"Banh Chung" - the soul of Vietnamese New Year
21:22, 2015/02/20
"Banh Chung" (square glutinous rice cake) is a traditional cake of Vietnamese people in Tet holidays. For the Vietnamese, making Banh Chung is an ideal way to express gratitude to their ancestors and homeland.
“Banh Chung” was invented by the 18th prince of Hung King in the contest of looking for his successor.
According to the legend, 3,000-4,000 years ago, Prince Lang Lieu made round and square cakes, with the round Day cake symbolising the sky and the square Chung cake, the Earth (under the ancient Vietnamese perception), as offerings on the occasion of Spring.
In the ancient conception, the Earth is square, hence Banh Chung has square shape to reflect the Earth.
Since the cakes he offered were of special meaning and delicious taste, Lang Lieu was selected to be the next king.
Since then, in honor of this, Vietnamese people always make and have this for the Lunar New Year. Chung cake has become the most famous and irreplaceable traditional Vietnamese food in Tet holiday.
This legend aims to remind the next generations of the ancient tradition as well as the primary of Chung cake. Besides, it emphasises the important role of rice and nature in the water rice culture.
According to the legend, 3,000-4,000 years ago, Prince Lang Lieu made round and square cakes, with the round Day cake symbolising the sky and the square Chung cake, the Earth (under the ancient Vietnamese perception), as offerings on the occasion of Spring.
In the ancient conception, the Earth is square, hence Banh Chung has square shape to reflect the Earth.
Since the cakes he offered were of special meaning and delicious taste, Lang Lieu was selected to be the next king.
Since then, in honor of this, Vietnamese people always make and have this for the Lunar New Year. Chung cake has become the most famous and irreplaceable traditional Vietnamese food in Tet holiday.
This legend aims to remind the next generations of the ancient tradition as well as the primary of Chung cake. Besides, it emphasises the important role of rice and nature in the water rice culture.
In contrast to the fast food in modern life, the process of making Banh Chung is time-consuming and requires the joint work of several people.
Main ingredients are glutinous rice, pork, and green beans wrapped square in broad-blade leaves that will give the rice a green color after about 12 hours' boiling. The wrapping power must be neither too tight nor too loose.
The food has a high level of nutrition with an original tasty flavor and may be kept for a long time. Eating Banh Chung with vegetable pickles will bring you unforgettable taste.
In the traditional conception of Vietnamese people, the process of making Banh Chung is an opportunity for the family’s reunion. Sitting around the fire, family members tell one another the past stories and are ready for a New Year with best wishes.
Nowadays, in some big cities, the business lifestyle of modern society prevent people from preparing the cake, however the habit of worship ancestors with it never changes. It is the evidence of the Vietnamese loyalty and deep gratitude to ancestors.
Main ingredients are glutinous rice, pork, and green beans wrapped square in broad-blade leaves that will give the rice a green color after about 12 hours' boiling. The wrapping power must be neither too tight nor too loose.
The food has a high level of nutrition with an original tasty flavor and may be kept for a long time. Eating Banh Chung with vegetable pickles will bring you unforgettable taste.
In the traditional conception of Vietnamese people, the process of making Banh Chung is an opportunity for the family’s reunion. Sitting around the fire, family members tell one another the past stories and are ready for a New Year with best wishes.
Nowadays, in some big cities, the business lifestyle of modern society prevent people from preparing the cake, however the habit of worship ancestors with it never changes. It is the evidence of the Vietnamese loyalty and deep gratitude to ancestors.
22:58, 2024/05/04
Walking tour to experience public art space opens in capital
The group of artists from Hanoi transformed the footbridge on Tran Nhat Duat Street into a joyful, vibrant and illuminated work of art in the evening.
22:39, 2024/05/04
Giant Dien Bien Phu painting displayed through 3D screen mapping in Hanoi
Using 3D mapping technology to create three-dimensional representations of the Dien Bien Phu painting, the Hanoi display is enhanced with sound and lighting effects.
19:53, 2024/04/30
Art exhibition combining tradition and modernity
Forty-six unique paintings celebrating the beauty of ancient Thang Long and contemporary Hanoi are on display in the inner city.
20:13, 2024/04/28
Hanoi flowers on postage stamps
Sets of stamps-themed Hanoi's Flower Seasons introduce philatelists and the general public to the city's unique urban charm.
16:52, 2024/04/28
Aquarium Pedestrian Bridge adds to Hanoi's charm
Contemporary art installations on the Tran Nhat Duat pedestrian bridge contribute to the promotion of pedestrian traffic and the beautification of Hanoi's urban space.
15:29, 2024/04/27
Vietnamese posters depict fight for freedom
The 15 best works were selected from over 1,000 entries in the propaganda poster competition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024).
- Big exhibition commemorates Dien Bien Phu Victory
- Hanoi to host National Youth Fine Arts Festival 2024
- Exhibition in Hanoi brings together artists from across Asia
- Heritage journey photo contest 2024 kicks off
- Painting of an ancient Hanoi villa wins prestigious award
- UOB Painting of the Year Award opens doors to the world for Vietnamese artists