Hung King Worship and the Veneration of Hung Era Generals across the Ancestral Land

Hung King Worship is a long-standing folk belief that has become an integral part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. This belief is primarily practiced at relics dedicated to figures associated with the Hung King era. According to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, there are currently over 1,400 relics nationwide dedicated to the Hung Kings, their wives, children, and generals. Every year, on the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (the 10th day of the third lunar month), localities with these shrines organize incense-offering ceremonies to remember the founders of the nation, embodying the moral principle: "When drinking water, remember its source."

The “Cuop bong, nem chai” (Flower snatching and net throwing) festival at Van Luong Temple, Van Phu Ward, is held to honor the merits of the Hung Kings, Tan Vien Son Thanh (the Saint of Tan Vien Mountain), Tam Son Dai Vuong, and other local guardian deities.

Phu Tho serves as the epicenter of The Belief in Hung King Worship, featuring rituals and festivals at the Hung Mountain relics that attract millions of compatriots. Across the vast expanse of the Ancestral Land, hundreds of other relics also pay tribute to the Hung Kings and the illustrious figures and generals of that era.

In Dan Chu Commune, two significant relics—Huong Coc Communal House and Vinh Xa Communal House—venerate generals from the Hung era. The Huong Coc Festival takes place from the 6th to the 10th of the third lunar month to commemorate three generals: Cao Son, Quy Minh, and Uy Linh Lang from the reign of the 18th Hung King. Mr. Nguyen Khanh Quang, Head of the Social-Cultural Department of the commune, noted: “Huong Coc Communal House preserves a wealth of artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, including”Eight-bearer" Palanquin, altars, and incense burners, all of which hold great historical and artistic value."

At Vinh Xa Communal House, the rituals are dedicated to figures instrumental in the nation’s founding. Although not the main festival of the communal house, on the National Commemoration Day (March 10th), locals gather here to offer incense to the two Great Kings, Cao Son and Quy Minh, who assisted the Hung King in defeating the Thuc invaders to protect the Van Lang State.

At an altitude of 800m within the Tay Thien historic site (Dai Dinh Commune) lies the temple of National Mother Tay Thien Lang Thi Tieu. According to legend, she was the consort of the 7th Hung King (Hung Chieu Vuong) and played a vital role in defending the country, unifying the land, and teaching the people to cultivate rice. She was posthumously honored by various dynasties and is venerated by the locals. The Tay Thien Festival (February 15–17 lunar month) is not only a pilgrimage for peace but also an opportunity to experience Mother Goddess Worship—a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Closely linked to the defense of the nation is Lang Suong Temple (Tu Vu Commune), the only temple dedicated to the entire family of Saint Tan Vien Son—the leading figure among the “Four Immortals” in Vietnamese folk belief. It was Tan Vien Son who advised the 18th Hung King to cede the throne to Thuc Phan to ensure national unity and avoid civil war. Every year, on March 10th, the temple management and local people organize solemn incense-offering ceremonies to commemorate the Hung Kings alongside the Saint.

It can be affirmed that The Belief in Hung King Worship is a heritage of outstanding universal value, clearly demonstrating ancestral heart and respect. The most quintessential aspect of this belief is the national ceremony held on the 10th day of the third lunar month at the Hung Temple Historic Site on Nghia Linh Mountain.

To prepare for the ceremony, people across the country beautify the temple grounds and prepare traditional offerings: 18 Banh Chung (square glutinous rice cakes) wrapped in fresh dong leaves and 18 Banh Giay (round rice cakes) adorned with the red character for “Blessing”, symbolizing the 18 generations of Hung Kings.

The maintenance of these rituals at local relics plays a crucial role in educating the younger generation about patriotism and deep gratitude toward the founders of the nation. It honors the “Belief in Hung King Worship in Phu Tho,” an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognized by UNESCO.

Thu Ha