Every Tet holiday, the joyful spirit of spring spreads across Vietnam. However, in one special place, Tet is not only a time for welcoming the new year but also an occasion to honor traditions and express deep gratitude, particularly towards President Ho Chi Minh.
Chung cake offering ceremony at the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan (Photo: congdankhuyenhoc.vn)
Tet at the Kim Lien Historical Site
During the Tet holiday, the Kim Lien Special National Historical Site in Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province—the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh—welcomed a large number of visitors.
This year, the site received 3,589 delegations with 41,899 visitors who came to learn about Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy, as well as to participate in traditional ceremonies and commemorative activities. Among them, 23 delegations took part in memorial ceremonies, paying respects not only to their ancestors and elders but especially to President Ho Chi Minh.
Every Tet, the Kim Lien Historical Site recreates the atmosphere of Vietnamese traditional New Year, featuring five-fruit trays, Chung cakes, Tet sweets, wooden village gates, and calligraphy stalls—offering visitors a glimpse into the Tet celebrations of the past.
A particularly solemn tradition is the year-end offering ceremony at noon on the 29th day of the lunar calendar. This ritual embodies the spirit of ancestor worship and deep gratitude towards past generations, including President Ho Chi Minh. The caretakers of the site do more than preserve the relics; they also share these values with visitors, ensuring that each guest experiences the profound spiritual and historical significance of their heritage.
Chung cake offering ceremony at the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan
One of the most meaningful Tet traditions at Kim Lien Historical Site is the Chung cake offering ceremony at the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan, President Ho Chi Minh’s mother. This event takes place every year on February 3 at her resting place.
The Chung cake offering has become an indispensable ritual in the Tet celebrations at the historical site. The event is attended by officials from the tourism sector, business representatives, and numerous locals and visitors from across the country.
This ceremony is deeply symbolic, blending traditional cultural values with the modern development of tourism. The offering includes 33 Chung cakes, representing the 33 years of Hoang Thi Loan’s life. More than just a traditional food item, these cakes serve as an expression of profound respect and gratitude to the great mother who raised a legendary leader of Vietnam.
A proud duty of serving the people
For the caretakers of the Kim Lien Historical Site, this sense of pride and dedication is at the heart of their work, even during the busiest and most demanding times. Despite long hours and sleepless nights, they feel honored to welcome thousands of visitors, hear the laughter of children, and exchange New Year greetings with guests from Vietnam and beyond.
Their work is not merely a job—it is a passion for their homeland and deep love for Ho Chi Minh. Every Tet, they take pride in offering visitors an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, relive the heroic history of the nation, and reflect on the timeless values of family, community, and patriotism.
During Tet, Kim Lien Historical Site continues to be a sacred destination for those seeking to honor their heritage and remember the great sacrifices of President Ho Chi Minh./.
Compiled by BTA