Hung Kings' Commemoration Day - the sacred axis of memory and national identity

Amid the currents of modern life, the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day is more than a day of remembrance—it serves as a spiritual anchor where historical memory, the moral tradition of “when drinking water, remember its source” and the cultural resilience of the Vietnamese people converge in the journey of global integration.

Students in Tam Hiep Ward perform the procession of ‘banh chung’ (square sticky rice cake) and ‘banh giay’ (round glutinous rice cake) from the ward People's Committee to the Hung Kings' National Ancestral Temple Relic Site. Photo: My Ny

The collective memory institution of the Vietnamese people

In the spiritual structure of every nation, there always exist “anchors of memory” that help people shape identity. For the Vietnamese, Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day represents such a unique cultural institution.

From the legend of Father Lac Long Quan and Mother Au Co to the Hung Kings as the nation’s legendary founders, the Vietnamese people have constructed a deeply meaningful narrative of origin. Here, history and mythology do not contradict but rather complement each other, forming the foundation of community consciousness.

What distinguishes this memory is that it is not confined to historical texts but “brought to life” through ritual practices. At Hung Temple, each third lunar month, solemn ceremonies, including incense offerings, palanquin processions, and ritual offerings, are performed in cyclical repetition. It is this repetition that ensures memory is not eroded but is constantly renewed in the community life.

Hung Kings' Commemoration Day is therefore not merely a holiday but a mechanism for operating national memory - where the past is "activated" to be present in the present.

From folk belief to global heritage

Hung Kings' Commemoration Day is a typical example of the transformative capacity of Vietnamese culture: from a folk belief to a heritage of human significance. UNESCO's recognition of the "Worship of Hung Kings" as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (in 2012) affirmed the universal value of this belief system.

From an academic perspective, the tradition embodies three layers of core values. First is historical value, associated with the era of Van Lang—a symbol of the first period of nation building. Second is ethical value, expressed through the philosophy of “when drinking water, remember its source,”. Third is communal value, reflected in the social cohesion created as the entire nation turns toward a shared ancestry.

Notably, this is not a "static" heritage. It exists as a living practice, continuously adapting to social contexts. It is this "dynamic" nature that has helped the worship of Hung Kings maintain its long-lasting vitality and widespread influence.

Cultural identity in the context of globalization

Globalization poses challenges of cultural assimilation, but at the same time, it opens opportunities for nations to assert their identity. In this context, Hung Kings' Commemoration Day plays the role of a "cultural identity space."

When millions of Vietnamese people turn towards Hung Temple on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, they are not just participating in a ritual but also reaffirming their cultural identity. It is a connection that transcends geographical distances, creating a strong and enduring spiritual community.

Conversely, Hung Kings' Commemoration Day also holds its external value. The image of Hung Kings’ Temple and the practice of worshiping the Hung Kings are increasingly becoming cultural symbols of Vietnam on the international stage. This is a form of "soft cultural diplomacy," contributing to promoting national identity in the process of integration.

Repositioning values in the digital age

In the digital era, traditional values risk being simplified if not conveyed appropriately. For younger generations, the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day must be understood not just as a public holiday but as a living value system.

This requires new approaches such as digitalizing heritage, experiential education, and creative communication. At its core, however, is helping young people recognize that origins are not distant abstractions but a foundation for shaping personal identity and character.

From this perspective, Hung Kings' Commemoration Day can be seen as a cultural resource - capable of nurturing community spirit, civic responsibility, and national pride.

From memory to the future

At its deepest level, Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day is not only about honoring the past but also about shaping the future.

A nation seeking sustainable development must connect tradition with modernity, and memory with aspiration. From incense offerings at Hung Kings’ Temple to folk verses passed down through generations, a system of values has been cultivated – one that encompasses gratitude, solidarity, and resilience.

In a world of increasing uncertainties, these values have become even more essential. They not only help a nation stand firm but also provide the impetus to move forward.

The Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, therefore, does not end with a single holiday; rather, it unfolds as a continuous flow: a flow of memory, identity, and belief in the future.

By Bui Quang Xuan – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha