Apr 25, 2018
Hung Kings Commemoration Day
This Doodle’s Key Themes
On the 10th day of the third lunar month, Vietnam celebrates Hùng Kings Commemoration Day (also known as Hùng King Temple Festival day). An official holiday since 2007, the celebration pays tribute to the Hùng Kings, the 18 emperors of Vietnam who, according to legend, ruled from 2879-258 BC and founded Văn Lang (the former name of Vietnam). Immortalizing the Vietnamese proverb “when drinking water, think of its source” (uống nước nhớ nguồn), Hùng 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 Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain near Việt Trì, where, as the story goes, the first Hùng King, Kinh Dương Vương, 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 Chèo 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 Hùng Kings Commemoration Day!
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