Vietnam Ancestral Global Day – Spreading the “Soft Power” of Vietnamese Culture

Over the past decade, the “Vietnam Ancestral Global Day” project has evolved beyond a mere cultural event to become a sacred bridge connecting the hearts of millions of Vietnamese expatriates. Initiated by Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Yen, the project has breathed new life into the journey of preserving national identity, asserting the position of Vietnamese values on the world’s spiritual and cultural map.

The project was born from the profound dedication of Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Yen—a 17th-generation descendant of King Le Kinh Tong and Royal Concubine Nguyen Ngoc Nuong—along with associates who are intellectuals and overseas Vietnamese across many nations.

Observing that successful overseas Vietnamese communities always yearn for their roots, she materialized the idea of taking the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day beyond national borders. This initiative has gradually established a dignified position for the symbol of the Hung Kings in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese diaspora.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Yen – Founder of the Vietnam Ancestral Global Day project – offering incense at the Hung Temple. (Photo: Provided)

The core objective of the project is to establish a common cultural festival for Vietnamese people worldwide on the 10th day of the third lunar month every year.

From Austria, Dr. Bich Yen—currently Deputy Editor-in-Chief and representative of WAJ Magazine at the United Nations—shared with Phu Tho media: "Preserving the “Belief in Hung King Worship”—an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—is not only the responsibility of those at home but also the mission of every Vietnamese person, wherever they may be in the world."

From its early days in Europe, the project has now spread to over 50 countries and territories. Annually, commemoration activities are held with a blend of in-person and online formats, connecting bridge points from Phu Tho to Paris, Berlin, Prague, Tokyo, and California.

The Vietnamese community performing traditional arts during a Hung King Commemoration event in Europe. (Photo: Project Board)

Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Yen shared: "Returning to the homeland to offer incense to our ancestors is a way to represent overseas Vietnamese and intellectuals from nearly 50 countries. We inform our ancestors that we will celebrate the Ancestral Day on the 10th of the third lunar month abroad. This has been our steadfast tradition for over a decade to bring the Hung King belief to the world."

The value of the Global Ancestral Day lies not only in traditional incense offerings. The project skillfully integrates various honoring activities:

The value of the Global Ancestral Day extends far beyond traditional incense-offering rituals. The project skillfully integrates honoring activities, such as commending overseas Vietnamese individuals and collectives for their outstanding contributions to the community and national development. It also serves as a platform to introduce folk performing arts—including Quan Ho, Xoan singing, and Ca Tru—to international friends, while creating a dedicated space for overseas entrepreneurs to explore partnership opportunities, ultimately helping Vietnamese products penetrate the global market.

For the Vietnamese diaspora, especially the second and third generations born abroad, this is a precious opportunity to understand their history, learn their mother tongue, and take pride in their origins. Understanding “where one comes from” serves as a foundation for young people to confidently integrate without losing their identity.

Under the leadership of Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Yen, the project is moving towards standardizing ancestral worship rituals abroad and building “Hung Vuong Cultural Spaces” in major world capitals. The application of digital connectivity has erased geographical distances, making the Ancestral Day a festival of solidarity and national pride.

The project is not just a continuation of tradition but a way for modern Vietnamese to define their values in the era of globalization. As Dr. Bich Yen affirmed: "When we share a common Ancestor to look toward, we share a common strength to move forward."

Minh Tu