Vietnam, a nation with a rich tapestry of history, celebrates the legacy of its ancient founders, the Hùng Kings, with a holiday that is steeped in tradition and national pride.
The Hùng Kings are revered as the mythical founders of the first Vietnamese state, Văn Lang, and are celebrated for their contributions to the nation’s identity and unity.
The Hùng Kings: Founders of a Nation: The Hùng Kings, according to Vietnamese legend, were the descendants of Lạc Long Quân, the Dragon Lord, and his consort, the mountain fairy Âu Cơ. Their lineage is said to have ruled over the northern part of Vietnam and southern China during the Hồng Bàng period, from 2879 BC to 258 BC. The most illustrious of their sons became the first Hùng King, establishing the realm of Văn Lang, the cradle of Vietnamese civilization.
The Hùng Kings’ Festival: A Time of Remembrance: The Hùng Kings’ Temple Festival, known in Vietnamese as Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương or Lễ hội đền Hùng, is held annually from the 8th to the 11th day of the third lunar month. This period marks a time when the Vietnamese people pay homage to their ancestral kings. The main festival day, which has been a public holiday since 2007, falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month.
Ceremonies and Traditions: The festival’s major ceremony involves a pilgrimage to the Hùng Temple, located on Nghia Linh Mountain in Phú Thọ Province. Participants journey from the base of the mountain, stopping at each temple along the way, until reaching the High Temple at the peak. Here, they offer prayers and incense, honoring the memory of the Hùng Kings.
Cultural Significance and UNESCO Recognition: The worship of the Hùng Kings is not only a testament to the enduring respect for the nation’s founders but also a symbol of Vietnamese culture and identity. In recognition of its importance, the Hùng Kings’ Festival was inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Hùng Kings’ Festival in 2024 will be a significant event in Vietnam, with the main public holiday falling on Thursday, April 18th.
The Hùng Kings’ Festival is more than just a holiday; it is a living tradition that embodies the values of unity, resilience, and integrity that the Hùng Kings instilled in the Vietnamese people. It is a time for reflection on the past and a celebration of the enduring spirit of Vietnam.
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Source: Vietnam Insider