The legend of Chưng cake and Giày cake

After defeating the Ân invaders, peace and prosperity returned to the land. King Hùng Vương, now old and frail, wanted to pass his throne to one of his sons. He gathered them and announced: "I have called you here to find a worthy successor for the throne. On the day of the Tiên Vương festival, whoever pleases me the most shall inherit the crown."

Lang Liêu's Humble Beginnings

Lang Liêu, the 18th son of King Hùng, had lost his mother at an early age and lived a humble life. Unlike his brothers, who traveled far and wide in search of rare delicacies, Lang Liêu could only rely on his rice and sweet potatoes from the fields. Saddened by his poverty, he had no idea what offerings to present at the ceremony.

One night, a deity appeared to Lang Liêu in a dream. The deity advised him to use what he had cultivated to make cakes, one in a square shape and the other in a circular shape. The cakes would have an outer layer of sticky rice, filled with meat, fat, and onions.

The Festival and the King's Decision

On the day of the Tiên Vương festival, the princes presented an array of rare and exquisite dishes. When it was Lang Liêu's turn, King Hùng noticed his simple yet unique cakes. The king tasted them and shared them with his courtiers. Everyone praised the cakes for their delicious taste.

The king said, "Lang Liêu's round cake represents Heaven, while the square cake symbolizes Earth. The meat, fat, and onions are the products of Heaven and Earth. The leaves wrapping them signify love and care. Lang Liêu truly deserves to inherit the throne."

The Birth of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy

King Hùng named the two cakes Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy. Since then, every Lunar New Year, Vietnamese people make these cakes as offerings to their ancestors and to honor Heaven and Earth.

The legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy is a timeless story of wisdom, humility, and tradition. It embodies Vietnam's cultural values and reinforces the significance of gratitude and respect for ancestors. To this day, the tradition of making and sharing these cakes remains a cherished part of Vietnamese culture, connecting generations through shared history and delicious flavors.