Hung Kings’ Temple Festival, or Hung Kings’ Commemoration, is a significant Vietnamese festival honoring the Hung Kings, who are credited with establishing and defending the nation. Join us as we delve into the origins and significance of this important day!
1 What is the Hung Kings’ Commemoration?
The Hung Kings’ Commemoration, also known as the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival or National Commemoration, is a day for Vietnamese people to pay tribute to the Hung Kings, the founders of the nation.
Hung Kings’ Commemoration, also known as the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival or National Commemoration
2 When is the Hung Kings’ Commemoration in 2024?
The Hung Kings’ Commemoration in 2024 will fall on Thursday, April 18, 2024. As of April 11, 2024, there are seven days remaining until the Hung Kings’ Commemoration.
For further reference:
Hung Kings’ Commemoration in 2024
3 Origin and Significance of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
History of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
In the 20th century, in the year 1917, during the reign of King Khai Dinh, the Ministry of Rites officially sent a document stating that on July 25, the provincial officials of Phu Tho province were to select the 10th day of the third lunar month to hold the “national festival” annually. This entailed the officials wearing ceremonial attire and conducting rituals at the Hung Kings’ Temple on behalf of the royal court of Hue.
The Hung Vuong Stele, which was erected at Den Thuong Temple and composed by Tham tri, Huu tuan phu Phu Tho, Bui Ngoc Hoan, states: “In the second year of the Khai Dinh era, corresponding to 1917 in the Gregorian calendar, Tuan phu Phu Tho, Le Trung Ngoc, sent a request to the Ministry of Rites to designate the 10th day of the third lunar month as the National Festival, one day before the 18th death anniversary of the Hung Kings on the 11th day of the third lunar month, when the locals would hold a memorial service.”
Since then, the Hung Kings’ Commemoration has been held annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month at the Hung Kings’ Temple in Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province.
Origin of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
Significance of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
“Whether you go upstream or downstream/ Remember the death anniversary of the Hung Kings on the tenth of the third month.”
The Hung Kings’ Commemoration is a day for us to honor the Hung Kings’ contributions in establishing the nation. Additionally, the tenth of the third lunar month is an opportunity for us to explore and take pride in our roots, our heritage, and our ancestors.
Each year, on the tenth of the third lunar month, millions of people gather at the Hung Kings’ Temple in Viet Tri, Phu Tho, to pay their respects to the Hung Kings.
Significance of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
4 Cultural Activities during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
On the day of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration, two ceremonies are held at the Hung Kings’ Temple:
- The Procession of the Kings’ Palanquin: A colorful procession, including flags, flowers, umbrellas, palanquins, and traditional costumes, starts from the foot of the mountain and makes its way through the various temples before reaching Den Thuong.
- The Offering of Incense: Pilgrims come to the Hung Kings’ Temple to offer incense. Each person lights a few sticks of incense upon arriving at the ancestral land. According to Vietnamese beliefs, every clump of earth and every tree root in this sacred place is imbued with spiritual significance, and the tree roots and rock crevices are filled with burning incense sticks.
Various folk games are also held, including a competition of Xoan singing (a unique form of folk singing from Phu Tho), wrestling matches, tug-of-war, and boat racing at the confluence of the Bach Hac River, where the Hung Kings trained their naval troops.
Cultural Activities during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
5 Frequently Asked Questions about the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hung Kings’ Commemoration
Why is the Hung Kings’ Commemoration held on the 10th day of the third lunar month?
In 1917, during the reign of King Khai Dinh, the Ministry of Rites sent a document stating that on July 25, the provincial officials of Phu Tho were to select the 10th day of the third lunar month to hold the “national festival” annually, with officials wearing ceremonial attire and conducting rituals at the Hung Kings’ Temple on behalf of the royal court of Hue. Since then, the date of April 10th has been adopted nationwide for the Hung Kings’ Commemoration.
How many days off are there for the Hung Kings’ Commemoration in 2024?
As the Hung Kings’ Commemoration in 2024 falls on a Thursday, there will be only one day off, which is Thursday, April 18th, or the 10th day of the third lunar month.
What is the Hung Kings’ Commemoration called in different languages?
Hung Kings’ Commemoration in English:
In English, the Hung Kings’ Commemoration has several translations. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, “Hung Kings’ Commemoration” is translated as “Hung Kings’ Anniversary”. Meanwhile, UNESCO documents interpret it as “Ancestral Anniversary” (Kỷ niệm quốc tổ), with the full translation being “The Ancestral Anniversary festival of the Hùng Kings”.
Hung Kings’ Commemoration in Chinese:
In Chinese, the Hung Kings’ Commemoration is known as 洪王逝世紀念日, pronounced as (hóng wáng shìshì jìniàn rì).
Additionally, there are several Chinese vocabulary terms related to the Hung Kings’ Commemoration:
- 祖先 (jǔxiān): Ancestors
- 節日 (jiérì): Festival
- 崇拜 (chóngbài): Worship
- 犧牲 (xīshēng): Sacrifice
- 國寶 (guóbǎo): National treasure
- 傳奇 (chuánqí): Legend
- 政府 (hèngfǔ): Government
- 國王 (guówáng): King
Hung Kings’ Commemoration in different languages
What is the traditional attire for the Hung Kings’ Commemoration rituals?
The ceremonial attire worn during the incense offering rituals (from 2000 to 2020) was designed by artist Ngo Thu Nga from the Fadin Fashion Institute.
“The ceremonial attire consists of three layers. The innermost layer is made of white silk, followed by a layer of red silk, and the outermost layer is a black robe for added formality and modesty. The design is quite simple, featuring two cranes embroidered in gold thread on the collar and a sun motif in the shape of a bronze drum on the front of the folded headdress. Despite its simplicity, the attire is highly regarded for its blend of traditional and modern elements, with the front flaps of the outer robe featuring two layers of black fabric with straight, bold lines, and the headdress, standing at 7cm tall, incorporating multiple folds for a contemporary touch. The attire has also been improved by replacing button fasteners with adhesive materials for both aesthetics and convenience.” – The outermost layer of the robe is now made of velvet.
Where to go during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration holiday?
Where to go during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration holiday?
On the Hung Kings’ Commemoration day, if you are in the northern region or have the opportunity and time, consider visiting the Hung Kings’ Temple in Viet Tri, Phu Tho, to pay your respects to the Hung Kings and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Alternatively, if you are in the southern region, you can plan a family vacation to popular destinations such as Nha Trang, Dalat, or Vung Tau. For those in the central region, Da Nang, Hue, and Quy Nhon offer ideal getaway options.
This concludes our exploration of the origins and significance of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights.
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