Long ago, after King Hùng defeated the invading Yin forces, Vietnam entered a period of peace and prosperity. As the king grew older and weaker, he decided it was time to choose a successor among his sons. To do this, he made an unusual announcement: "On the day of the Ancestor Worship Ceremony, whichever son brings me the most pleasing food offering will inherit the throne."Among his many sons, Lang Liêu, the eighteenth prince, lived a humble life. His mother had passed away early, and he survived by farming rice and root vegetables. While the other princes traveled far and wide in search of rare and luxurious foods, Lang Liêu was deeply troubled, unsure of what to offer his father.
One night, a divine spirit visited Lang Liêu in a dream and offered guidance: "Use the rice you grow to create two kinds of cakes: one square to represent the Earth and one round to symbolize the Sky. Fill them with pork, fat, and mung beans to capture the essence of life." Inspired and full of purpose, Lang Liêu woke up and crafted two cakes using simple and familiar ingredients. One cake was square, called Chưng Cake, and the other was round, called Giầy Cake.
When the day of the Ancestor Worship Ceremony arrived, all the princes proudly presented elaborate, exotic dishes. But when it was Lang Liêu’s turn, the court was surprised to see his simple rice cakes. Curious, King Hùng tasted them and was deeply impressed. He shared the cakes with his court officials, and everyone praised their delicious and meaningful flavors. The king declared, "The round cake represents the Sky, and the square cake represents the Earth. Their fillings symbolize the precious gifts of nature, and the wrapping shows the love and protection of family. Lang Liêu has shown wisdom, humility, and respect for our traditions. He is worthy of the throne."
King Hùng officially named the two cakes Chưng Cake for the square one and Giầy Cake for the round one. From that time forward, Vietnamese families have made these cakes every Lunar New Year (Tết) to honor their ancestors, celebrate their heritage, and pray for good fortune.
The legend of Chưng Cake and Giầy Cake is more than just a story about food. It teaches creativity, gratitude, and love for one’s country, values passed down through generations by the simple, heartfelt act of making and sharing these symbolic cakes.
