The Hung Kings' Commemoration: The Eternal Spring of Vietnamese Unity

The familiar folk verse, “No matter where you go / Remember the Ancestor’s Anniversary on the tenth of the third lunar month,” is more than just a reminder of a date; it is a sacred call to the national spirit. Upholding the values of the Hung Kings“Commemoration Day in connection with the Hung Kings” Belief has become a vital thread, creating a cohesive strength for the global Vietnamese community.

Affirming the Spirit of Great National Unity

Unlike many nations, the Vietnamese people share a unique spiritual belief: one common origin and one collective Ancestry Day. The Worship of Hung Kings is not merely a cultural activity but a tribute to the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source."

In 2012, UNESCO inscribed the Worship of Hung Kings as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming the profound humanistic value of this shared ancestral tradition. In the hearts of the people, the Hung Kings are not distant figures but the very Roots of the nation. The concept of “compatriots” erases all distances, binding the Vietnamese people into a unified whole.

Every year, millions of compatriots and overseas Vietnamese embark on a pilgrimage to the Hung Temple to pay tribute to their ancestors’ contributions, further extending the bonds of the Vietnamese people worldwide.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Yen, founder of the “Global Vietnam Ancestor Day” project (initiated in 2015), has played a pivotal role in connecting the Vietnamese community and spreading national cultural values. Currently residing in Austria, she develops the project with the coordination of global intellectuals and authorities. Since 2015, the project has organized the installation of Hung King statues and Commemoration ceremonies in countries such as Germany, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Canada, and Hungary. In 2024, for the first time, the incense offering ceremony was held as a hybrid event, connecting dozens of locations across five continents.

The Power of “Soft Strength”

For over 5.3 million Vietnamese living and working in more than 130 countries and territories, the Hung Kings' Commemoration is the “golden moment” to look toward their roots. Preserving this belief abroad means preserving the Vietnamese identity, ensuring that younger generations born overseas never forget their heritage.

The project creates a “cultural bridge of friendship,” building sincere bonds between Vietnam and international friends. At these ceremonies, overseas Vietnamese do not just offer incense; they showcase Ao dai, perform Xoan singing, and introduce traditional Banh Chung and Banh Giay.

As the Hung Temple Historic Site undergoes final preparations to welcome the nation for the 2026 Commemoration, the sentiment remains clear. Ms. Victoria Hien, an overseas Vietnamese in Prague (Czech Republic), shared: "Attending the ceremony far from home makes the loneliness fade, replaced by pride and emotion as I realize I belong to a nation with such a long-standing history and rich traditions."

The Hung Temple Historic Site is currently undergoing extensive renovations and beautification to welcome compatriots from across the country for the 2026 Hung Kings' Commemoration.

To ensure the 10th day of the third lunar month remains a continuous spring of inspiration, it is essential to innovate how these values are promoted. For the younger generation, legends must be transformed into lessons of national pride through digital technology, film, and experiential activities. Furthermore, culture must be viewed as an economic bridge, turning the Commemoration Day into a national cultural-tourism brand that attracts international visitors.

Upholding these values is not just about organizing formal rituals; it is a process of nurturing patriotism and the sense of unity within every Vietnamese person. This is the source of strength and the identity that allows the Vietnamese nation to integrate into the world without losing its soul. As long as we look toward the 10th day of the third lunar month, the national lineage will flow forever, binding the global Vietnamese community into a steadfast and unified block.

Quoc Hoi