The custom of pounding rice cakes in Truc Phe village

Every year on January 7th, residents of Hung Hoa town, Tam Nong district, organize a rice cake pounding ceremony to offer at the Mother Temple in honor of General Ho Thien Huong. This cherished tradition has been preserved in the locality for hundreds of years.

Residents of Zone 1, Hung Hoa town, gather at the local Cultural House to prepare for the rice cake pounding ceremony.

The custom of pounding rice cakes in Truc Phe village (now Hung Hoa town, Tam Nong district) dates back to ancient times and is linked to the legend of Holy Mother Ho Thien Huong—a female general of the Hung Kings era who played a significant role in the nation’s defense and development.

In 207 BC, Trieu Da invaded Au Lac. General Dinh Cong Tuan, who defended Ke Gio (now Kinh Ke, Lam Thao district), was besieged by enemy forces. Lady Thien Huong, stationed at Truc Hoa Cave (now Hung Hoa town, Tam Nong district), mobilized the villagers to pound rice cakes and make rice balls to supply his army, helping them break through the siege.

After her passing, the people of Hung Hoa town built a temple in her honor. They also preserved the tradition of pounding rice cakes as an annual offering to the Holy Mother on January 7th and 8th.

Rice cake pounding is typically done by young, strong men. As they pound, they chant a traditional folk song: "Truc Phe hosts a banh giay festival- one side calls, the other pounds with a pestle."

The rice cake is pounded until smooth and soft, then cut into even pieces using a string.

The cake must be shaped while still hot. The artisans first spread a layer of chicken fat before shaping it.

The cake is typically shaped into a round form or a footprint-like design, with a thickness of 5–7 cm.

The artisan carefully works the dough to ensure the cake is round and smooth, making sure the rice grains remain intact on the surface.

The finished banh giay is carried by women dressed in traditional attire and offered at the temple in honor of the Holy Mother.

The tradition of pounding banh giay has become a cherished cultural practice, fostering community spirit and preserving a beautiful heritage passed down through generations.

Thuy Trang