Top 10 Most Thoughtful Reflective Essays on the Story of 'Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy'

Tet is the traditional holiday that brings families together, a time for those far from home to reunite with loved ones around steaming pots of Bánh Chưng, while the delicate peach blossoms bloom in the cool air. During this festive period, everyone is busy shopping, tidying up, and decorating their homes, making sure the ancestral altars are prepared with incense. Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy are essential symbols of this celebration, reflecting the culture and values of our people.

But why do Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy hold such significance during Tet? This question is answered in the story of the origins of these cakes. The tale begins with an aging king who wishes to choose one of his sons to inherit the throne. Despite having many sons, the king struggles to decide who is most deserving. Following the advice of his court, the king decides to challenge his children: whoever brings the most fitting offering to the heavens and ancestors will inherit the throne. Each prince eagerly sets out to find a valuable gift for the king.

Among the king’s sons, only the youngest, Prince Lang Liêu, stands apart. Unlike his brothers, Lang Liêu is a humble and compassionate young man, always dedicated to farm work with great care. When given the task of presenting an offering, Lang Liêu is filled with worry, unsure of how to present something fitting yet true to his heart. While his brothers present lavish gifts like peacock feathers and bear claws, Lang Liêu brings only simple cakes.

When the princes offer their gifts to the king, each full of confidence in their elaborate presents, Lang Liêu's humble cakes stand out. However, when the king tastes each offering, none seem to satisfy him. Finally, he samples the two cakes of Lang Liêu, and his reaction is one of surprise. The simple cakes seem to carry the essence of the earth and sky. Lang Liêu explains that the square Bánh Chưng represents the earth, with its green hue symbolizing the plants beneath the ground, while the round Bánh Giầy represents the sky, embodying the vast heavens. Together, they represent the harmony between earth and sky.

The king, moved by the meaning of these cakes, rejoices at finding the most meaningful offering to honor his ancestors. The story emphasizes the importance of agriculture and the value of respecting the hardworking farmers who sustain the land. In the end, Lang Liêu is rewarded with the throne, succeeding his father as the ruler of the land.

In conclusion, the story of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy reveals the origin of these cakes, rich in cultural significance, and reflects the wisdom of our ancestors who honored virtuous and humble individuals, teaching the lesson that kindness brings good fortune.

In folklore, the appearance of gods, fairies, and divine beings adds an element of the miraculous. These supernatural figures are there to assist the poor, defend the weak, reward the virtuous, and punish the evil. The legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy also includes a divine figure. In the story, the god appears in a dream, guiding Lang Liêu, who eventually becomes king. While this divine intervention is significant, it is not the full picture. What’s missing is the human element—the role of Lang Liêu and the king.

Lang Liêu is portrayed as a prince who dedicates himself to farming—growing rice and planting tubers. He is a virtuous prince, hardworking, and connected to the people. Orphaned and considered lesser within the royal family, Lang Liêu receives guidance and support from the god. The dream where he meets the god signifies that Lang Liêu has won the hearts of the people, as the god's advice mirrors the people's wishes.

Lang Liêu proves to be remarkably inventive. While the god advises him to use rice to make cakes, it is up to Lang Liêu to figure out how. Using glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in dong leaves, Lang Liêu creates square-shaped Bánh Chưng and round Bánh Giầy. These cakes, made with simple yet locally available ingredients, are a testament to Lang Liêu’s creativity and deserve the highest praise.

The cakes Lang Liêu creates are not only delicious but also rich in symbolism. The round Bánh Giầy represents the heavens, while the square Bánh Chưng represents the earth. The pork, mung beans, and dong leaves symbolize animals, plants, and the natural world. These cakes embody the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The green Bánh Chưng wrapped in dong leaves teaches unity and love, a message the king conveys to his sons and his court. The cakes symbolize Lang Liêu’s wisdom, talent, and deep loyalty, and he earns the king’s trust and the throne.

This legend explains the origins of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy, showcasing their deep cultural and human significance. The story reflects national pride and the rich tradition of celebrating Tet, highlighting the values of family, tradition, and respect for ancestors. It speaks to the core of Vietnamese culture and its reverence for agriculture, the rice grain, and the profound connection between people, land, and heaven.

