The Trưng Sisters

The Trưng Sisters ( Hai Bà Trưng) are the two most venerated heroines  of Vietnam.  Nearly 2000 years ago, in the year 39 CE, they led the Vietnamese people to fight against Han-chinese domination. Within a few months, the Trưng Sisters, together with their appointed women generals,  led armies and re-captured 65 cities and expelled the Han-chinese back to their land.   Then, they founded a new nation and ruled as queens.  Their reigns was short-lived, only over two years, when the Han-Chinese sent a huge army to  Vietnam. The Trưng sisters were defeated and commited suicide in AD 43  to avoid capture, by jumping into the Hát River (Hát Giang) .

There are many temples in Vietnam dedicated to worship the Trung Sisters.  They are the first two Vietnamese heroes to liberate the country from Chinese domination.   Their stories are celebrated in literature, folk songs, and monuments . A national holiday in March commemorates the Trưng Sisters and Vietnam’s  fighting resistance for national independence.   The Trưng Sisters, often depicted as two women riding elephants leading Viet soldiers fighting against the Han-chinese invaders,  are powerful national symbols for uniting the Vietnamese people to fight againt foreign rule.