Hung Kings' Commemoration Day in the New Era of the Country

March arrives, bringing with it gentle breezes and the breath of late spring, which also marks the time when every Vietnamese heart turns eagerly towards the ancestral land of Phu Tho. In the endless flow of time, there are values that never fade and symbols that remain eternal. Hung Kings' Commemoration Day is one of those symbols. It is not just a historical memory but a sacred milestone that awakens patriotism, a call that resonates across generations of Lac Hong’s descendants.

Carrying the palanquin to Hung King Temple.

For generations, the Vietnamese people have lived with the belief that they are descendants of the Hung Kings. The legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co is not just a fairy tale; it is a bond that unites millions of hearts in a deep, sacred connection to their origins. Therefore, the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day is more than a ritual; it is a national cultural reunion, a spiritual gathering for all Vietnamese, whether at home or abroad.

The Hung Kings' Commemoration Day holds even more significance in the context of Vietnam entering a new era of development—the aspiration to become a strong nation. In these times of transformation, people need cultural support, a common symbol that unites them in a sense of belonging. And the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day stands as that unifying point.

At the sacred peak of Nghia Linh, the incense offering ceremony allows us to pause and reflect on history, immersed not only in the fragrance of incense but also in a profound sense of patriotism. In Phu Tho, the procession and incense offerings are accompanied by Xoan singing, folk games, and full trays of banh chung and banh giay—all combining to create a rich and enduring cultural symphony.

Lion and dragon dance performances at the Hung King Temple Festival. Photo: Ngoc Bich

Not only in Phu Tho, but in many regions across the country, people actively organize events in remembrance of the Ancestor’s Death Anniversary, expanding the space for honoring the ancestors to everyone. For Vietnamese people living abroad, whether in Europe, America, or Asia, the Ancestor’s Death Anniversary has become an even more vivid symbol—a cultural bridge connecting generations to the motherland.

Today, the Ancestor’s Death Anniversary has become a dialogue between tradition and modernity. The Hung Vuong festivals, online platforms for historical education, creative TikTok videos, cultural podcasts, and educational topics incorporating ethnic culture into school curriculums—all serve as evidence that the Ancestor’s Death Anniversary is being renewed, reshaped, and spread far and wide.

In the current process of merging administrative boundaries, when many familiar names change and when the community yearns for a spiritual connection, the Hung Vuong Death Anniversary remains the most enduring link. This commemoration is not only a reflection of love for the country but also a desire to shape the future and express gratitude for the shared origins of the entire nation. The death anniversary allows us to reflect on the past and understand that each of our present successes is an extension of the sweat and blood of those who came before us.

As our gaze turns towards Nghia Linh at sunset, we realize that while tomorrow’s names may change, the ancestral land and the spirit of our forefathers will remain unchanged. In the stream of people respectfully returning to their roots, there is me, there is you, and there is us—those who are living for Vietnam today and moving towards the bright future of the country tomorrow.

Bui Hoai Son