At a deeper level, the story illustrates the Vietnamese people's belief in the importance of the nation and its people, the central role of farming, and the reverence for ancestors and nature. It encapsulates the sincerity and heartfelt gratitude of the Vietnamese people towards their land, their culture, and the divine.

In folklore, the appearance of mystical figures such as the Buddha, fairies, and deities imbues stories with magical elements, often used to assist the poor, protect the weak, reward the virtuous, and punish the wicked. The legend of the 'Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy' also includes such divine intervention. The deity appears in Lang Liêu's dream, guiding him to create offerings for the king that symbolize both Earth and Sky. The king's quest for a worthy successor is not just about physical prowess but the ability to lead with wisdom and understanding. The king's challenge to his twenty sons, to create a feast worthy of his approval, reflects this deeper wisdom. Lang Liêu, born into hardship and neglected by his royal family, exemplifies the virtues of humility, hard work, and devotion to the land. Unlike his brothers, who lived in luxury, Lang Liêu toiled as a farmer, deeply respecting the agricultural roots of his people. Through his creativity, Lang Liêu crafted two types of rice cakes: 'Bánh Chưng,' symbolizing the Earth, and 'Bánh Giầy,' representing the Sky. These simple, yet profound offerings, were not only a testament to his resourcefulness but also to the harmony between nature and humankind. The king, moved by the significance of these cakes, recognized Lang Liêu's wisdom and virtue, passing on the throne to him. The legend of 'Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy' not only explains the origins of these iconic foods but also celebrates the values of unity, reverence for ancestors, and the importance of agricultural life, emphasizing that the strength of a nation lies in its connection to its people and their traditions.

Every time the Lunar New Year arrives, bringing the spring season with it, the rural areas across my beloved homeland get the chance to prepare traditional cakes that are both delicious and meaningful. These cakes hold deep significance, symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth, and serve as invaluable gifts that bring families together to enjoy during the holiday. These cakes are the bánh chưng and bánh giầy.

As the spring season marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one, every household places a five-fruit tray and the bánh chưng and bánh giầy on their ancestral altar to honor their ancestors. These cakes are an essential part of the offerings on the altar in every Vietnamese home. They have become so ingrained in the collective memory of the people that they symbolize the traditional spirit of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

The origin of bánh chưng and bánh giầy is tied to a story from long ago. It begins with an aging king who wished to find a worthy successor to the throne. The king had 18 sons, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. He wanted to choose a son who was not only talented and virtuous but also had a deep understanding of the nation's roots, someone who could lead the country into the future.

Thus, the king called upon his sons and announced that the one who could present the most valuable and meaningful treasure to offer to the ancestors would inherit the throne. This challenge excited the princes, each determined to craft a unique gift that would please the king and secure their place as heir. The competition was fierce and intense.

Among the king's sons was Lang Liêu, a prince who had grown up close to nature and the land. He was kind-hearted, humble, and always in touch with the people. He was hardworking and lived a simple life, earning the respect and affection of those around him.

When Lang Liêu heard the king's challenge, he became deeply worried. He had no precious treasures to offer, only simple things that anyone could possess. Many other princes had already presented rare and valuable items to the king, leaving Lang Liêu feeling anxious.

As a person who spent his life in the fields, Lang Liêu did not have the luxurious treasures like ivory, jewels, or rare animal parts to offer the king. As the deadline to present his offering drew near, his anxiety only grew, to the point where he couldn't eat or sleep.

One day, exhausted from worrying, Lang Liêu fell into a deep sleep. In his dream, he met a divine figure who taught him how to make two types of cakes, one square and one round, using the rice from his homeland. These cakes symbolized heaven and earth, embodying the completeness of the universe.

When Lang Liêu woke up, he realized it was just a dream. However, reflecting on it, he realized that the divine figure's advice was wise. Rice was the most precious gift nature had given to humankind, and with it, he could create something special. Combining rice, mung beans, and pork, he could make a delicious, hearty cake that was a perfect representation of his homeland.

Inspired, Lang Liêu gathered his family to help him make the cakes from his dream. The first was the bánh chưng, a square cake with green leaves, while the second was the bánh giầy, a round cake made from steamed rice dough that was soft and fragrant.

