The national day in Hue Ancient Capital under King Bao Dai (1933-1939)

Abstract

     The “national day” of the Nguyen dynasty was known as Hưng quốc khánh niệm, which was celebrated continuously since King Khai Dinh’s reign and maintained under King Bao Dai. On May 2nd (according to the lunar calendar), a grand ceremony was organized to honor King Gia Long’s coronation. This article focuses on investigating the Hưng quốc khánh niệm celebration that took place from 1933 to 1939, aiming to revive the ceremonial ambiance of one of the most important rituals under the Nguyen dynasty through current press resources.