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 commemorationceremony was held at the National Historical and Cultural Park in Ho Chi MinhCity, on February 12 to offer the traditional Banh Tet (round glutinous ricecake) to Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the nation, on the occasion ofthe Tet (Lunar New Year).
The ceremony was attended byrepresentatives from the municipal Party’s Committee, People’s Council,People’s Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee.
The delegation also burnt incense in tribute toNguyen Huu Canh, who founded the Saigon – Gia Dinh region (present HCM City) in1698.
This is one of traditional activities held in HCMCity during the Tet festival, aiming to honour traditional cultural values aswell 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 strengthengreat national unity bloc.
A range of activities are expected to take place atthe park during Tet, the biggest festival in the year of Vietnamese people, suchas a calligraphy exhibition, a tea fest, folk games, martial art and artsperformances.
Banh Tet is a traditional cakeenjoyed by Vietnamese people in the south on the occasion of the lunar NewYear. It is considered a variant of Banh Chung (square glutinous rice cake),which is more popular in the northern region.
The cake is cylindrical, madewith sticky rice and filled with pork fat and beans seasoned with black pepperand shallots. The cake is wrapped in banana leaves and as a result, the stickyrice takes on a pale green color and a slightly leafy taste. Even though thecake is now available all year round, it is still considered a New Yeartreat.
The Hung Kings ruled Vietnam from2879 BC until 258 BC and are considered the founders of the nation. To honourthe Kings, the tenth day of the third lunar month serves as the nationalcommemorative anniversary for them.
The worshipping rituals of theHung Kings was recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in2012.-VNA
VNA