The day arrived for the princes to present their offerings to the king. The court was filled with treasures of immense value, but only Lang Liêu's humble cakes stood out for their simplicity and lack of material wealth. This made Lang Liêu nervous, but he trusted that the sincerity of his gift would speak for itself. As a farmer, his most precious treasure was the rice he had cultivated with his own hands, and he poured his heart into the cakes he had made.

When the king tasted the cakes, he was surprised by their incredible flavor. Unlike the other treasures, the cakes had a simple yet rich taste that delighted him. The king summoned Lang Liêu to explain the meaning behind the square and round shapes.

Lang Liêu explained that the square cake represented the Earth, while the round cake symbolized the sky. Together, they represented the harmony of heaven and earth, and the cyclical nature of the universe. The king was so impressed by Lang Liêu's explanation and the meaning behind the cakes that he decided to pass the throne to him.

The king's decision to use these cakes for ancestral worship during the Lunar New Year and on other important occasions solidified their place as symbols of Vietnamese culture.

Vietnam is an agricultural country, and the products of the rice fields are incredibly valuable. The labor and dedication required to cultivate rice are immense, and we must cherish and respect every product of nature. The story of bánh chưng and bánh giầy teaches us the importance of family, unity, and respecting the blessings of nature. It celebrates the humble and good-hearted people, reminding us that those who live virtuously will be rewarded by the heavens.

The legend of "The Dragon and the Fairy" helps explain the origins of humanity, while the story of "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy" reveals the origins of these two iconic cakes and the tradition of ancestor worship in Vietnam. This story has deeply touched me.

This legend clarified the origin of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy for me. It narrates the tale of King Hùng Vương VI, who, after defeating foreign invaders, called all his sons together and announced that the throne would go to the prince who presented the most unique and meaningful offering to place on the ancestral altar during the Tiên Vương festival. While the other princes hurried to prepare their offerings, the 18th prince, Lang Liêu, did not know what to give. One night, Lang Liêu dreamed of a divine figure who guided him to make two cakes—one round to represent the sky, and one square to represent the earth. The king was pleased with Lang Liêu’s offering and chose him as the successor.

The story of "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy" also reflects the hardworking nature of the people. Lang Liêu, although a prince, worked tirelessly in the fields, farming and cultivating crops. After receiving divine guidance, he selected the finest sticky rice, cleaned it thoroughly, mixed it with mung beans and pork, and used dong leaves to wrap the square-shaped Bánh Chưng, symbolizing the earth. With the same rice, he created the round Bánh Giầy, symbolizing the sky. This shows Lang Liêu's creativity in coming up with these two distinct cakes.

The story carries a profound educational message. The round Bánh Giầy represents the sky, while the square Bánh Chưng represents the earth. The pork, mung beans, and dong leaves used in the cakes symbolize animals and plants, and the leaves wrapping them signify the idea of mutual care and protection. The king’s words, "The enemy has been defeated, but the throne is secure only when the people are prosperous," reflect the king’s respect for the people, valuing agriculture and honoring his ancestors.

The story also incorporates a magical element through the appearance of a divine being in Lang Liêu’s dream. The deity says, "Among all things in the world, nothing is more precious than rice. Rice sustains life and can never be tiring. Other foods may be rare, but rice can be grown by people. Take rice and make cakes for the Tiên Vương offering." Lang Liêu, who had faced many hardships, was chosen by the deity to present rice cakes to the ancestors. He was destined to be a wise and compassionate king, who would care for his people.

Moreover, the images of dong leaves, pork, and pickled onions are familiar and comforting parts of daily life, evoking a sense of closeness and familiarity. As a result, the tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy has become a distinct cultural feature of our nation. Every Lunar New Year, my family gathers around the stove to cook Bánh Chưng, their green color from the dong leaves, while we share stories from work, school, or life. Though this tradition has faded somewhat, I hope it will continue to endure through time.

A legend is a type of folklore with a narrative that relates to historical figures and events, often containing fantastical details that reflect the people's views on those figures and events. In the 6th-grade curriculum, I have learned many captivating legends like “The Dragon and the Fairy,” “The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake,” “Saint Giong,” and others. However, the legend that left the most lasting impact on me was the story of “Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy.” Not only did it explain the origin of these famous cakes, but it also gave insight into the agricultural achievements during the early days of our nation's formation.

