Top 6 Best Essays on "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy" for Grade 6

I. General Overview of the Story "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy"

1. Definition

- A legend is a type of story passed down orally, often filled with magical elements and the rich imagination of the storyteller. These legends convey the people's emotions—joy, sorrow, love, and hatred—towards historical figures and events.
- The story of "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy" is one of Vietnam's well-known legendary tales.

2. Summary of the Story "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy"

- The legend tells that King Hùng VI, in his old age, wanted to choose a successor. The king had twenty sons but was unsure who to appoint. On the day of the Tiên Vương Festival, he decided to test his sons by asking them to bring a unique dish as an offering. Whoever presented the best dish would inherit the throne.

Many princes ventured into the forest and seas to find rare ingredients to impress their father. However, the 18th prince, Lang Liêu, who had grown up in poverty, could not find any suitable offerings. One night, he had a dream where a god appeared and taught him how to make cakes from glutinous rice. Following the god’s instructions, Lang Liêu made two types of cakes to offer to the king. When the king saw the cakes, he was impressed and declared: "Lang Liêu's square cake represents the Earth, and the round cake represents the Sky. I will make him my successor."

From that day forward, during each festival, people have carried on the tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy as offerings to their ancestors, as a symbol of respect and gratitude.

II. Guide to Analyzing the Text of "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy"

1. Question 1, Page 12, 6th Grade Textbook, Volume 1

- King Hùng chose his successor when peace had been restored, the people were prosperous, and the throne was secure. The king wanted to find someone with both talent and virtue, not necessarily the eldest son.
- The king decided to test his sons by having them find an offering for the Tiên Vương Festival.

2. Question 2, Page 12, 6th Grade Textbook, Volume 1

Among the king's sons, only Lang Liêu received divine assistance because of his hardships and understanding of the people's struggles. He was resourceful and creative, interpreting the god's advice in a way that matched his circumstances.

3. Question 3, Page 12, 6th Grade Textbook, Volume 1

The cakes Lang Liêu made were chosen by the king for the sacrificial ceremonies because:

- The cakes represented the achievements of Vietnam's agricultural civilization during the early days of the nation.
- The two types of cakes symbolized the Sky and the Earth, showing respect for nature, the ancestors, and the deities.
- Therefore, the king chose Lang Liêu as his successor because of his intelligence, resourcefulness, and respect for his ancestors. This choice also reflects the fairness and objectivity of the people’s views on wise and virtuous leaders.

III. Practice Exercises on "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy"

1. Question 1, Page 12, 6th Grade Textbook, Volume 1

The meaning of the Tet tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy is:

- It showcases the cultural beauty and the preservation of the nation's fine traditions.
- It also symbolizes respect and gratitude towards ancestors and reminds future generations to uphold the valuable ethics passed down by their forebears.

2. Question 2, Page 12, 6th Grade Textbook, Volume 1

The story of "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy" contains many fascinating details, but the part where Lang Liêu follows the god's instructions to make the cakes is the most captivating. This moment illustrates that Lang Liêu was not only hardworking but also clever, skilled, and creative. The cakes he made impressed both the king and the court officials.

Overview of the Story

Genre: Legendary Tale

Structure: The story is divided into three parts
Part 1: From the beginning to "witnessing the ceremony": King Hùng chooses his successor.
Part 2: From "continuing" to the round shape: The contest to present the offerings.
Part 3: Remaining: The results of the competition.

Main Events:
In his old age, King Hùng VII, during the Tiên Vương Festival, decided to choose a successor.
Each prince tried to please the king with grand offerings.
However, Lang Liêu, guided by a god, presented two types of cakes as offerings to the Tiên Vương.
King Hùng chose the cakes for the ritual and passed the throne to Lang Liêu.
Since King Hùng VII’s reign, it became a tradition in Vietnam to make Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy during festivals.

Question 1: Under what circumstances did King Hùng choose his successor, and how did he go about it?

Answer:

King Hùng selected his successor when:
Peace had been restored from external invasions
The people were prosperous
The king was old
The king’s intention was for the successor to be wise, not necessarily the eldest son.
The method of choosing the successor: During the Tiên Vương Festival, whoever pleased the king would inherit the throne. Thus, King Hùng showed concern for the people and wisdom in choosing a successor.

Question 2: Why was Lang Liêu the only son to receive divine help?

