The "secret" that makes the Cold Food Festival in Vietnam and China different.

The Cold Food Festival and the Chinese custom of "eating cold food".

In Chinese, "Han Shi" means cold, and "Shi" means food. Therefore,Cold Food FestivalAlso known as the Cold Food Festival, this ancient custom originated in China and is associated with a fascinating story passed down through generations.

During the Spring and Autumn period (770 - 221 BC), King Wen of Jin of the State of Jin faced rebellion and had to flee his country, living a nomadic life, sometimes in the State of Qi, sometimes in the State of Chu. By his side was always a wise man named Jie Zitui, who assisted and helped him with many strategies.

One day, while fleeing from danger, their food supplies ran out. Jie Zitui secretly cut a piece of flesh from his own thigh and cooked it to offer to the king. After the king ate it and learned the truth, he was deeply moved by Jie Zitui's loyalty.

Jie Zitui served and assisted King Jin Wen Gong for nineteen years. Together they endured countless hardships, sharing both joys and sorrows, honing their talents and character.

After Duke Wen of Jin regained the throne and returned to rule the State of Jin, he generously rewarded those who had assisted him during his exile. Sadly, however, he forgot about Jie Zitui, a man whose immense contributions were undeniable.

Despite being forgotten by the king, Jie Zitui harbored no resentment or bitterness. He believed that serving the king was his duty and did not require reward or praise. This act demonstrated unwavering loyalty and a noble quality worthy of respect. Because his services were not recognized by the king, Jie Zitui decided to take his mother to live in seclusion on Mount Dianshan.

After realizing his mistake, Duke Wen of Jin was filled with remorse. He sent people to find Jie Zitui to reward him. However, Jie Zitui, being a man indifferent to fame and fortune, resolutely refused to return to the court to receive the reward. Worried that Jie Zitui would serve someone else, Duke Wen of Jin ordered the burning of the Tianshan forest in the hope of forcing Zitui to come out.

Unexpectedly, Jie Zitui preferred death to surrender. He and his elderly mother embraced each other, enduring the flames to their deaths. Jie Zitui's heroic death became a symbol of unwavering loyalty, indomitable spirit, and the noble qualities of a true gentleman. His story has been passed down through generations and is always recounted as a lesson in loyalty, righteousness, and noble sacrifice for the king and the country.

Following the tragic death of Jie Zitui, Duke Wen of Jin was filled with remorse. He ordered the construction of a temple to commemorate and acknowledge Jie Zitui's contributions. Every year, on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the day Jie Zitui and his mother sacrificed themselves, the emperor ordered a ban on using fire for cooking. Even the offerings for the ancestors had to be prepared the day before. This is the Cold Food Festival, a day to remember the loyalty and noble sacrifice of Jie Zitui.

The Cold Food Festival is not only celebrated in China but has also spread to many other countries, including Vietnam. This custom reflects cultural exchange and profound humanistic values.

Preserving the flavors of the Cold Food Festival in Vietnamese life.

Although the Cold Food Festival originated in China, upon its introduction to Vietnam, it acquired unique characteristics deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. It is an occasion for descendants to remember their roots and commemorate the nurturing love and sacrifices of their ancestors.

Unlike the Cold Food Festival in China, Vietnamese people do not abstain from using fire on this day. Instead, they create two special types of cakes: glutinous rice balls (bánh trôi) and vegetarian cakes (bánh chay). Both are made from fragrant, sticky glutinous rice flour. The glutinous rice balls are shaped into small, pretty balls, smooth white on the outside, with a sweet red sugar filling inside. When boiled in water, they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked. The vegetarian cakes are shaped into flat, round balls with a mung bean filling, and are served with a refreshing sugar syrup.

Sticky rice dumplings symbolize reunion and fulfillment, with their round, tightly packed shape. Vegetarian dumplings represent reverence and purity, with their light and delicate flavor.

Besides their origins in China, glutinous rice balls (bánh trôi) and vegetarian rice balls (bánh chay) are also associated with the legend of Âu Cơ and Lạc Long Quân's "hundred eggs." According to this legend, the hundred small rice balls symbolize the hundred eggs of Âu Cơ and Lạc Long Quân. Glutinous rice balls represent the 50 eggs that hatched into 50 children who followed their mother to the forest. Vegetarian rice balls represent the 50 eggs that hatched into 50 children who followed their father to the sea.

The tradition of making glutinous rice balls and vegetarian cakes on the Cold Food Festival (Tết Hàn Thực) is deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese consciousness. Every year on this day, people eagerly prepare the ingredients, shape the cakes, and enjoy them together.

The rich aroma of mung beans and molasses, combined with the warm and convivial atmosphere, creates a truly special Cold Food Festival. Glutinous rice balls and vegetarian cakes are not only delicious dishes but also symbols of filial piety, gratitude, and national unity.

On the third day of the third lunar month each year, the Cold Food Festival (Tết Hàn Thực) is celebrated not only in the northern provinces but also in many other regions across the country. This is a beautiful cultural tradition that needs to be preserved and promoted, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

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Sticky rice dumplings, vegetarian cakes, and the traditional flavors of the Cold Food Festival.

Delicious three-colored glutinous rice balls to celebrate the Cold Food Festival.

Make glutinous rice balls and vegetarian cakes by hand for the Cold Food Festival.

Ingredient:

Rice dumplings:

• 200 g glutinous rice flour
• 100 g brown sugar
• Warm water
• Oil

Vegetarian cakes:

• 200 g glutinous rice flour
• 100 g peeled mung beans
• 100g sugar

Making:

Rice dumplings:

• Cake fillingCut the brown sugar into small pieces.
• Making the pastry crustKnead the glutinous rice flour with warm water until smooth and pliable. Shape the dough into small balls, place the brown sugar filling in the center, and roll them into a ball.
• Boil the cakes.Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the glutinous rice balls and cook until they float to the surface, then remove them from the water.
• DecorateUse a ladle to transfer the cakes to a plate in an aesthetically pleasing manner, then decorate the top with roasted sesame seeds.

Vegetarian cakes:

• Cake fillingSoak mung beans for 3-4 hours until soft. Steam the mung beans until cooked, then simmer with sugar until smooth and sticky.
• Making the pastry crustKnead the glutinous rice flour with warm water until smooth and pliable. Shape the dough into flat balls.
• Boil the cakes.Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the vegetarian dumplings and cook until they float to the surface, then remove them.
• Boil sugar waterPut sugar in a pot with a little water, bring to a boil until it melts.
• DecoratePlace the vegetarian rice cakes in a bowl, add sugar syrup. You can sprinkle some cooked beans or roasted sesame seeds on top.

Tip:

• To prevent the glutinous rice balls from falling apart, you should shape them to a suitable size, neither too big nor too small.
• Rice dumplings should be boiled over low heat to ensure they cook evenly.
• Vegetarian cakes can be served with ginger tea to enhance the flavor.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai