Day off for Hung Kings Festival in Vietnam

Date:

The Day off for Hung Kings Festival, known as Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương, is a public holiday in Vietnam that falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month. It usually takes place in late March or April according to the Gregorian calendar.

History:

The festival honors the Hung Kings, who are considered the founding fathers of Vietnam. According to legend, the first Hung King established the nation in 2879 BC and ruled what is now North Vietnam. The lineage of Hung Kings is said to have reigned for 18 generations until 258 BC. The festival thus commemorates their contribution to Vietnamese culture and national identity.

Traditions:

On this day, Vietnamese people across the country participate in commemorative activities to pay homage to their ancestors. The main celebrations take place at the Hung Temple on Nghia Linh Mountain in Phu Tho Province, where many believe the Hung Kings were buried.

• Worship Ceremonies: People offer incense and perform worship rituals at temples dedicated to the Hung Kings.
• Processions: There are often processions that include traditional music and dragon dances.
• Offerings: Families prepare food offerings such as 'banh chung' (square glutinous rice cake) and 'banh giay' (round glutinous rice cake), which hold historical significance.
• Cultural Activities: Various cultural programs feature art performances, games, and contests that showcase Vietnamese heritage.

What People Do:

Apart from participating in festivals and ceremonies, many Vietnamese take advantage of the day off to spend time with family or go on short trips within the country. It's a time for cultural reflection as well as leisure, bringing together communities in shared reverence for their collective past.