Answer:

Lang Liêu received help from the god because:
He lost his mother early and faced more hardships than his brothers.
Although he was a prince, he lived independently, working the fields like common folk.
He was creative and understood the god’s message: “The most precious thing in the world is rice” and used rice to make the cakes for the ritual.
Through this, the story reflects the belief that hardworking, humble people will always receive help in times of need.

Question 3: Why were Lang Liêu’s cakes chosen by the king for the ritual and why did he inherit the throne?

Answer:

Lang Liêu’s cakes were chosen because:
The cakes symbolized the Sky and the Earth, representing nature and life’s interconnectedness.
The cakes also aligned with the king’s wishes, showing Lang Liêu’s understanding of the king’s intentions.
Lang Liêu inherited the throne because:
He was more talented and virtuous than the other princes.
He was the one who understood the king’s values and connected with them the most.

Question 4: What is the meaning of the story of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy?

Answer:

The meaning of the story is:
It explains the origins of the two traditional cakes and the custom of making them during Tet festivals.
The story highlights ancestor worship, reverence for the Earth and Heaven.
It also emphasizes the value of labor and rice farming.
The story reflects the achievements of early agricultural civilization in Vietnam.

Practice Exercise

Question 1: Share your thoughts: What is the significance of the Tet tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy?

Answer:

Every ethnic group has its own traditional food. However, none other than the Vietnamese has a dish that is not only unique, delicious, and nutritious but also deeply connected to a centuries-old legend. The square Bánh Chưng, green in color, represents the Earth, while the round Bánh Giầy, white in color, symbolizes the Sky. These cakes reflect the Vietnamese philosophy of balance, with Bánh Chưng for the mother (Earth) and Bánh Giầy for the father (Sky). They are the most respectful offerings for ancestor worship, symbolizing gratitude for parents' nurturing love, as vast as the Earth and the Sky.

This legend reminds future generations of the importance of respecting their ancestors, as well as the role of rice and nature in Vietnam's agricultural culture.

Question 2: After reading this story, which part did you find most appealing and why?

Answer:

The most captivating part of the story is when Lang Liêu dreams and receives guidance from a god.
This element adds intrigue to the tale and is a common theme in folklore, showing that good things happen to those who are hardworking and virtuous, and that help will come when needed.

Question 1: Under what circumstances did King Hùng choose his successor, what was his intention, and how did he choose?

King Hùng decided to choose a successor after external threats were resolved, allowing him to focus on the well-being of his people. Additionally, as the king grew older, he felt it was time to pass the throne on.

According to the Hùng Kings' legend, when the king passed away, the throne traditionally went to the eldest son. However, in the tale of "Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy," King Hùng’s intention was different: he sought someone who could "understand my vision" and didn’t necessarily have to be the eldest son. His goal was to find a capable leader who would ensure the happiness and prosperity of the people. This decision was crucial, given that the kingdom had suffered from repeated invasions by the Ân army and the people had endured great hardships. Therefore, King Hùng’s decision to choose a successor based on merit was wise and aligned with the needs of the nation.

The process of selecting a successor resembled a test of skill: “This year, during the Tiên Vương Festival, whoever pleases me will inherit the throne, with Tiên Vương as a witness.” This method reflects the king’s wisdom—only those who understood his vision and satisfied his criteria would earn the throne.

Question 2: Why was Lang Liêu the only son to receive divine assistance?

Lang Liêu was the only prince to receive divine help because he was the most disadvantaged: poor, with a mother neglected by King Hùng who later passed away, leaving him to work the fields. Despite being a prince, he lived like an ordinary farmer. More importantly, Lang Liêu understood the divine message: “In the world, nothing is more valuable than rice... other dishes may be delicious, but rare and beyond human control... Use rice to make cakes as offerings to Tiên Vương.” Lang Liêu understood the divine will and used clean, glutinous rice, green beans, and pork as filling, wrapping them in dong leaves and cooking them for a day and night. Additionally, he used the same ingredients to create round cakes. Lang Liêu’s creativity allowed him to use what was available to make two delicious cakes, while the other princes presented extravagant dishes that could not be made by the hands of common people.

Question 3: Why were Lang Liêu’s cakes chosen by the king for the ritual, and why was he selected as the successor?

