Sacred Hung King's Death Anniversary

The worship of Hung Kings is a special belief in the Vietnamese people's consciousness, originating from the traditional cultural roots, accompanying the historical process of the nation and increasingly having great value in community life. Once a year, the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day is held with many activities, becoming a common festival for every Vietnamese person, a place where the cultural quintessence and the tradition of "remembering the source of drinking water" of the nation converge.

The Hung King worshiping belief originated from the ancient land of Phu Tho, then spread throughout the country. The Hung Temple Historical Relic Site - the focal point of the Hung King worshiping belief practice with solemn and respectful ceremonial activities taking place at the temples on Hung Mountain and the Hung King worshiping relics in Phu Tho province, attracts millions of compatriots nationwide and overseas Vietnamese to participate in the Hung King's Commemoration Day - Hung Temple Festival every year. The entire Vietnamese people have become self-conscious of having a common origin (compatriots), a common ancestor's grave, and the Hung King's Commemoration Day has become a national holiday to practice worship rituals and commemorate the Hung King - the common National Ancestor of the entire nation and people. Every time the Hung King's Commemoration Day on the 10th of the third lunar month comes, Vietnamese people all over the world turn to the national holiday - the Hung King's Commemoration Day. Over time, the pride and sincere gratitude for the ancestors' merits have spread more and more strongly. In addition to the ancestral land, to commemorate the Hung Kings, localities across the country have places to worship Hung Kings. In Hung Yen province, there are two typical and unique relics and festivals related to the worship of Hung Kings: the temple of National Ancestor Lac Long Quan and the temple of National Mother Au Co.

Ritual activities at the traditional festival of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan Temple in 2024 in Xich Dang quarter, Lam Son ward ( Hung Yen city)

Lac Long Quan Temple is located in Xich Dang Quarter, Lam Son Ward (Hung Yen City). According to the stele kept at Ca Communal House, Lam Son Ward, Lac Long Quan Temple dates back to the mid-18th century. In 1740, Lord Trinh Doanh led his army to quell the rebellion in Pho Hien area and was given a good dream by Lac Long Quan and won every battle. In gratitude for the merit of the National Ancestor, the court ordered the construction of Lac Long Quan Temple in Xich Dang Quarter, Lam Son Ward today. In 2018, Lac Long Quan Temple was restored on the foundation of the old temple. The temple was built on an area of ​​2,850 square meters, including the following construction items: Tam Quan gate, Ta Vu, Lac Long Quan Temple and a garden system. The items and components are made of sturdy ironwood, bearing the mark of a traditional ancient architectural work, suitable for the countryside of the Northern Delta. This year, the traditional festival of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan Temple is held for 2 days, April 14 and 15 (March 6 and 7 of the lunar calendar). During the festival, there are many activities such as: Incense offering, worship, cultural exchange, and art performances.

Located in Hung Yen city, the temple of Mother Au Co in Tan Hung village, Hung Cuong commune has a history of more than 1,000 years. The temple worships Mother Au Co and 24 dukes who helped King Le Dai Hanh repel the invading Song army, bringing peace to the country and prosperity to the people. The temple of Mother Au Co was started in 981 and restored during the Nguyen Dynasty. Currently, the temple is still quite intact and retains its rare ancient features. According to the elders in the village, no one knows exactly when the traditional festival of Mother Au Co temple started, only knowing that through many centuries of ups and downs, the festival still exists and has "deep roots" here. Comrade La Van Luu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hung Cuong commune, said: Through the ups and downs of history, the people of Tan Hung village still maintain the traditional festival of Mother Au Co temple. For the local people, being able to directly participate in the festival, burning incense and offering it to the altar of Mother Au Co, the legendary mother of the Vietnamese people who paved the way, laid the foundation, and built a foundation for future generations is an honor and pride. This year, the traditional festival of Mother Au Co temple is held from April 14 to 18 (from March 6 to 10 of the lunar calendar) with many cultural activities such as: Incense offering ceremony, sacrifice, water procession, offering products, cultural exchange, folk games... In particular, before the festival, local people contributed ingredients to wrap a 7-ton banh chung and a 3-ton banh day to serve local people and tourists from all over to visit, worship and enjoy.

On the occasion of the Hung Kings' death anniversary this year, the Provincial People's Committee organized the first Hung Yen Province Culinary Festival in 2024, including a contest for wrapping, cooking banh chung, and pounding banh day. After the contest, the artisans' products will be honored to be selected for the incense offering ceremony, offering banh chung and banh day at the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan Temple and the National Mother Au Co Temple. At the same time on the Hung Kings' death anniversary, in the province, many families also prepare offerings at home to burn incense to express gratitude to the merits of King Hung and their ancestors. This is also an opportunity for families to remind and educate their children and grandchildren about gratitude to their ancestors, family, and clan, forming the nation's morality of "remembering the source of water when drinking water". This belief has become a spiritual support, a traditional cultural value, a strong connection for the descendants of Lac Hong today to join hands and contribute to preserving and building their homeland and country to become increasingly prosperous.

Le Hieu

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/linh-thieng-gio-to-hung-vuong-3171402.html