The tradition of requesting calligraphy and the Thang Long spirit of learning

Amidst the increasingly modern urban life, the image of people flocking to the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam every spring to request beautiful calligraphy remains captivating, serving as a way to reconnect with the enduring values of knowledge and morality.

Requesting calligraphy – Seeking self-reflection in the New Year
The tradition of requesting calligraphy originates from Confucianism, where written words are seen as noble symbols of education and character. In the past, literate individuals were respected, and writing was not just a communication tool but also an embodiment of scholarly principles. Therefore, at the start of the new year, people would seek out calligraphers to request auspicious characters, entrusting their hopes for themselves and their families, and their faith in the future.

Faith in a new era of renewal.

For the people of Hanoi, requesting calligraphy is not merely about “seeking luck”. Each chosen character carries a profound meaning. The elderly request the character "Longevity" for health and peace; businesspeople request "Trust" to maintain credibility; parents request "Filial Piety" and "Learning" for their children; students request "Wisdom" and "Success" in hopes of academic achievement. Each character displayed in the home throughout the year serves as a constant reminder of how to live and conduct oneself.

The beauty of the calligraphy tradition lies in the reverence during the exchange. Those requesting calligraphy dress neatly and respectfully express their wishes; the calligrapher slowly grinds ink and carefully considers each stroke. As the brush touches the red paper, each line not only holds aesthetic value but also conveys the writer's intentions. It is a moment of reflection, in which the written word becomes a bridge connecting people to tradition.

The calligraphy space thus evokes a solemn yet warm atmosphere. The scent of ink, the red hue of paper, and the sound of the brush on paper create a unique Tet ambience in Hanoi. Here, people not only take home a piece of calligraphy but also carry with them faith and motivation for the new year.

Spring calligraphy festival – Continuing the tradition of learning
The Spring Calligraphy Festival of Bính Ngọ 2026, held at Hồ Văn within the special national relic of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, highlights the cultural depth of the calligraphy tradition. It is no coincidence that this event takes place at what was once the country's centre for nurturing talent. Here, the tradition of respecting teachers and the spirit of "talent is the national resource" have been affirmed and passed down through generations.

The theme of the Spring Calligraphy Festival of Bính Ngọ 2026 aims to honour "National Learning".

When Hanoians bring their children to Ho Van to request calligraphy at the beginning of the year, it is also a way to provide a visual education on the Thang Long tradition of learning. The doctoral steles, moss-covered roofs, and the ancient space of the relic remind us of a glorious scholarly era when education was the main path to establishing oneself and serving the country.

Families bring their children to request the character "Wisdom" with hopes for academic progress and solid knowledge acquisition.

Today's Spring Calligraphy Festival features not only Sino-Vietnamese calligraphy but also Vietnamese script, blending tradition and modernity. The calligraphers are carefully selected, knowledgeable in the art of writing and conscious of preserving cultural standards. This ensures that the calligraphy tradition retains its inherent elegance.

Mr Tran Vu Thanh, Chairman of the Vietnam Sea and Islands Association, shared that every spring, the islands also bustle with Tet atmosphere, featuring peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and green bánh chưng cakes rich in hometown flavours. He expressed his wish to send couplets to the islands, as a way to help preserve and spread the beauty of Vietnam's traditional Tet at the forefront of the waves.

The theme of the Spring Calligraphy Festival of Binh Ngo 2026 aims to honour "National Learning" – a concept reminiscent of the nation's traditional education. In the rapidly changing social context, emphasising the value of education and character is increasingly meaningful. Requesting a character at the beginning of the year is thus a way for each person to set a goal for self-cultivation in the new journey.

Van Hong Thien, a university student from Ho Chi Minh City, shared, “At the Calligraphy Festival, I requested a character hoping for family happiness and personal success.”

In the digital age, where information is accessible with just a tap, the persistence of Hanoians in maintaining the tradition of requesting calligraphy at the start of spring demonstrates an enduring aspiration for genuine knowledge. Handwritten characters, with each visible stroke, remind us that education cannot be rushed; character cannot be formed overnight; and tradition can only be preserved with genuine respect.

Mr and Mrs Oliver Minjard and Pascale Minjard from Lyon, France, shared that they visited their son studying abroad and combined it with an Asian tour. They expressed special feelings upon arriving in Hanoi, Vietnam, and participating in the Calligraphy Festival – a meaningful traditional cultural feature of the local people. On this occasion, they requested the character "Happiness" with hopes for family unity, love, and togetherness.

From a red paper displayed prominently in the home during Tet, the Thang Long spirit of learning continues to be nurtured through generations. The tradition of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the year is thus not just a beautiful custom but also a symbol of faith in knowledge, persistent cultivation, and a future built on education and morality.

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