On April 7, the First Senior Center of Georgia (FSCofGA) will host a culturally significant event in honor of the Hùng Kings’ Festival, a traditional celebration in Vietnam.
This festival takes place on the 10th day of the third lunar month each year and serves to commemorate and pay tribute to the Hùng Kings, who are considered the ancestors of the Vietnamese nation and the founders of the Văn Lang state.
The event not only honors the contributions of the Hùng Kings in establishing and building the nation but also provides an opportunity for each individual to express gratitude towards their cultural heritage.
Legend and culture
Legend has it that the father of the first Hùng King, Kinh Dương Vương, was the son of the Dragon Princess (or Long Quân) who married Âu Cơ, a fairy. They gave birth to a hundred children, one of whom became the Hùng King.
These stories explain the origin of the phrase “descendants of dragons and fairies,” associated with the Vietnamese people. And the legend reflects the connection between humanity and the divine while also embodying the profound cultural roots and values of the Vietnamese nation.
A traditional ceremony
The ceremony will feature seniors participating in a traditional ritual, offering incense to honor the achievements of the Hùng Kings. Additionally, a speech will be delivered addressing the importance of preserving Vietnamese culture, a reaffirmation of national pride and a reminder of the significance of the Dragon-Lion heritage.
The ceremony will include a recitation of poems to honor the Hùng Kings and songs that celebrate the beauty of Vietnam. The center organizes this event to remind both current and future generations of the importance of honoring their ancestors, understanding their roots and preserving their cultural identity.
During the Hùng Kings’ Commemoration Festival, Mr. Hưng Nguyễn, 84 years old, an immigrant to the United States from Vietnam, will participate in the rituals of the festival.
He shared: “Every Vietnamese person, no matter where they live, needs to have an understanding of their country’s culture and history.”
Before coming to the U.S., Nguyễn participated in many traditional ceremonies and rituals. Upon settling here, he actively engaged with the senior community at the First Senior Center, becoming a volunteer to guide the cultural practices of Vietnam and helping the younger generation understand and appreciate their roots.
About FSCofGA
FSCofGA maintains traditional Vietnamese culture and ensures that history is not forgotten. Future generations of children and grandchildren born in the United States will have the experience to embrace these cultural events at FSCofGA.
For more information, visit firstseniorcenter.com.
