakes, as well as spring performances and a swimming competition. These activities will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and history.
The Hung Kings’ Festival is not only a significant holiday in Vietnam but also an important platform for showcasing Vietnamese culture and history. If you’re interested, come join this vibrant celebration filled with culture and faith!
