A feast of gratitude

As part of the activities commemorating the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day - Hung Temple Festival and the Ancestral Land Culture and Tourism Week, Hy Cuong commune organized a competition to display "Gratitude Feasts" on April 21st (the 5th day of the 3rd lunar month). At the Co Tich communal house courtyard, the atmosphere was unusually lively, filled with laughter, hurried footsteps, and nimble hands preparing and arranging each dish, each bowl and plate skillfully placed on a feast table. 23 residential areas prepared 23 gratitude feast tables, showcasing ideas and dishes ranging from traditional to modern, all harmoniously combined.

The dishes were presented skillfully and creatively.

The "Offering of Gratitude" is one of the activities carried out by the people of Hy Cuong commune in particular and the people of the Ancestral Land region in general during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day on March 10th. It is a way for people to express their reverence for their ancestors. This also demonstrates the role and responsibility of the local government and the community in preserving and promoting the value of the Hung Kings' worship belief, a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

This is also the first year that Hy Cuong commune has organized this event after the merger of administrative units. The competition is an opportunity to promote and educate about the tradition of "drinking water, remembering the source," to express gratitude for the merits of the Hung Kings; and to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the nation. Through this, it creates a joyful and united atmosphere among all segments of the population.

After the plan was issued, the residential areas quickly implemented it, forming teams, brainstorming ideas, and researching dishes that reflected the cultural identity and unique characteristics of each area. From early morning on the 5th day of the 3rd lunar month, the teams lit fires to cook, arranging dishes that were both visually appealing and delicious, and creating harmoniously colored platters to bring to the communal house for the competition.

Ms. Ha Kim Tuyen from Zone 5 shared: “Since receiving the competition rules, the women in the zone have discussed and come up with many ideas, then agreed to implement them. Everyone is very happy and excited. This morning, we woke up at dawn to cook and prepare the feast. The food was all fresh and delicious. Everyone put their heart and soul into each dish.”

Wearing a traditional silk robe and turban, Mr. Hoang Huu Nghi from Zone 2 carefully arranged the dishes on the offering tray to make it visually appealing. He shared: “For many years now, on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, the people in this area have prepared an offering tray to offer incense, first to our ancestors, and then to our grandparents and forefathers. For this year's competition, we have chosen traditional dishes that are familiar to all Vietnamese people.”

Mr. Hoang Huu Nghi, from Zone 2, introduces the dishes on the feast table.

Familiar dishes, transformed by the skillful hands of the competing teams, were adorned with harmonious and beautiful colors. These dishes, prepared with passion and affection, were offered to the Hung Kings, expressing their gratitude.

Mr. Pham Hoai Nam, a culinary artist, Vice President of the Hanoi Chefs Association, and Head of the judging panel for this year's competition, stated: “The tribute feasts at this year's competition are not just dishes, but a symphony of exquisite flavors, profoundly expressing the philosophy of 'Drinking water, remembering the source' and the continuation of cultural traditions through the selection of ingredients, handcrafted preparation, and elaborate presentation, reflecting the rich Vietnamese spirit and creativity.” The meticulousness in each dish demonstrates respect for our ancestors. The feasts are imbued with the flavors of the homeland through simple ingredients combined subtly, preserving the "soul" of traditional dishes while still being suitable for modern tastes.

The "Gratitude Feast" competition in Hy Cuong is a special highlight of the Hung Temple Festival program in the year of the Horse (2016). This is an opportunity for people to demonstrate their solidarity and unity, working together to preserve the beauty of traditional culture. Through their offerings, each person wishes to express their sincere respect towards their ancestors and forefathers who contributed to the founding of the nation.

Thu Ha

Source: https://baophutho.vn/mam-co-tri-an-252446.htm