The annual Hung Temple Festival attracts millions of visitors, further strengthening the sense of cultural heritage in contemporary life. Photo: Management Board of Historical and Cultural Relics.
The unique heritage of Vietnamese culture from its historical roots.
The Hung Kings worship tradition in Phu Tho is closely linked to the legend of the founding of the Van Lang dynasty, reflecting the spirit of "drinking water, remembering the source" that has been deeply ingrained in Vietnamese life for thousands of years. More than just a ritual of gratitude to the Hung Kings, this heritage also embodies a philosophy of life focused on ancestors and the cohesion of the communities living in Vietnam.
At the heart of the heritage site is the complex of historical relics on Nghia Linh Mountain – where the Hung Kings Commemoration Ceremony on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month is held annually on a national scale. The festival harmoniously combines solemn ceremonies (offering incense, processions, traditional rituals) with rich festivities featuring Xoan singing, Gheo singing, and folk performances from the midland region.
Associate Professor Ngo Van Doanh (Institute of Cultural Studies) commented: "The Hung Kings worship belief is a rare cultural and historical value system, where history blends with legend, forming a sacred space of 'Vietnamese identity'."
French anthropologist Philippe Papin once assessed that the Hung Kings worship belief "is not just a custom, but a symbol of collective memory, helping the Vietnamese people consolidate spiritual unity through many historical changes."
International recognition of human and community values.
On December 6, 2012, at the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention held in Paris, UNESCO officially inscribed the "Hung King Worship Belief in Phu Tho" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was adopted with high consensus.
In its assessment report, UNESCO evaluated this heritage site as reflecting the unique identity of the Vietnamese people, possessing strong vitality within the community, and passed down through many generations without interruption. The heritage site also fully meets the criteria of continuity, community creativity, and adaptability in modern life.
In his speech immediately following the announcement ceremony, Ambassador Duong Van Quang, then Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to UNESCO, emphasized that the event was a great source of pride for the entire nation, and affirmed that "the community is the force that preserves and transmits heritage through many generations."
UNESCO representative, Ms. Cécile Dubelle, then Head of the Secretariat of the 2003 Convention, assessed Vietnam's dossier as meticulously prepared and convincing; above all, the heritage demonstrates "how the Vietnamese people nurture the spirit of solidarity through the tradition of ancestor reverence."
Being inscribed by UNESCO is not only a recognition of the nation's long-standing cultural and spiritual values, but also an important step in bringing the image of Vietnamese culture to international friends through the language of heritage.
Spreading heritage values: from the ancestral land to the national and international community.
After being inscribed on the list of heritage sites, Vietnam has developed numerous conservation programs, emphasizing the role of the community – a core factor in ensuring the sustainable development of the heritage. The annual Hung Temple Festivals attract millions of visitors, further reinforcing a sense of cultural heritage in contemporary life.
Research, collection, and restoration of traditional rituals have been implemented synchronously; Phu Tho Xoan singing - a performance art form closely associated with the Hung Kings belief - has also been recognized by UNESCO and included in the list of Representative Heritage. Many schools in Phu Tho have developed heritage education programs, creating an environment to help students understand, practice, and preserve traditional values.
Professor Ngo Duc Thinh (former Director of the Institute of Folklore Studies) once affirmed: "The most important thing is that the community still retains its leading role. Heritage survives not thanks to administrative imposition but thanks to the natural belief and affection of the people towards the Hung Kings."
Not only within Phu Tho province, the Hung Kings worship tradition has spread to many localities throughout the country through the system of Hung Kings temples, incense offering ceremonies, and commemorative activities. With the support of media, digital technology, and international cultural exchange, this heritage is increasingly being introduced widely, becoming a unique cultural symbol of Vietnam in the global cultural landscape.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/tin-nguong-tho-cung-hung-vuong-di-san-mang-dam-ban-sac-coi-nguon-dan-toc-viet-186134.html
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