First, this legend helped me understand one of the great accomplishments of the Hùng Vương era, which was the flourishing of agricultural civilization, symbolized here by the creation of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy. The story takes place during the reign of the 6th Hùng King, who, growing old, wished to pass on the throne to a deserving heir. However, with 20 sons, he was uncertain about who should inherit the throne. The king summoned all the princes and made an announcement: “On the Tiên Vương festival, whoever presents me with a pleasing offering shall be my successor.”

The princes quickly began sending people to the mountains and seas in search of rare and exotic items, hoping to please their father on the Tiên Vương festival. Only Lang Liêu, the 18th prince, felt dejected because, despite being a royal, his mother was of low status. Therefore, Lang Liêu had lived in poverty outside the palace, spending his life surrounded by rice fields and crops like cassava and corn.

One night, Lang Liêu had a dream in which a god advised him: “Use rice to make cakes for the Tiên Vương offering.” Following the god's guidance, Lang Liêu came up with the idea to create two cakes: “He chose fragrant sticky rice, washed it thoroughly, used mung beans and pork for the filling, wrapped them in dong leaves in a square shape, and boiled them for an entire day and night. He also made a round cake by pounding the same rice into a paste.” On the Tiên Vương festival, the princes presented their rare offerings to the king, but the king was not pleased with any of them. When he saw Lang Liêu's cakes, however, the king was delighted and named them Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy. These cakes earned Lang Liêu the throne, as he was chosen for his diligence, intelligence, and connection to the land.

Beyond explaining the origin of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy, this legend imparts profound lessons. The first lesson comes through the words of King Hùng, who commented on the two cakes: “The round cake symbolizes the Sky, and the square cake represents the Earth. The pork, mung beans, and dong leaves symbolize animals and plants. The wrapping leaves represent the idea of protecting and nurturing one another.” Although simple, Lang Liêu's cakes carried deep philosophical meanings about the Sky and Earth, and the importance of unity and mutual care. This spirit of unity became an important tradition for our people. Additionally, this legend praises the values of hard work, farming, and the noble qualities of the laboring people, such as diligence, intelligence, and resourcefulness.

The achievements of early agricultural civilization laid the foundation for the country's future development, a fact that every Vietnamese person cherishes and remembers. The story's allure also lies in the magical elements, such as the divine being who appeared in Lang Liêu's dream. The god told him: “Among all things in the world, nothing is more precious than rice. Only rice can sustain humans, and it never grows tiresome. Other foods may be delicious, but they are rare and cannot be made by humans.”

Lang Liêu received divine help not only because he was the most humble prince but also because he had a deep connection with the land and farming. Rice was familiar to him, and Lang Liêu was deserving of the god's guidance because of his intelligence and resourcefulness. While the god only offered an initial suggestion, Lang Liêu was able to use it to create two distinct cakes for the king.

Thus, the legend of “Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy,” with its magical details, not only explains the origin of these traditional cakes but also illustrates the impressive development of agricultural civilization during the Hùng Vương period. The character of Lang Liêu leaves a lasting impression on me due to his love for labor, his diligence, intelligence, and resourcefulness. With its captivating content and artistry, “Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy” will always remain one of the most cherished legends in our national folklore.

A legend is a prominent genre in folk literature, with our ancestors crafting numerous legendary tales, diverse in theme and content. These range from stories of heroes to those explaining the origins of customs and traditions. One such legend, "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy," tells the story of the creation of these iconic rice cakes, while reflecting the achievements of rice agriculture and showcasing the values of labor and respect for nature and ancestors.

This legend centers around King Hùng's decision to choose one of his twenty sons as his successor. Rather than selecting the eldest son, as was customary, King Hùng wisely sought the most deserving and capable heir to ensure the nation's prosperity. His decree was clear: "In the celebration of the ancestors, whoever pleases me with their offering will succeed me." This decision emphasized the king’s impartiality and commitment to the welfare of the people.

The princes, eager to impress their father, scrambled to prepare elaborate feasts. Yet, Lang Liêu, the eighteenth son, felt troubled. Unlike his brothers, who could afford luxurious gifts, Lang Liêu’s humble background left him with nothing but simple agricultural products to offer. His mother had passed away early, and he had been raised without the royal privileges his siblings enjoyed.

