If there’s one day of the year when the entire Vietnamese nation turns toward its origins, it’s the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month – Hung Kings’ Memorial Day. But have you ever asked yourself: Why is this day so important? Why do we always remind each other of the saying “Wherever you may go, remember the Ancestors’ Memorial Day on the tenth of the third month”? Let’s turn back the pages of our proud history together!
A Journey Back in Time
About 4,000 years ago, on this beautiful S-shaped land, a state called Van Lang was born. Leading this state were the Hung Kings – the first to lay the foundation for the Vietnamese nation. Under the Hung Kings’ rule, our ancestors learned to farm, hunt, weave cloth, and build peaceful, prosperous lives.
Speaking of this period, how could we overlook the legend of banh chung and banh day (square and round rice cakes)? The story tells that in a contest to choose a successor, Prince Lang Lieu created two types of cakes symbolizing heaven and earth. King Hung was deeply impressed and passed the throne to Lang Lieu. Since then, the tradition of making banh Chung and banh day during Tet holidays and the Ancestors’ Memorial Day was born.
Hung Kings’ Memorial Day celebrations in the ancestral land of Phu Tho province. [Stock photo]
This shows that since the nation’s founding, our ancestors have passed down cultural values that we, the younger generation, still inherit today. As Prime Minister Pham Van Dong once said: “Our people must know our history, to understand the roots of our Vietnamese homeland.” Understanding our national origins is not just a source of pride but also a responsibility for every Vietnamese person. Historian Tran Trong Kim also emphasized: “A nation that doesn’t know its history is a nation without a future.” These statements remind us of the importance of history and of treasuring the valuable heritage our ancestors left behind.
MITC and the Spirit of “When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source”
President Ho Chi Minh speaking with soldiers of the Capital Regiment at Hung Temple (Phu Tho) in 1954. [Stock photo]
Uncle Ho once advised: “The Hung Kings established our nation, and we must all work together to protect it.” This brief statement contains profound meaning, reminding every Vietnamese person of their responsibility to preserve and develop ancestral traditions. “Establishing the nation” was a challenging journey that the Hung Kings and many generations before us worked hard to build, from pioneering land cultivation and establishing rice-growing civilization to building a unified community. “Protecting the nation” means not only defending borders against foreign invaders but also each person’s responsibility to maintain national identity, promote unity, and take pride in our origins.
At MITC, the spirit of “When drinking water, remember its source” isn’t just taught in history lessons but is demonstrated through everyday actions: respect for teachers, gratitude toward parents, or simply preserving the beautiful cultural traditions of our people.
MITC students’ journey to their roots
MITC students remember their homeland’s culture and history, showing gratitude to national heroes through meaningful journeys to their roots. When visiting the temple dedicated to Luong Van Chanh, each student feels deep gratitude toward this official who pioneered, cleared, and developed the Phu Yen region from the late 16th to early 17th century. MITC students also visit the Martyrs’ Memorial – honoring those born in Phu Yen and throughout the country who bravely sacrificed their lives in Phu Yen during the resistance against America. Each step at these historical sites helps students better understand national history while building pride and a sense of responsibility among young generations toward their homeland.
Therefore, Ancestors’ Memorial Day isn’t just about sacred rituals but also reminds each person about unity, national pride, and the responsibility to preserve ancestral heritage. Today’s youth can “protect the nation” in their own ways: studying diligently, cultivating ethics, preserving traditional culture, and contributing to national development.
On this Memorial Day, let’s take time to learn more about our national history through books and documentaries; practice gratitude through meaningful actions; and share and spread love for our homeland and country. Wherever you are, whatever you do, take a moment to remember.
For more details, follow the Central Technical and Economic College’s website, contact our hotline: 086.929.1168 for consultation support, or contact us via Zalo: https://zalo.me/mitcvn
Bich Tram
Admissions and Business Relations Center