Among the lavish offerings of the other princes, King Hùng chose Lang Liêu’s humble cakes to present to the ancestors because the king understood their deep meaning. First, Lang Liêu was someone who appreciated the value of rice and used simple, available ingredients to make offerings for Tiên Vương. These cakes symbolized respect for Heaven, Earth, and the ancestors. Additionally, anyone—whether rich or poor—could make these cakes, and it was a gesture that anyone could replicate to honor the ancestors. King Hùng, understanding the significance of these cakes, chose Lang Liêu as the successor.

Question 4: What is the meaning of the legend of “Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy”?

The legend of “Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy” explains the origins of these cakes while illustrating the search for a worthy successor. Lang Liêu was a person of talent, virtue, intelligence, filial piety, and deep respect for his parents. The story also highlights the achievements of early agricultural civilization and emphasizes the importance of labor, farming, and reverence for Heaven, Earth, and ancestors in Vietnamese culture.

II. PRACTICE:

Question 1: What is the significance of the Tet tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy?

Throughout history, Vietnam has been an agricultural country with rice farming at its core. This is why, during Tet, people make Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy to honor the agricultural tradition that dates back to ancient times. These cakes are an important part of Vietnamese cultural heritage and Tet celebrations. As families reunite during the holiday, they come together to make and cook these cakes, which symbolize respect for ancestors and the continuation of traditions.

Question 2: After reading this story, what detail did you find most interesting and why?

The most interesting detail to me is when Lang Liêu meets the god. This part of the story adds a mythical and fairy-tale quality, making it intriguing. What is particularly interesting is that the god doesn’t do the work for Lang Liêu; rather, the god guides him with hints. Furthermore, this meeting shows that divine help is given to those with difficult circumstances but who possess talent, character, and virtue. The god represents the people—those who trust, care for, and build the nation.

Question 1 (Page 12, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1)

- King Hùng selected his successor during a time of peace, as the king had grown old.

- The king’s intent: The successor must embody the king’s ideals, and does not necessarily have to be the eldest son.

- The process: A talent competition (during the Tiên Vương ceremony, whoever pleased the king would inherit the throne).

Question 2 (Page 12, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1)

Among the king's children, Lang Liêu alone received divine help because:

- His mother had been previously neglected by the king, and Lang Liêu endured the most hardships.

- Despite being a prince, he left the royal palace to live an honest life through hard work.

- Lang Liêu understood the will of the gods and creatively shaped the cakes.

Question 3 (Page 12, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1)

Lang Liêu’s cakes were selected for the offerings to Heaven, Earth, and Tiên Vương because:

- The cakes symbolize respect for the farming profession and labor.

- The cakes represent the existence of Heaven, Earth, and all living beings.

→ King Hùng’s choice of Lang Liêu as the successor reflects his respect for those with talent, virtue, and filial piety, showcasing fairness for the people.

Question 4 (Page 12, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1)

The significance of the legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy:

- It explains the origins of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy while reflecting the achievements of early agricultural civilization.

- It celebrates labor, the farming profession, and the reverence for Heaven, Earth, and ancestors.

EXERCISE (Page 12)

Question 1 (Exercise, Page 12): Discuss in class: What is the significance of the Tet tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy?

Guidance:

The significance of the Tet tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy is:

+ It honors the farming profession and emphasizes the reverence for Heaven, Earth, and ancestors. Our ancestors built their traditions from simple yet sacred and meaningful practices.

+ The act of making these cakes during Tet preserves cultural traditions and brings the story of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy to life within Vietnam’s rich folklore.

Question 2 (Exercise, Page 12): Which detail from the story do you like the most, and why?

Guidance:

You may express your own opinions, but two of the most meaningful details are:

- The detail where Lang Liêu dreams of a god advising him: "In Heaven and Earth, there is nothing more precious than rice...".

→ This mystical element enhances the appeal of the story. Lang Liêu is the only child to receive divine help, emphasizing the value of rice in a farming society, where rice is the primary food and holds great significance. It also reflects the deep respect for the products created by human hands.

- The king’s words to the people regarding the two types of cakes.

→ This is a reflection of cultural interpretation and appreciation. The ordinary, humble cakes carry profound meanings. The king’s comments on Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy reflect the people’s beliefs and emotions about these cakes and the Tet tradition.

A. Structure:

- Part 1: From the beginning... 'witnesses': The king makes the decision to pass on the throne.