Unsure of what to bring, Lang Liêu sought guidance. One night, a divine figure appeared to him in a dream, advising him: "In the vast world, there is nothing more valuable than rice. While other offerings are rare and exquisite, rice is something that people can grow themselves. Use rice to create cakes for the ceremony." This divine counsel not only guided Lang Liêu but also emphasized the significance of rice in the lives of the common people as the cornerstone of their agricultural civilization.

Grateful for the divine guidance, Lang Liêu set to work creating two types of rice cakes to offer at the ceremony. The first was a square-shaped cake, symbolizing the Earth, made from sticky rice, pork, mung beans, and wrapped in dong leaves. The second was a round cake, symbolizing the Heavens. These cakes, crafted from the same humble ingredients, were a reflection of Lang Liêu’s connection to the land and his resourcefulness.

At the ceremony, while other princes presented extravagant dishes, only Lang Liêu’s simple cakes pleased the king. The cakes were chosen for the royal ritual, and King Hùng not only accepted them but named them "Bánh Chưng" and "Bánh Giầy," symbolizing the Earth and the Sky, respectively. Lang Liêu’s offering, rooted in simplicity and labor, earned him the throne, and the tradition of honoring the rice cakes during the Lunar New Year was born.

This legend not only explains the origins of these beloved cakes but also embodies the values of hard work, respect for the earth, and reverence for ancestors. It underscores the Vietnamese cultural belief in honoring the forces of nature and the importance of maintaining familial and ancestral traditions.

Across the world, each nation celebrates the Lunar New Year with unique customs. In Vietnam, the tradition of offering bánh chưng and bánh giầy during Tết has existed since ancient times. The legend of the bánh chưng and bánh giầy not only explains the origins of these iconic cakes but also reflects the early achievements of our agricultural civilization. It highlights the value of labor, the respect for farmers, and the reverence for heaven, earth, and ancestors. The story also serves as a valuable lesson on the importance of choosing wise and virtuous leaders for the prosperity of the nation.

The story takes place during the reign of the sixth Hung King. As he grew older, the king was unsure of whom to pass the throne to, as he had twenty sons. While external enemies had been defeated, internal threats still loomed, and the king longed for a prosperous future for his people. He knew that a thriving nation would ensure the stability of his reign, but his age and frailty made him uncertain.

One day, the king gathered his sons and said: 'Our ancestors have ruled for six generations. We have successfully repelled the An invaders many times with the blessing of our forefathers, bringing peace to the land. But I am old, and I will not live forever. The one who succeeds me must uphold my ideals. The heir does not have to be my eldest son. This year, during the Tiên Vương festival, whoever pleases me will inherit the throne, with Tiên Vương as witness.'

Each of the king's sons, eager for the throne, misunderstood the king's deeper intentions. They thought that presenting an extravagant feast with rare and exquisite dishes would be enough. They hurried to gather precious gifts from the mountains and seas.

However, Lang Liêu, the king's eighteenth son, did not follow this approach. He had been disadvantaged compared to his brothers, having no wealth or grandeur. Since childhood, he had been working the fields, growing rice and yams. Lang Liêu, though a prince, lived like a common farmer. Saddened by the modesty of his resources, he wondered what to offer, as rice and yams seemed too ordinary.

In our ancestors' view, gods, spirits, and sages often helped those who were humble and virtuous. Lang Liêu, without power or wealth, had no servants to fetch exotic gifts. Yet, he possessed a pure heart, devotion to his father, and a strong work ethic. This was enough for him to receive help from the gods.

One night, Lang Liêu dreamed of a deity who instructed him to use rice to make cakes for the Tiên Vương offering. The deity explained that, of all things in the world, nothing is more precious than rice. Rice nourishes humanity and is something that people can grow with their own labor.

Lang Liêu understood and followed the deity’s guidance. The deity’s advice was wise and sincere, and Lang Liêu felt its truth. The deity’s thoughts mirrored those of the common people, who deeply valued the rice that sustains them. Rice was a symbol of the hard work and sweat of farmers. Lang Liêu, offering the most precious thing on earth, which he had made with his own hands, was truly a devoted son.

