(VOVWORLD) - Asking scholars for calligraphic writings on the first day of the Lunar New Year has become a cherished tradition for many Vietnamese people. These expressions, representing individual wishes such as wisdom, virtue, happiness, peace, success, and academic achievement, serve as both a heartfelt aspiration and a reminder to strive toward one’s goals.
 People ask the scholars to give them calligraphic words of individual wishes for the New Year. (photo: Ha Phuong/ VOV) |
Scholars wearing áo dài and turbans, seated at desks with ink slabs and red paper, has been a familiar sight at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
Nguyen Cuong, a resident in Dong Da district, said: “About 60 years ago, my grandmother took me to Ho Van, the Literature Lake, opposite the Temple of Literature, to request calligraphic words. Every spring, I feel a sense of excitement. My old house was on Van Mieu Street, and I would often see people from all walks of life coming here to ask for calligraphy words.”
Calligraphy is written on red paper, because in the oriental belief, red is the color of life, revitalization, and luck.
People of all ages and professions ask for fancy letters. Individuals ask for words suitable for their personality, situation, job, feeling, thought, and aspiration.
Usually people ask for letters expressing happiness, prosperity, longevity, health, peace, and good fortune for their family. Business people look for prosperity and good fortune, hoping that their business will prosper.
 People often wish for happiness, prosperity, longevity, health, and peace in the New Year. (photo: Ha Phuong/ VOV) |
“I ask for the word “An” which means peace and safety for my family members.”
“This is a fine tradition at the beginning of the Lunar New Year. People often ask for prosperity, good fortune, and study.”
The words express people’s New Year resolution and determination to obtain it.
“My friends and I come to the Temple of Literature to get some beautiful handwritings. This year, I want the words “Humanity and Righteousness”, which teach me to behave with kindness and treat others with respect and dignity.”
“With the word “willpower”, I’m resolvedto achieve a good result at the tertiary graduation exams. I wish I’ll succeed on my future path.”
Children are often given words likestudy, filial piety, etiquette, righteousness, and progress as their parents expect them to be filial offspringand useful citizens.
Tran Thi Hanh, a Hanoiian, said: “On the third day of the New Year, my daughter and I come here to ask for a calligraphy word. She will enter the first grade this year.”
Calligrapher Ngoc Dinh, who has been writing calligraphy at the Temple of Literature for about 10 years, said: “At the start of the year, people wish for good luck, happiness, prosperity, and peace. Calligraphy is not just about the style, layout, and content. It also imparts spiritual value to its owners and preserves the traditions of our ancestors.”
While writing the words at the wishes of the clients, the calligrapher also reveals his personality, soul, and creativity. Calligrapher Nguyen Van Tu said: “Asking for and giving calligraphy is a time-honored tradition in Vietnam. The Vietnamese people uphold the spirit of "respecting teachers and valuing education," hoping their children will acquire knowledge. This tradition of reverence for learning has been deeply rooted in Vietnam's history for centuries.”