Hung Kings Festival | Principles of Business EnglishCommunication

lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 THUONG MAI UNIVERSITY lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 FACULTY OF ENGLISH ------------------- ASSIGNMENT
Principles of Business English Communication
TOPIC: “HUNG KING FESTIVAL: HONORING THE
LEGENDARY FOUNDERS OF VIETNAM”
Name : Đỗ Trà My Class : 242_ENTH3121_01 Lecturer
: Nguyễn Thị Thủy Chung Hanoi, 2025 TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... I.
Historical backgrouds of Hung kings festival..................................................... 1.
History of Hung Kings................................................................................... 2.
Hung Temple and Hung Kings Festival........................................................ II.
When and where the festival takes place...................................................... lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 III.
Rituals and Tradition.....................................................................................
IV. The significance of Hung Kings
festival........................................................
CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................
PRESENTATION SLIDES....................................................................................... i lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I would like to send our sincere thanks to Thuong Mai
University for including the subject Principles of Business English
Communication in the curriculum. In particular, I would like to express our
deep gratitude to the subject lecturer Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Chung who has
taught valuable knowledge to me during the recent study period. During my
time participating in your class, I gained a lot of useful knowledge and a spirit
of effective and serious learning. This will be valuable knowledge, which is a
tool for me to be able to step forward in the future.
This subject includes practical knowledge related to the major. However, my
knowledge is still limited and the ability to absorb reality is still confusing.
Although I have tried my best, it is certainly difficult for me not to avoid
shortcomings and many inaccuracies in the presentation. I hope you will review
and give comments to make our essay more complete.
I would like to send my sincere thanks to you! INTRODUCTION
The Hung Kings' Festival is one of the most significant cultural and historical
celebrations in Vietnam, held annually to honor the legendary Hung Kings, the
nation's founders. This festival is not merely a traditional event but a profound
expression of national identity, unity, and reverence for ancestral heritage.
Through a combination of solemn rituals, vibrant folk activities, and large-scale
participation, the festival serves as a bridge between Vietnam’s past and present,
reminding people of their roots while fostering a strong sense of patriotism.
Additionally, it plays a vital role in preserving traditional customs and attracting
both domestic and international visitors, making it an essential part of
Vietnam’s cultural landscape. By exploring the history, significance, and 1 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089
traditions of the Hung Kings' Festival, we gain a deeper appreciation for its role
in shaping the national consciousness and strengthening the connection among
generations of Vietnamese people. I.
Historical backgrouds of Hung kings festival
Each ethnic group formed and developed in different historical
circumstances and with different nuances. All ethnic groups consciously choose
their own symbols, for example, the French choose the rooster, the Americans
choose the falcon, the Albanians choose the eagle, etc. The Vietnamese people
are associated with the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, and often
associated with the symbol of our nation is “con Rồng cháu Tiên” (roughly
translated as “son of Dragon, grandson of the God”). The period of long legends
in history is part of spiritual life, forming the core for the formation of national cultural identity.
1. History of Hung Kings
When mentioning about the Hung Kings era, every Vietnamese person
has a respectful attitude. The Hung Kings era is an ancient period that has been
confirmed in terms of chronology and this era is associated with the formation
of an ethnic community in the territory of the Northern and North Central Plains.
During this period, Vietnam has reached a relatively high level of social
organization, with the first political apparatus in the history of Vietnam - Van
Lang apparatus. At that time, the capital was located in Phong Chau, and had a
community including “Lạc” people, “Lạc” generals, and “Lạc” kings.
According to legends, before Hung Vuong's time was Kinh Duong Vuong
- at the same time as Chinese Fuxi Emperor. Lac Long Quan was at the same
time as Shen Nong in China. The person who gave birth to King Hung was Lac
Long Quan, and the one who gave birth to Lac Long Quan was Kinh Duong
Vuong. Currently, there is not only a temple to worship Hung King on Phu Tho 2 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089
land, but also in Thuan Thanh (Bac Ninh) there is also a place of worship and
a place where there is a tomb called King Kinh Duong Vuong's grave.
Although existing in the same era as many famous Chinese dynasties,
there is not much convincing evidence for the existence of the Hung King
period. The stories of this era were mostly oral legends, and were passed down
from generations to generations. Through versions and generations, historical
stories have brought many mythological colors, making many people doubt the veracity of this dynasty.