Following the deity's advice and guided by his sincere heart, creativity, and skilled hands, Lang Liêu used fragrant glutinous rice, white and pure, with green beans, pork, and wrapped them in dong leaves, tying them with bamboo strings to create a square-shaped cake, which he then boiled until it was fully cooked.

Lang Liêu did not need to search far for ingredients. The rice and beans were ones he had grown, the pigs were ones he had raised, and the dong leaves grew naturally in his garden and the fields. These simple ingredients came together to form a special cake that had never been seen before. Using the same glutinous rice, he steamed and pounded it into a smooth dough, shaping it into round cakes known as bánh giầy.

On the day of the Tiên Vương offering, the king’s sons presented extravagant dishes, such as rare delicacies and exotic foods, but the king only briefly glanced at these and stopped at Lang Liêu’s offerings. What drew the king’s attention to these two cakes? Perhaps it was the perfect shape of the bánh chưng and the roundness of the bánh giầy, as well as their simple, appealing beauty. The bánh chưng was green, and the bánh giầy was white and smooth. The king was pleased and called Lang Liêu forward to inquire about the cakes. Lang Liêu honestly shared the story of his dream and the guidance he had received. After thinking for a long time, the king chose these two cakes to offer to Heaven, Earth, and the Tiên Vương.

Why did the king choose Lang Liêu’s cakes and select him as the successor? The two cakes symbolized respect for farming and the preciousness of rice, something made by human labor. The king surely felt the sacredness of the deity's message: 'In the world, rice is the most valuable.' Rice sustains life, and a prosperous people ensures the stability of the throne. Lang Liêu truly understood the value of labor and the results of hard work.

After enjoying Lang Liêu’s cakes, the king and his court were impressed by their taste. The king explained the symbolism of the two cakes: 'The round one represents Heaven, and we will call it bánh giầy. The square one represents Earth, and the meat, green beans, and dong leaves represent animals and plants, which we will call bánh chưng. The wrapping symbolizes unity and protection.'

These two cakes proved Lang Liêu’s wisdom and virtue. Offering the finest gift, made with his own hands, to his father and to Heaven and Earth showed that Lang Liêu was a talented, intelligent, and filial son. The king proclaimed, 'Lang Liêu has brought a gift that fulfills my wishes. He will succeed me, and Tiên Vương will bear witness.'

Lang Liêu was a good person, capable of leading the people and continuing his father’s legacy. The king’s decision to pass the throne to him was in harmony with the will of Heaven. The legend of bánh chưng and bánh giầy has become a part of Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year customs. Our people have built a tradition from simple, yet meaningful practices. On the eve of Tết, the sound of pounding bánh giầy echoes through the village, and the whole family gathers around the warm fire to cook the bánh chưng. A few pairs of bánh chưng and a plate of bánh giầy must be placed on the ancestor’s altar to truly celebrate the New Year.

The legend of bánh chưng and bánh giầy is a folk tale explaining the origins of these objects that appeared after the time of the Hung Kings. Similar legends explain the origin of betel leaves, watermelon, and more. Behind this fascinating explanation of the origins of these cakes lies the reality of the life of our ancestors—people from a long-standing rice-cultivating civilization. Back then, the people already had the skills of farming, animal husbandry, and cooking special dishes that were both delicious and meaningful.

The story is also a profound lesson on how to choose leaders with virtue and talent to govern the country and care for the people. Therefore, despite being thousands of years old, this story still retains its valuable message today.

"Spring returns with mother’s hair,

Long and short thoughts follow,

The flowers of the countryside in the evening...

The green Chung cake remains the same,

Soft and fragrant to the very core,

The years pass, tied with the laced thread,

Square and round, eagerly waiting!"

Chung and Giay cakes embody the soul of the Vietnamese countryside. Every New Year's Eve, we find happiness sitting by the red-hot stove, watching the Chung cakes boil, selecting the most perfect square cakes to place on the ancestor's altar. But have you ever wondered about the origins of the Chung cake? Who created it and what significance do these cakes hold? We may find the answer to these questions when we hear the legend of Chung and Giay cakes. It's an intriguing and profound tale.

