“Though one may swim against the tide’s swell,
Recall the Ancestors’ Day, third month’s tenth, it shall,
Across the land, verses flow, an endless well,
Homeland endures, for a thousand years, our bond to tell.”
These verses deeply resonate with the sentiment of gratitude towards the Hung Kings, who played pivotal roles in building and safeguarding the nation of Vietnam. Let’s SBS delve further into the origins and significance of this special occasion!
Origin of Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day
In ancient legends, King Kinh Duong Vuong, the first ruler of the Vietnamese people, had a son named Lac Long Quan. Lac Long Quan later married Au Co, a fairy, and they bore a hundred children. Upon reaching adulthood, they divided into two groups, fifty of whom followed their mother to the mountains, and fifty followed their father to the coast.
Among the children, the eldest son remained in the land of Phong Chau and was revered as the first Hung King. Across 18 generations, the 18th Hung King passed the throne to his son, Thuc Phan, also known as An Duong Vuong.
With his strength and wisdom, An Duong Vuong unified the tribes and established the kingdom of Au Lac, leaving a profound mark in Vietnamese history. This marked the great journey of heroic ancestors, the first steps of a resilient nation on its homeland.
To commemorate the contributions of the Hung Kings, King Le Thanh Tong in 1470 and King Le Kinh Tong in 1601 designated the 11th and 12th days of the third lunar month as the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day. During the Nguyen Dynasty, in the reign of King Khai Dinh II, the 10th day of the third lunar month was officially chosen as the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day.
The Significance of Hung Kings Commemoration Day
According to tradition, Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day is celebrated at the Hung Temple in Viet Tri, Phu Tho. It’s a time for descendants from all corners of the country to express gratitude to their ancestors.
On December 6th, 2012, UNESCO recognized the “Worship of Hung Kings in Phu Tho” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, the significance of Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day on the 10th day of the third lunar month not only showcases Vietnam’s tradition of remembering its roots but also serves as a source of pride for the Vietnamese people worldwide.
Since 2007, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has officially recognized the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day as a National Festival. Consequently, this day holds special significance for the Vietnamese people.
Cultural Activities on Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day
At the Hung Temple, the commemoration of Hung Kings is divided into two distinct parts, each with its own allure.
In the Royal Procession ceremony, a grand parade takes place featuring adorned processions with flags, flowers, lanterns, palanquins, and traditional attire. The procession starts from the foot of the mountain and passes through various temples before reaching the Thuong Temple.
In contrast, in the People’s Offering ceremony, people from all regions make pilgrimages to the Hung Temple to offer incense. Each person carries a small amount of incense and lights it with deep reverence for their ancestors.
Furthermore, every festival at the temple is an opportunity to participate in folk games such as the “xoan” singing competition—a unique form of teasing song from Phu Tho province or swimming competitions along the Bach Hac River, where the Hung Kings’ naval troops are believed to have trained for battle.
