The Legend of Bánh Chưng - Vietnamese

Once, there was a kind prince named Lang Liêu who lived in a warm, green land. His father, the great King, was getting old and wanted to choose a new king. So the King made a special contest. He said whoever brought him the most wonderful food would get to be the next king. Lang Liêu’s brothers went to find fancy foods from far away. But Lang Liêu loved his home and the green rice fields most of all. This is the story of his special gift, The Legend of Bánh Chưng.

Lang Liêu was a little worried. He did not have fancy foods for his father. One night, he had a special dream. A gentle spirit came and told him that the best gifts come from the earth we love. The spirit whispered, 'Rice is the most special food because it feeds everyone.' Lang Liêu woke up with a wonderful, happy idea. He would use sticky rice, sweet green beans, and yummy pork. These were all yummy gifts from the fields. He decided to make two cakes. One cake was square, like the big earth. The other cake was round, like the bright sky.

On the day of the contest, Lang Liêu’s brothers brought amazing food. But Lang Liêu brought his simple cakes wrapped in big, green leaves. The King looked at all the food. Then he tasted Lang Liêu’s cakes and smiled a huge, happy smile. He told everyone that this gift was the best of all. The King said the cakes showed love and thanks for the land that feeds everyone. Because Lang Liêu’s heart was good and kind, the King chose him to be the next king. The square cake was named Bánh Chưng, and the round one was named Bánh Dày.

Even today, families make Bánh Chưng for the New Year, which is called Tết. It helps everyone remember to be thankful for the earth, the sky, and their family. This yummy story reminds us that the most special gifts come from a loving heart.