Worshiping the Hung Kings Tradition in Phu Tho

The worshiping tradition of the Hung Kings originates from the era of the Hung Kings, the founding monarchs of the Vietnamese people. These revered figures played a pivotal role in establishing the nation of Van Lang, marking the era of the Hung Kings in Vietnam’s history. The belief in a shared ancestry, symbolized by the phrase “con Rồng cháu Tiên” (descendants of the Dragon and Grandchildren of the Immortals), reflects a traditional principle deeply embedded in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese community: “Uống nước nhớ nguồn” (Remember the source), “Con người có tổ, có tông” (Humans have their roots and clans).

To honor the significant contributions of the Hung Kings, people have constructed temples on Nghia Linh Mountain (also known as Hy Cuong Mountain, Hung Mountain, Hùng Sơn) in Co Tich village, Hy Cuong commune, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province. Every year, on the 10th day of the third lunar month, this day is commemorated as the anniversary of the Hung Kings, known as the Ancestral Day. Starting from this first temple, the worshiping tradition of the Hung Kings gradually spread, enduring through generations, from the plains to the mountains, from the North to the South, and from within the country to abroad.

The worshiping of the Hung Kings holds profound and sacred significance, emphasizing the connection to ancestral roots and expressing gratitude to those who played a role in shaping the nation’s land and life. It serves as a national symbol, bridging the past and the present, fostering deep community connections, embodying a sense of national unity, and strengthening community bonds.

In recognition of its unique and distinct values, on December 6, 2012, in Paris, France, UNESCO officially recognized the Worshiping Tradition of the Hung Kings in Phu Tho as the Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative of Humanity. This marked Vietnam’s first recognition by UNESCO in the category of worship traditions, and also the first time UNESCO acknowledged ancestral worship as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative of Humanity.

The recognized area of this heritage includes the Hung King Temple on Nghia Linh Mountain, Viet Tri city, and the districts of Phu Ninh, Cam Khe, Thanh Son, Doan Hung, Tam Nong, Yen Lap, Ha Hoa, Lam Thao, Thanh Thuy, Thanh Ba, Tan Son, Phu Tho town, and Viet Tri city in Phu Tho province.

This worshiping tradition has extended its influence throughout the Northern, Central, and Southern regions of Vietnam, with 1,417 Hung King worshiping sites and statues across the country. Vietnamese communities abroad have also established temples to honor the Hung Kings.

The practice of worshiping the Hung Kings, particularly during the Hung King Temple Festival, has become a distinctive tourism product for Phu Tho, attracting visitors on pilgrimages to the ancestral land.