It is said that when King Hung grew old, he wanted to find someone to inherit the throne. He hoped that the successor would be a person of virtue and talent who would understand his desires, so he asked his sons to prepare offerings to the Ancestor King. Whoever pleased the king would inherit the throne. Unlike his older brothers, who prepared luxurious and rare delicacies, Lang Lieu, the youngest son, had been deprived of many things since childhood, having lost his mother early. He felt sad and didn’t know how to prepare offerings to the Ancestor King. Living in the countryside, he was familiar with farming but had no rare delicacies. Where could he find special treasures from the mountains or the sea?

Thanks to his good nature and kind heart, Lang Lieu was helped by a deity who appeared to him in a dream: "There is nothing more precious than rice in this world. Only rice can sustain human life and is never tiring. Other delicacies may be delicious, but they are rare and cannot be made by human hands. However, rice is something we can cultivate and reap as much as we need. Use rice to make cakes to offer to the Ancestor King." Being wise, eager to learn, and creative, Lang Lieu treasured the labor and value of rice. He chose fragrant, white, plump glutinous rice, filled it with mung beans and pork, wrapped it in dong leaves, and boiled the cakes. Then, he pounded the rice to form round cakes.

The ingredients for the cakes were simple and familiar to the people, yet they carried immense value. Rice was made from the sweat and toil of farmers, embodying the essence of nature and human labor. These cakes were sacred and noble. In the end, Lang Lieu received the most deserving reward when his offering was praised by the king and his officials.

This was the most special, beautiful offering, full of good meaning, among all the offerings from the king's sons. The round cake symbolized the sky, and the square cake represented the earth. The pork fat, mung beans, and dong leaves symbolized plants and animals. Nature, earth, and sky were encapsulated in these beautiful cakes, representing a prosperous, peaceful nation where people lived in harmony with nature, helping one another. Lang Lieu truly deserved to inherit the throne with his determination, virtues, and sincere heart.

Through its fantastical details, the story of the Chung and Giay cakes has created a captivating plot. Now you surely know more about the origins of these cakes. They are emblematic of the traditional Tet festival in Vietnam. Additionally, they reflect the laborers' gratitude to heaven and ancestors. The story also demonstrates the great achievements of Vietnam's rice-based agricultural civilization. Furthermore, the story leaves us with a lesson about the high value of life: no luxurious delicacy or rare treasure can compare to the sincerity of a person. The most beautiful things are those that are close and simple. The most valuable things come from the labor and heart of the people who create them.

Pork fat, pickled onions, and Tet couplets,

The Tet tree, firecrackers, and green Chung cakes."

The Chung and Giay cakes embody the entire rice civilization and represent the finest gifts that nature has to offer. That is why they have become the soul of Vietnamese New Year, deeply engraved in the culture of the Vietnamese people.

Every year, as spring approaches, the people of Vietnam joyfully prepare to make traditional cakes. Some make Giay cakes, while others prepare Chung cakes. In some places, both cakes are made to honor ancestors, pay tribute to the heavens, and welcome the new year with hopes for prosperity, health, and happiness. This scene reminds everyone of the legendary story of the Chung and Giay cakes.

This legend dates back to the reign of the Hung Kings. The creation of this story was intended to explain the tradition of making these cakes during the Lunar New Year, a beautiful aspect of our cultural heritage. It also serves as a reminder for future generations to honor Heaven and Earth, respect ancestors, and value the wisdom and work of farmers in shaping Vietnam’s agricultural civilization.

The context of this story is set after the external threats have been quelled, and the key task is ensuring the well-being of the people for a peaceful and prosperous nation. The King, now old and frail, seeks a worthy successor among his twenty sons. The throne is limited to one heir, and the King emphasizes that the next ruler should not necessarily be the eldest, but the most capable in terms of virtue and wisdom. This presents a difficult challenge. So, the King devised a test for his sons.

The King proclaimed: “… The one who can inherit my throne must align with my ideals… whoever satisfies me in this tribute to the ancestors, I shall pass the throne to them, with the blessing of the Ancient Kings.” Thus, the King set two conditions to test his sons’ intellect, character, and actions: “Whoever aligns with my ideals… whoever satisfies me” means they must have noble aspirations and a determination to achieve prosperity for the nation. “In honoring the ancestors… with the blessing of the Ancient Kings” means that the future king must respect the ancestors, honor their parents, value the people, and possess ethical qualities. This challenge posed by the King was indeed a “riddle” that was not easy to solve.

