Hung Kings Commemoration Day

On the 10th day of the third lunar month, Vietnam celebrates Hung Kings Commemoration Day (also known as Hung King Temple Festival day). An official holiday since 2007, the celebration pays tribute to the Hung Kings, the 18 emperors of Vietnam who, according to legend, ruled from 2879-258 BC and founded Van Lang (the former name of Vietnam). Immortalizing the Vietnamese proverb “when drinking water, think of its source” (Uong nuoc nho nguon), Hung Kings Commemoration Day is a joyous way for young people to learn about their country’s ancestors and ancient rituals.

Today, celebrants from near and far make the pilgrimage to the Nghia Linh Mountain near Viet Tri, where, as the story goes, the first Hung King, Kinh Duong Vuong, is said to have established his kingdom.

While some gather at the foot of the mountain with sticks of incense and food, others make the procession to the High Temple at the summit, preparing palanquins and sacred offerings,  carrying wreaths from the country’s leaders, or dressing in colorful costumes, all accompanied by the sound of bronze drums. Activities like Cheo singing, games of chess, and rice cooking add to the fun.

Today's Doodle captures the spirit of this vibrant, culturally significant holiday with a depiction of the dragon dance and the colorful banners that lead the march to the temple relic site.

Happy Hung Kings Commemoration Day!