- Part 2: Continuing... 'round shape': Lang Liêu and the princes search for offerings and prepare the ritual.

- Part 3: The rest: The meaning and tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy.

B. Summary:

The Hùng Kings had twenty sons. When the king grew old, he decided to choose a successor, but with the condition that it was not necessary for the successor to be the eldest son. Whoever could please the king during the Tiên Vương ceremony would inherit the throne. While the other princes offered valuable gifts from the forests and seas, Lang Liêu, the eighteenth son, was saddened because his mother had been neglected by the king and had passed away. Unlike his brothers, Lang Liêu was familiar only with growing rice and yams, thinking that these humble gifts would not suffice.

One night, Lang Liêu dreamed of a god who guided him. He then created two cakes—one square and one round—to present to the king. The king was pleased with these cakes and chose them to offer to Heaven, Earth, and Tiên Vương. The round cake was named 'Bánh Giầy', and the square cake was named 'Bánh Chưng'. Lang Liêu was chosen as the successor to the throne. From then on, Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy became essential flavors during Tet celebrations.

I. Reading - Understanding the Text

Question 1: Under what circumstances did King Hùng choose his successor, what was his intention, and how was the selection made?

- The circumstances: A peaceful country and an elderly king.

- The king’s intention: The successor must embody the king’s ideals, and it is not necessary to be the eldest son.

- The method: A talent competition (during the Tiên Vương ceremony, whoever pleased the king would inherit the throne).

Question 2: Why was Lang Liêu the only one among the king's sons to receive help from the gods?

- His mother had been neglected by the king, and after her passing, Lang Liêu was the most disadvantaged among his siblings.

- Despite being a prince, Lang Liêu had lived a simple life as a farmer, tending rice and yams—living like an ordinary person.

- Lang Liêu understood the god's message: 'Nothing is more precious than rice in Heaven and Earth.' He then creatively turned rice into the cakes for the Tiên Vương ceremony.

Question 3: Why did the king choose Lang Liêu’s cakes for the offering to Heaven, Earth, and Tiên Vương, and why was Lang Liêu chosen to succeed the throne?

- Lang Liêu’s cakes were chosen because:

+ The round cake symbolized Heaven, while the square cake symbolized Earth, embodying nature’s life cycle and the spirit of mutual care.

+ The king realized that Lang Liêu had understood the importance of developing agriculture to ensure the people’s well-being, a principle established by previous kings.

- Lang Liêu was selected as the successor because his cakes demonstrated:

+ Reverence for Heaven, Earth, and ancestors.

+ The intention to promote agriculture for the prosperity and peace of the nation once he became king.

Question 4: What is the significance of the legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy?

The legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy carries many meanings. The most significant one is that it explains the origin of these two cakes, which are symbols of Vietnamese culinary traditions during Tet. The story highlights the intelligence and filial piety of the common people, while also honoring agriculture. The selection of Lang Liêu by King Hùng as his successor emphasizes respect for ancestors and the creation of customs based on the sacred values of the people, praising the high moral traditions of the Vietnamese nation.

II. Practice

Question 1: Discuss in class: What is the significance of the Tet tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy?

This tradition holds great meaning:

- It honors labor.

- It emphasizes reverence for Heaven, Earth, and ancestors.

- Regardless of religion, honoring ancestors is a deeply respected cultural and spiritual practice in Vietnam. Descendants always remember the ancestors’ contributions and strive to fulfill or improve upon what the ancestors had done or couldn’t achieve.

Question 2: Which part of the story did you like the most, and why?

Everyone may have their own favorite part. For example:

The detail when the king gathers his sons and says: '...I am old and will not live forever. The one who succeeds me must fulfill my will, and it does not necessarily have to be the eldest. This year, during the Tiên Vương ceremony, whoever pleases me will inherit the throne, with Tiên Vương as witness.' This part creates suspense for the listener, resembling a riddle in a contest. The 'clues' given are both clear (not necessarily the eldest son) and full of unexpected possibilities (fulfilling the king’s will, pleasing the king).

Reading - Understanding the Text

Question 1 - Page 12 Textbook

Under what circumstances did King Hùng choose a successor, what was his intention, and how did he go about it?

Answer:

- King Hùng decided to choose a successor under the following circumstances:

+ He was old and needed to pass on the throne, but with 20 princes, he wasn’t sure who was worthy enough to carry on the legacy of the ancestors.