Lang Lieu, the youngest son, is the “most unfortunate.” Orphaned early in life, he was left with few resources compared to his siblings. Despite his hardships, Lang Lieu exhibited strong character. He dedicated himself to farming, planting rice and cultivating crops. Though a prince, he lived closely with the common people and embraced the life of a farmer. His only treasures were the rice and sweet potatoes he grew, products of his hard work and intellect that contributed to a happy and prosperous life for his family. However, when compared to the rare treasures from the forests and seas that his brothers presented to the King, Lang Lieu’s offerings seemed “ordinary.”

Faced with his father’s riddle, Lang Lieu spent many sleepless nights, filled with worry. One night, he met a deity in his dreams, who offered him guidance. Why did the deity assist Lang Lieu? Perhaps it was because Lang Lieu, despite his disadvantages, was hardworking and deeply connected with the people. The deity did not provide specific instructions, but instead gave a cryptic hint: “In the world, there is nothing more precious than rice. Only rice can nourish people… Other things are delicious but rare, and cannot be made by humans… Use rice to make cakes…” Could this be another riddle, another puzzle for Lang Lieu to solve? The King’s challenge had been difficult enough, but now this new challenge was even more complex.

The deity represented the essence of Heaven and Earth, the wisdom of the people, and perhaps even the unconscious thoughts and reflections of Lang Lieu. Without experiencing the labor of farming, who could truly appreciate the value of rice as the deity had described? Lang Lieu, through his hard work and close relationship with the land, quickly understood the deity’s message. “The more he thought about it, the more he realized the truth in the deity’s words.” Understanding the deity’s guidance, Lang Lieu did not follow it mechanically, but instead approached the task with intelligence and creativity.

The deity had simply said, “Use rice to make cakes.” But Lang Lieu quickly solved the puzzle, selecting the best glutinous rice, clean and plump, and used it to make two different kinds of cakes. He took the rice, boiled it, mixed it with mung beans and pork for the filling, and wrapped it in dong leaves in a square shape, boiling it for a day and night. To create variety, he used the same rice to make round cakes, by steaming and grinding the rice into a paste. From the simple instruction “use rice to make cakes,” Lang Lieu crafted two distinct cakes with different shapes, colors, and flavors. Brilliant and creative!

On the day of the tribute to the ancestors, Lang Lieu’s creations impressed the King and his court. Everyone marveled at the taste, which was more delicious and unique than all the extravagant dishes his brothers had prepared. “The round cake represents the Sky, and we call it Giay cake. The square cake represents the Earth, and we call it Chung cake. The leaves that wrap the cakes and the filling inside symbolize mutual support.” Lang Lieu’s offerings aligned perfectly with the King’s ideals. “Lang Lieu shall succeed me as the King…” The King’s words, reflecting his thoughts as he enjoyed the cakes, affirmed the wisdom, creativity, and care that Lang Lieu had put into his work. It also celebrated the significance of the Chung and Giay cakes as symbols of Vietnam’s agricultural culture.

The King’s riddle was solved in the most wonderful way. The Chung and Giay cakes won first place, and Lang Lieu, the creator of these cakes, rightfully ascended to the throne. His wisdom, respect for ancestors, and connection with the people were recognized. His story symbolizes the heroism of Vietnamese culture, beginning with those who work the fields and live in harmony with nature.

In conclusion, the legend of the Chung and Giay cakes not only explains the origins of these cakes but also reflects the achievements of Vietnam’s early agricultural civilization. It highlights the importance of labor, the value of farming, and the reverence for Heaven, Earth, and ancestors. While the story has few fantastical elements, it is captivating due to its artistic details that reflect traditional folklore: the protagonist Lang Lieu participates in a contest of skill, receives divine assistance, and ultimately succeeds in becoming the King.

When you hear or read this story, you can’t help but remember the King’s words: “The round cake represents the Sky… the square cake represents the Earth… the pork, mung beans, and dong leaves symbolize the creatures, plants, and all living things…” How delightful, how worthy of appreciation and pride the Chung and Giay cakes are! They symbolize the Sky, the Earth, and the agricultural civilization of Vietnam. Whenever you enjoy these cakes during the Lunar New Year or any other time, remember the legend of the Chung and Giay cakes, and you will appreciate their flavor and meaning even more.