Today the tradition is kept alive as people flock to the Spring Calligraphy Festival held at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi to ask for calligraphic writings.
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Under the theme of “Accomplishment and Virtue”, this year’s festival highlights the importance of cultivating virtue along with developing talent as part of the Vietnamese educational tradition. |
The festival takes place at an elaborately designed space that resembles a traditional rural village in northern Vietnam. |
The festival witnesses the attendance of 52 calligraphers who are qualified after they had previously taken and passed an aptitude test.
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Asking for lucky Chinese characters at the start of a new year is an age-old Vietnamese custom, reflecting the country’s respect and acknowledgement for learning as well as wishing and hoping for a year of health and prosperity. |
Wishes for a peaceful and happy new year are manifested in elegant brushstrokes. |
Nguyen Thi Duc, one of the few female calligraphy artists at the festival. |
Foreign visitors express their keen interest in the Vietnamese tradition of asking for lucky Chinese characters. |
A kid rejoices after being given a Chinese character meaning wisdom at the festival. |
As part of the festival, there are also other cultural activities such as an exhibition of more than 50 Han-Nom and Latin calligraphic works, and the promotion of traditional handicraft products and folk games.
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Nhan Dan