A commemoration ceremony was held at the National Historical and Cultural Park in Ho Chi Minh City, on February 12 to offer the traditional Banh Tet to Hung Kings. (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – A commemoration ceremony was held at the National Historical and Cultural Park in Ho Chi Minh City, on February 12 to offer the traditional Banh Tet (round glutinous rice cake) to Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the nation, on the occasion of the Tet (Lunar New Year).
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the municipal Party’s Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee.
The delegation also burnt incense in tribute to Nguyen Huu Canh, who founded the Saigon – Gia Dinh region (present HCM City) in 1698.
This is one of traditional activities held in HCM City during the Tet festival, aiming to honour traditional cultural values as well as great contributions of Hung Kings to national construction.
The event also helps educate HCM City residents, especially young generations, about the tradition of patriotism and strengthen great national unity bloc.
A range of activities are expected to take place at the park during Tet, the biggest festival in the year of Vietnamese people, such as a calligraphy exhibition, a tea fest, folk games, martial art and arts performances.
Banh Tet is a traditional cake enjoyed by Vietnamese people in the south on the occasion of the lunar New Year. It is considered a variant of Banh Chung (square glutinous rice cake), which is more popular in the northern region.
The cake is cylindrical, made with sticky rice and filled with pork fat and beans seasoned with black pepper and shallots. The cake is wrapped in banana leaves and as a result, the sticky rice takes on a pale green color and a slightly leafy taste. Even though the cake is now available all year round, it is still considered a New Year treat.
The Hung Kings ruled Vietnam from 2879 BC until 258 BC and are considered the founders of the nation. To honour the Kings, the tenth day of the third lunar month serves as the national commemorative anniversary for them.
The worshipping rituals of the Hung Kings was recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012.-VNA
VNA
