Displaying calligraphy during the Lunar New Year is a tradition of Vietnamese people. A festival at the Temple of Literature will include many calligraphic artists. — VNS Photo Viet Thanh

Having a calligraphic work written on red paper to display during the Lunar New Year is a tradition of the Vietnamese people to pray for good things. The calligraphers write meaningful letters meaning prosperity, longevity and happiness, according to Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Centre for Scientific and Cultural Activities of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam.

This year, 52 calligraphers, including famous artists such as Kieu Quoc Khanh and Cung Khac Luoc, will be at the festival.

The festival includes an exhibition of calligraphic works, food, folk games, traditional music performances and a handicraft fair showcasing products made from silk, lacquer, pottery, rattan and ornamental plants.

Visitors to the festival can enjoy calligraphic works at an exhibition entitled Thanh Duc (Forming Morality).

“The Temple of Literature has two gates called Thanh Duc (literally meaning Forming Morality) and Dat Tai (Achieving Success), that means people should practise virtue before becoming successful,” said Kieu.

“That’s the message we want to send through the festival,” he said.

The festival will run until February 5 at Van (Literature) Lake next to the Temple of Literature. — VNS

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