What’s the significance of this traditional observance of Hung King’s
Memorial Day? I asked my students but some of them just shrugged
their shoulders and others could only give tidbits of information. (Si teacher
ang binigyan ng homework, hahaha!)
Tenth day of the third lunar month is reverently
set to commemorate the death anniversary of Hung King (Hung Vuong), the
legendary first emperor and founder of ancient Vietnam. This year, Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương as they
call it, falls on Friday, 19 April of the Gregorian calendar.
Hung King festival did not become a national holiday in Vietnam
until 2007. Attended by state representatives
and thousands of Vietnamese gaily clad in colorful costumes , the festival is
gloriously celebrated in Hung King Temple in Phu
Tho, North Vietnam with full rituals to pay homage to Hung
Kings of 18 generations hailed from Hong Bang Dynasty whose regime became the rudiment of
Vietnam’s sovereignty.
The ceremonial occasion highlights the procession accompanied by the rhythmic pounding of drums, the lavish five-fruit feast, glutinous rice cake delicacies, dancing and singing of Xoan folk music and other exciting traditional and modern activities.
The ceremonial occasion highlights the procession accompanied by the rhythmic pounding of drums, the lavish five-fruit feast, glutinous rice cake delicacies, dancing and singing of Xoan folk music and other exciting traditional and modern activities.
It’s gonna be a long weekend for most
people in Vietnam! Are you chuffed with that? Anyway, I'm looking forward to a
fun-filled Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương! =)
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