Sacred Ancestral Land

There are few countries in the world like Vietnam, where every citizen, from birth to adulthood, takes pride in being part of the same "breed," the noble "Dragon and Immortal" lineage. The concept of "compatriots" is deeply ingrained in the subconscious of every Vietnamese person, becoming a strong bond connecting the community of 54 ethnic groups.

Sacred symbols of the nation's origins converge in the ancestral land of Phu Tho , where the majestic Nghia Linh mountain and the sacred Hung Temple cast their reflections upon the Da Giang river. Each historical site on Nghia Linh mountain is a highlight of the nation's heritage, such as the main gate, the Lower Temple, the Middle Temple, the Upper Temple, Thien Quang Pagoda, the ancient well, the Hung King's mausoleum, the oath-taking stone pillar, the Well Temple, the temple dedicated to Ancestral Mother Au Co, and the temple dedicated to National Ancestor Lac Long Quan…

The Hung Temple Festival embodies the cultural essence of the Vietnamese nation.

At the summit of Nghia Linh, the stone pillar echoes the ancient oath of Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong, the legend of Prince Lang Lieu offering sticky rice cakes and steamed rice cakes to heaven, earth, and ancestors, expressing the filial piety of the people towards the immense contributions of the Hung Kings, a testament to the harmonious connection between heaven and earth, and the unity of the community. From this beautiful humanistic value, the sense of brotherhood has connected to the fervent patriotism of the Vietnamese people. And so, the philosophy of origin, "descendants of Lac and Hong," is the strength of the entire nation in its journey to reach out to the world and integrate with the international community.

For centuries, the Vietnamese people have passed down the saying: "No matter where one travels, remember the Ancestor Commemoration Day on the tenth day of the third lunar month," to remind each other that no matter where they are, no matter where they live or work, in the third lunar month, they should bow their heads in remembrance of the Ancestor Commemoration Day, remembering their origins. Hung Temple and the Hung King Ancestor Commemoration Ceremony are a strong spiritual bond connecting generations, regions, and people of Vietnam.

Immersed in the festive atmosphere, every Vietnamese person in the village community encourages and supports one another in preparing offerings to express their reverence and gratitude to their ancestors. Vietnamese people living and working abroad also turn their thoughts towards their homeland with deep respect by organizing rituals to worship King Hung on holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), and the anniversary of King Hung's death.

The UNESCO recognition of "The Hung Kings Worship Belief in Phu Tho" and Phu Tho Xoan Singing as Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a source of pride not only for the Phu Tho region but also affirms the vitality and value of the heritage of the Hung Kings era. At the same time, along the Red River, Lo River, and Da River in Phu Tho, there are over 300 historical sites associated with the Hung Kings worship belief that have been classified as provincial and national-level historical and cultural relics.

Each village and commune where historical sites are located organizes the worship of Hung Kings according to the rituals, customs, and traditions preserved from ancient times. Through these festivals, community cohesion is clearly demonstrated. Notable examples include the festivals at the Au Co Mother Temple and Chu Hung Temple (Ha Hoa); the Lang Suong Temple, the communal house, and the Dao Xa Temple (Thanh Thuy); the Hung King teaching the people to cultivate rice festival at the Dan Tich Dien historical site in Minh Nong ward (Viet Tri); the Tro Tram festival at the Tro Temple in Tu Xa commune; the procession of the Goddess at the Ca communal house (Lam Thao); the Bach Hac Temple festival (Viet Tri)… along with hundreds of other festivals at temples and communal houses throughout Phu Tho province. On the anniversary of the Hung Kings' death, families around Viet Tri and other localities in Phu Tho province prepare offerings to the Hung Kings and their ancestors, a beautiful expression of the cultural beauty associated with the Hung King worship tradition of the people of the ancestral land.

The Upper Temple is located on Nghia Linh mountain.

Not only in Phu Tho province and the northern region, the Hung Kings worship belief has also developed and spread strongly to the southern region with a unique and rich national identity. These include the Hung Kings temples built in localities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Lam Dong, Can Tho, Nghe An, Khanh Hoa, Dong Nai, and Kien Giang … Over the years, the relics and festivals in these localities serve as typical evidence of the enduring vitality of the Hung Kings worship belief and the value of this national intangible cultural heritage.

It can be affirmed that the Hung Kings worship belief is a constant spiritual foundation and a strong connecting thread, creating the strength of national unity. Every Vietnamese citizen always remembers the teachings of beloved President Ho Chi Minh: "The Hung Kings built the nation / We, their descendants, must together preserve it," always proudly looking towards their roots and determined to build a more prosperous and beautiful country.

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