Banh Chung, a type of cake made with glutinous rice covered by green leaves of a typical tree in Vietnam, is an important part of the celebration of the Tet (Vietnamese New Year), the most important traditional festival of the country.
The square shape of Banh Chung represents Mother Earth. The centre part is composed of green beans and pork, representing the plants and animals that live on the land. For the Vietnamese, who for centuries depended on agriculture for their livelihood, Banh Chung is a symbol of their gratitude to the nature.
With that meaning, Banh Chung is used as an essential offering to the ancestors during the Tet.
But the role of Banh Chung goes further: the tradition of making Banh Chung and the need to preserve it.
At last days of the lunar year, the Vietnamese who work far from their hometown usually come back to reunite with their family and begin the preparations of Tet, particularly the elaboration of Banh Chung.
In the past, families used to prepare the ingredients of Banh Chung for two or three days before, so that all members could make the cakes, together, during the last day of the lunar year.
For many generations, the happiest moment of Tet was when the family gathered around a large iron pot, placed over the wood fire, and waited for Banh Chung to be cooked.
The most delicate Banh Chung were placed on the altar of the ancestors, while the small cakes were given to the children, as a gift for Tet.
A perfectly square Banh Chung
This custom has been lost, little by little, in modern life. Nowadays, very few families in the urban areas or big cities maintain the tradition of making Banh Chung, and most of them buy it in stores or supermarkets. The method of preparing it has also changed: the iron pot was replaced by the pressure cooker to save time, and firewood is almost never seen.
Faced with the fear of losing this custom, many people have tried hard to preserve it. In many places, villagers are encouraged to maintain the tradition, and competitions of making Banh Chung have been organized.
All photos of this post are from Internet.