Remembering the Ancestral Land - Tay Ninh Online Newspaper

It is a region of continuous mountains and rivers; with a body of water in front and mountains on either side. To the northwest are endless ranges of hills and mountains resembling 99 elephants bowing in reverence. The mountainous terrain and river formations are so advantageous for "advancing and defending" that there is no equal.

Facing a vast plain, ideal for agricultural development, economic and cultural exchange, national construction and defense, and the potential to expand the territory for generations to come, King Hung's foresight ensures that future generations will always look back to their ancestral land with admiration and pride!

The temple dedicated to the Hung Kings is located on Nghia Linh mountain ( Phu Tho province ). (Image from the Internet)

The history of the Van Lang State is closely linked to the Hung King era, the founding of the nation. Many rare and valuable historical documents, imbued with historical significance, have been recorded under the name "Ngoc Pha Hung Vuong" (Genealogical Record of the Hung Kings) and preserved at the Hung King Ancestor Temple in Phu Tho province.

Despite the dust of time, the brutality of wars, and the social upheavals of the past millennia, the legacy left by our ancestors remains present, sacred, and a testament to a state and a golden age in history.

Speaking of Phu Tho, one speaks of its great rivers. The Red River (this section also known as the Thao River), the Lo River, and the Da River merge at Viet Tri city, known as the "river confluence." These rivers, like silken ribbons, carry heavy silt and cultural sediment; they are rivers of poetry, songs, music, and art, of resounding victories in Southern Vietnam. As the poet To Huu wrote in his poem "We Go Forward": "Whoever passes through Phu Tho / Whoever goes down to Trung Ha..." with "...The Thao River is bustling with waves / Whoever goes to Hanoi , let them sail down with the boat," evokes a sense of longing that lingers through the midland region of Northern Vietnam.

Phu Tho boasts many famous scenic spots and abundant, attractive natural tourism resources. Xuan Son National Park, Thanh Thuy hot spring resort, Long Coc tea hill, My Thuan tea hill, Ao Chau lagoon, Van Hoi lagoon, Mo waterfall… are some of the picturesque natural landscapes of this ancestral land.

In particular, Xuan Son National Park, considered a natural museum, is becoming an attractive destination. The pristine landscape, shrouded in white mist, makes visitors feel as if they have wandered into the legend of King Hung's search for a son-in-law. It truly is a scenic area, where thousands of clouds converge, like a "heavenly paradise."

"I'll take you to visit the ancestral land."

The place where King Hung chose to establish his capital.

99 elephants turn their heads to pay homage at Nghia Linh.

"This land is blessed with beautiful scenery."

The lyrics of the song "Phu Tho, My Homeland" by composer Tran Hong Khanh resonate whenever we bow our heads in remembrance of the ancestral land, the place where the cultural values ​​of Van Lang - Au Lac, associated with the Hung King era, converge.

Locals and tourists flock to Hung Temple in Phu Tho province for the Hung Temple festival. (Image: Internet)

The cultural relics, the temples, shrines, and pagodas of this sacred place reappear as if echoing with the sound of "Bronze drums resounding / Mountains and rivers rising with heroic thunder" (in the words of Professor Vu Khieu). Phu Tho, a place with many historical and cultural relics, boasts 323 sites that have been classified by the State. Among them, Hung Temple is a special national historical site. It also has 5 national treasures and 2 intangible cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO (Xoan singing and the Hung King worshiping belief).

Phu Tho boasts a vibrant and long-standing culture with many colorful cultural festivals. In particular, some festivals have become unique spiritual and cultural symbols of the Vietnamese people, such as the Hung Temple Festival, the Au Co Mother Temple Festival, the Bach Hac Boat Race Festival, the Kim Duc Xoan Festival, etc., embodying the beauty of village festivals in the ancestral land. Phu Tho is also home to many traditional crafts and famous dishes: Doan Hung pomelo, Phu Tho tea, Anh Vu fish, Hac Tri persimmon… once offered to the king.

Phu Tho Xoan singing - one of two intangible cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. (Image: Internet)

Visiting Phu Tho, one can feel even more proud of this land of learning, as it boasts a village where three people are honored in the Temple of Literature and a school over 100 years old in the "Doctorate" village of Xuan Lung commune, Lam Thao district, located in the mountainous region.

The people of Phu Tho value morality, are resilient in resisting foreign invaders, possess a martial spirit, are diligent and creative in labor and production, and live harmoniously, adapting to nature. They always prioritize community spirit, care for and help others, value friendship and solidarity within their villages and hamlets.

The sacred ancestral land has always been a solid foundation for the nation and people to overcome challenges throughout many periods. After more than 131 years since the province's establishment (September 8, 1891), especially after the August Revolution and particularly after 37 years of implementing the reform process, the Party Committee and people of Phu Tho have achieved great successes in the fields of socio-economic development, national defense and security; the material and spiritual lives of the people have continuously improved.

The cultural heritage, values, and identity have been inherited and strongly promoted. This area is now considered a gateway and economic center for inter-provincial activities in the North, located within the Hanoi metropolitan area and the Kunming-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor, thus possessing many advantages for development.

A performance during the opening ceremony of the Hung Temple Festival and the Ancestral Land Culture Week in 2023. (Image: Internet)

Phu Tho, the ancestral land, is rising amidst integration and development. Our ancestors chose this land to build temples and shrines, passing on cultural values ​​and broadening horizons; today, we unite, strive, and are determined to create, "shining brightly for humanity," fulfilling the aspirations of our forefathers. Returning to the ancestral land today, we board a boat and sail along the gently lapping waves, humming songs amidst the sky, clouds, mountains, and water, and witness the transformations of this land where tigers roam and dragons fly, and where hundreds of mountains converge in one direction.

Ha Tinh has always been proud to be the place where King Kinh Duong Vuong chose to build his capital in the early days of Vietnam. Kinh Duong Vuong (father), Lac Long Quan (son), and Hung Vuong (grandson) were three successive generations of monarchs who founded the nation. In recent years, the Hung Vuong Ancestor Commemoration Ceremony at the Dai Hung Historical Site (located in Dau Lieu ward, Hong Linh town) in Ha Tinh has been held solemnly and respectfully, attracting a large number of locals and tourists from near and far.

Many meaningful activities were also organized, such as: a competition for wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) to offer to the National Ancestor, showcasing local products, and various cultural and sports activities… All aimed at fostering love for the homeland and country, national pride and self-respect; contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values, including the Hung Kings worship belief - a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

In a spirit of reverence and respect, the Hung Kings Commemoration Ceremony reminds us of the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," further strengthening our resolve and maintaining the spirit of unity, self-reliance, and self-improvement to build and protect every inch of sacred land bequeathed to our nation, bringing glory to the descendants of Lac and Hong.

Source: BHT

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