The Ancient Art of Calligraphy: Thousands Flock to Van Mieu to Revive a Timeless Tradition

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, known as the Year of the Snake (At Ty), Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi buzzed with excitement as crowds gathered to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and partake in a beloved tradition: calligraphy.
A long queue of visitors eagerly waiting at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam. Photo: Duy Minh/ Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper

People from all over Vietnam, along with international tourists, converged at this historic site to seek blessings for a successful, prosperous, and wise year ahead. Many arrived early, eager to explore the ancient architecture and soak in the vibrant energy of Tet, the most significant holiday in Vietnamese culture.
Beyond the festive atmosphere, visitors sought the expertise of calligraphers, asking for the word of the year to be inscribed as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

A highlight of the day was the traditional calligraphy display, where skilled “ong do” (calligraphy masters) showcased their talent. They artfully inscribed words like “knowledge,” “virtue,” and “good fortune” on red paper, a practice steeped in Vietnamese culture. Each word represented a hopeful wish for a bright and prosperous future. “I come here every Tet; it’s become a cherished family tradition,” shared Bui Thi Hieu, 79, who traveled from Long Bien with her grandchildren to witness the mastery of calligraphy.
The tradition of seeking calligraphic letters at the start of the year holds a special place in Vietnamese customs.

In the Thai Hoc Courtyard, a crowd gathered around the calligraphy masters as they meticulously inscribed characters like “Tri” (wisdom), “Tam” (heart), “Phuc” (blessing), and “Nhan” (patience). Meanwhile, in the Dai Thanh Courtyard, pre-framed calligraphy artwork was on display, offering meaningful decorations for those looking to adorn their homes and businesses with these symbolic words.

Among the visitors was Trung Duc, a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree, who brought his two young children to experience this time-honored tradition. “I want my children to develop an appreciation for Vietnamese literature and history while cultivating a love for learning,” he shared. “Starting the New Year with inspiration and knowledge is invaluable.”

In addition to the calligraphy displays, visitors enjoyed a plethora of Tet activities, including human chess, ceremonial rituals, and traditional performances. Around Ho Van Lake, 47 pavilions hosted calligraphy masters who not only showcased their artistic skills but also shared the profound meanings behind each inscribed word.

Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, a cultural landmark in Hanoi, attracts thousands of visitors every Tet. The enduring popularity of calligraphy at this historic site reflects Vietnam’s deep respect for knowledge and tradition. It is a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving this cherished practice for future generations.

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