However, the results of archeology have helped us to confirm that there
was a real Hung King era in Vietnamese history. Many famous sites as
milestones in the development of 2000 years of history associated with the
Hung Kings era have been confirmed: at the Museum, which was built in 1993
right on the land of Hung Vuong's ancestors, there are over 3000 exhibits.
objects, 5 galleries introducing 700 original artifacts, 176 scientific documents,
5 related videos, especially a bronze drum discovered in Hy Cuong commune
of type I Hegemony with the largest face size (93cm) of the Hege I types
discovered in Vietnam and the Tan Long bronze drum also belonging to Phu
Tho has the largest face diameter (103 cm) of the bronze drums found in
Vietnam, allowing us to confirm that , it was a real era in Vietnamese history.
In summary, the Hung Kings era is the era in legend but reflects a historical
reality that is the formation of the Vietnamese ethnic community very early.
2. Hung Temple and Hung Kings Festival
With the sense of "Uống nước nhớ nguồn" (the same meaning with
“When you eat a fruit, think of the man who planted the tree.”), our people have
built temples for the Hung King for ages. From the 13th century to the 14th
century, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Temples were built to worship the 18
Hung Kings and the mountain gods, Cao Son, At Son, Vien Son, etc., the Hung
King's daughters, My. Nuong, Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa worship at 3 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089
Gieng Temple. In the 15th century, Hung Temple was destroyed by the Ming
invaders, but after defeating foreign invaders, our people rebuilt it to continue
the life of incense to Duc Quoc To.
The Hung Temple Festival was previously limited to a local festival Hung King Festival
Trao village (now Trieu Phu village) i.e. Ca village is the village assigned
to take care of the worship of the former Hung Kings.
Only in the Le Dynasty, with a clear political goal, in order to affirm the
historical teaching of his nation and the inheritance of his dynasty to the great
pioneers, Le Thanh Tong conferred the jade genealogy, explaining the origin of
Hung Kings and since then the local festival has become a form of state festival.
Thus, since Hong Duc Emperor's time, Hung Kings Commemoration has
been strictly regulated and assigned to the locality in charge of implementation.
Once every five years, the king would give rice to cook banh chung to offer to
the Patriarch. At first, the festival was on the 12th of the third lunar month 4 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089
according to local custom, but from the Le Dynasty, it was stipulated that on
the 10th day of the third lunar month, there were representatives of the imperial
court with the provincial officials to worship and offer incense.
Currently, the Vietnamese state has made Hung Kings Commemoration
a great national holiday. This is a very meaningful annual festival that helps the
young generations to thoroughly understand their origins, uphold and maintain
the nation's tradition of gratitude and filial piety. II.
When and where the festival takes place
The Hùng Kings' Festival is an important annual celebration in
Vietnam, taking place on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month at the Hùng
Temple in Phú Thọ Province. This festival honors the Hùng Kings, the
legendary founders of Vietnam, who are believed to have established the first
Vietnamese state, Văn Lang. Recognized as a national holiday, the event draws
thousands of visitors from across the country who come to pay tribute to their
ancestors and celebrate Vietnamese heritage.
The festival features a mix of solemn ceremonies and vibrant cultural
activities. The main ritual takes place at the Hùng Temple complex on Nghĩa
Lĩnh Mountain, where people offer incense, flowers, and traditional food to
honor the kings. Government officials, religious leaders, and local communities
participate in the grand ceremony, reinforcing national unity. Alongside the
formal tributes, traditional games, folk singing, and performances bring an
energetic atmosphere to the festival.
Beyond Phú Thọ, the Hùng Kings' Festival is observed nationwide, with
smaller ceremonies held at temples dedicated to the Hùng Kings. The festival
reflects Vietnamese patriotism, gratitude to ancestors, and cultural pride,
emphasizing the country’s deep-rooted respect for its origins. In 2012,
UNESCO recognized the festival's associated practices as an Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further highlighting its historical and cultural significance. 5 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 III. Rituals and Tradition
The Hung Kings’ Festival is one of Vietnam’s most significant and
cherished celebrations, held annually to honor the legendary Hung Kings, the
nation’s founding fathers. This festival is not only a time for solemn rituals that
pay tribute to Vietnam’s ancestral heritage but also an occasion filled with
vibrant cultural activities that bring communities together. With a rich blend of
historical reverence and lively festivities, the Hung Kings’ Festival plays a
crucial role in preserving national identity and fostering unity among the Vietnamese people.