+ After defeating invaders, peace was restored in the country.

- The king’s intention was to choose someone who could ensure the welfare of the people and uphold the legacy of the throne that had been passed down through six generations.

- The selection process was done during the Tiên Vương ceremony, where anyone who pleased the king could inherit the throne, and it was not necessary for the successor to be the eldest son.

Question 2 - Page 12 Textbook

Why was Lang Liêu the only one among the 20 princes who received help from the gods?

Answer:

Among the king’s sons, only Lang Liêu was assisted by the gods because:

- Lang Liêu was the most disadvantaged: poor, working the fields, planting rice, and growing yams. Despite being a prince, he was very close to the common people.

- More importantly, he was the only one who understood the god's message ('Nothing is more precious than rice in Heaven and Earth... All other delicacies are rare, but man cannot create them.') and was able to act on it: 'Use rice to make cakes for the Tiên Vương ceremony.' Meanwhile, his brothers offered extravagant foods that were difficult or impossible to produce by human hands.

Question 3 - Page 12 Textbook

Why did the king choose Lang Liêu’s cakes for the offering to Heaven, Earth, and Tiên Vương?

Answer:

- Lang Liêu’s cakes represented the hard work and diligence of farming and demonstrated respect for agriculture, as well as the value of human-made products. The round cake symbolized Heaven, and the square cake represented Earth. The wrapping—made of fatty meat, green beans, and dong leaves—represented the animal kingdom and plants, while 'the leaves wrapped outside, the delicacies inside' symbolized the close relationship between humans and nature. This also reflected the Vietnamese traditional values of unity, mutual care, and brotherhood, symbolized by the shared ancestry of the Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ legends.

- By choosing Lang Liêu, King Hùng demonstrated that he valued someone with both talent and virtue, as well as filial piety. The king also emphasized the importance of labor and creativity in the lives of the people.

Question 4 - Page 12 Textbook

The legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy holds several meanings, the most significant being:

Answer:

- The story explains the origins of the two traditional cakes of the Vietnamese people: Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy.

- It highlights the importance of labor and the agricultural profession.

- It explains the custom of making these cakes to offer to ancestors during Tet celebrations.

⟹ The legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy carries profound meanings. By explaining the origins of these two cakes, which are integral to Vietnamese culinary culture during Tet, the story emphasizes the intelligence and filial piety of the working people, as well as the value of farming. The way King Hùng selected Lang Liêu as his successor further highlights the importance of respecting ancestors, building customs based on the sacred values created by the people, and celebrating the high moral standards of the Vietnamese nation.

III. Practice

Question 1 - Page 12 Textbook

Discussion: What is the significance of the Tet tradition of making Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy?

Answer:

Every ethnic group has its own traditional foods. However, there is no other culture with a food that is so unique, delicious, nutritious, and tied to such an ancient and meaningful legend. The square Bánh Chưng symbolizes the Earth, and the round Bánh Giầy represents Heaven, embodying the Vietnamese philosophical concept of the square and the circle. The Bánh Chưng is for the Mother, and the Bánh Giầy is for the Father. These cakes are the most respected offerings to the ancestors, expressing gratitude for the great and vast nurturing of parents, which is as boundless as Heaven and Earth.

The story reminds descendants of their nation’s traditions and the importance of honoring ancestors. It explains the significance and origin of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy in Vietnamese culture, emphasizing the importance of rice cultivation and nature in the water-based agriculture society.

Question 2 - Page 12 Textbook

After reading the story “Bánh Chưng, Bánh Giầy,” which part of the story do you like the most? Why?

Answer:

- One could choose the moment of the 'contest' when Lang Liêu receives help from the gods.

=> This part is common in folklore (such as Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh performing magic, or Tấm and Cám competing to catch fish to win the red scarf…).

=> This creates a suspenseful situation that develops the plot and emphasizes Lang Liêu’s character through his thoughts and actions.

- Or, one could appreciate the moment when Lang Liêu dreams of a god who advises him: 'In Heaven and Earth, nothing is more precious than rice...'

=> This is a magical detail that adds allure to the story. Among the king's sons, only Lang Liêu is assisted by the gods.

=> This moment also highlights the value of rice in a country where people rely on farming, and rice is the primary food staple.

=> It deeply conveys the respect and admiration for the products created by human hands.