Brian Jeffrey
During the Lunar New Year, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi was bustling with people, particularly students eager to obtain calligraphy blessings as they prepare for their entrance exams.
The sunny spring weather drew many Hanoi residents outdoors to celebrate the New Year with loved ones, making a point to visit the Temple to receive calligraphy symbolizing good fortune, tranquility, and success.
On Tet’s second day, both locals and international travelers visited the Temple of Literature to admire the historic site and receive personalized calligraphy, which is thought to bestow good luck for the upcoming year.
Traditionally, the Temple of Literature has been a favored spot during exam periods and the start of spring, especially among students gearing up for significant entrance tests. The practice of seeking calligraphy from scholars, referred to as “ong do,” is closely linked to academic pursuits.
On this special day, students eagerly approached calligraphy artists asking for auspicious characters, hoping for a successful and joyful year. These calligraphic blessings represent their aspirations to secure spots in their preferred universities.
Various pre-written calligraphy pieces were on display, allowing visitors to select from a variety of options. Others also had the unique chance to try their hand at writing calligraphy under the watchful eye of skilled scholars.
Enthusiastic students gathered, carefully practicing elegant brush strokes as they learned the intricacies of calligraphy. With patience and support from the masters, they crafted meaningful phrases that reflected their hopes for the coming year.
Tang Ngoc Quyen, a high school senior, visited with her mother to request the character “do dat” (success). She expressed her long-held ambition to pass the entrance exam for Foreign Trade University.
Similar to past years, calligraphy masters set up their stations around Ho Van, situated within the Temple of Literature grounds, where they diligently created their beautiful scripts.
Many of the scholars donned traditional costumes, wearing ao dai and headwear reminiscent of ancient Vietnamese scholars.
Two young visitors left thrilled after receiving their calligraphy, cherishing the meaningful start to the new year filled with thoughtful blessings.