At the heart of the festival are the official ceremonies, which take place
at the Hung Temple on Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain in Phú Thọ Province. A grand
procession, led by local officials and devoted participants in traditional
costumes, marks the beginning of the formal observances. Offerings such as
incense, flowers, and traditional Vietnamese delicacies like bánh chưng (square
sticky rice cake) and bánh dày (round sticky rice cake) are presented at the
temple. These foods carry deep cultural significance, symbolizing gratitude for
the Hung Kings’ contributions and their role in establishing Vietnam’s early
civilization. The presence of high-ranking government officials, including the
Vietnamese President or Prime Minister, further underscores the festival’s
national importance. Their attendance reinforces the connection between
Vietnam’s historical roots and its contemporary leadership, highlighting the
enduring legacy of the Hung Kings.
Beyond the official ceremonies, the festival comes alive with an array of
folk activities and cultural performances that reflect the richness of Vietnam’s
traditions. Traditional games such as wrestling, rice cooking competitions, and
bamboo swings draw enthusiastic participation from both locals and visitors.
These games are not merely for entertainment; they carry historical and cultural
significance, showcasing the strength, skill, and resilience of the Vietnamese 6 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089
people. Additionally, the festival is renowned for its vibrant musical
performances, featuring Xoan singing and Quan Ho folk songs. These art
forms, recognized as part of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage, provide a
deep connection to the past, allowing younger generations to appreciate and
continue traditional Vietnamese music. A particularly mesmerizing aspect of
the festival is the dragon dance, a spectacle of energy and coordination that
symbolizes strength, prosperity, and good fortune for the nation.
The Hung Kings’ Festival is more than just a commemoration of
Vietnam’s early rulers; it serves as a unifying event that brings together people
from all walks of life. It is a time when Vietnamese citizens, both within the
country and abroad, reconnect with their cultural roots and express their
national pride. By blending solemn rituals with joyful celebrations, the festival
encapsulates the essence of Vietnam’s historical and cultural identity. In doing
so, it ensures that the legacy of the Hung Kings continues to inspire generations
to come, reinforcing a shared sense of belonging and devotion to the nation. IV.
The significance of Hung Kings festival
One of the most important aspects of the festival is its role in promoting
national unity. People from all over the country gather at Hung Temple in Phu
Tho Province to pay tribute to their ancestors, reinforcing a shared national
identity. This sense of unity strengthens the bond between different generations and regions of Vietnam.
Additionally, the festival plays a crucial role in preserving traditions.
Through rituals such as incense offerings, folk performances, and traditional
games, younger generations learn about their cultural heritage. These practices
help maintain Vietnam’s unique customs and instill a sense of pride in its rich history. 7 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089
Finally, the Hung Kings' Festival also encourages tourism, attracting
thousands of domestic and international visitors each year. The vibrant
celebrations provide an opportunity for tourists to experience Vietnam’s
deeprooted traditions while also contributing to the local economy. 8 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 CONCLUSION
The Hung Kings' Festival is a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s
deeprooted history and cultural heritage, serving as a time for gratitude,
reflection, and unity. It brings people together from all regions to honor their
ancestors, reinforcing national identity and strengthening the bond between
generations. Through solemn rituals, traditional games, and folk performances,
the festival helps preserve Vietnam’s unique customs, ensuring that cultural
values are passed down to future generations. Additionally, it plays a significant
role in promoting tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors
who come to experience the rich traditions of the country. More than just a
celebration, the Hung Kings' Festival is a testament to the resilience and
enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people. By continuing to honor this important
tradition, Vietnam not only pays tribute to its past but also strengthens its
cultural identity for the future. REFERENCES
https://ioe.vn/chi-tiet/tap-chi-tieng-anh/hung-kings%E2%80%99-temple-festival-5- 5677
https://vinpearl.com/en/hung-king-temple-festival https://www.facebook.com/
AmazingThingsInVietnam/videos/hung-king-temple-festival/445415834557787/
https://www.inspiringvacations.com/us/vietnam-tours/insight-
articles/everythingyou-need-to-know-about-the-hung-kings-festival/6921?
srsltid=AfmBOooR6llMHDwHf6HtRdaA3i86Vk9Sf52ukUzdEKR_nhVfao1SCQ4I 9 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 PRESENTATION SLIDES Slide 1 Slide 2 10 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 11 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 Slide 6 Slide 7 Slide 8 12 lOMoAR cPSD| 39651089 Slide 9 Slide 10 13