People line up to ask for the first words of the year

HANOI - Many people lined up at the Temple of Literature to ask for calligraphy on the morning of the first day of Tet.

Hanoi on the first morning of the year had a temperature of 19 degrees Celsius, the sun was starting to warm up, people went out early to enjoy the rare peaceful Tet atmosphere of the capital. Many people went to the Temple of Literature to ask for calligraphy, praying for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Two ticket counters outside the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam had people standing in long lines.

The row of houses in front of the Front Hall is where nearly 10 calligraphers give calligraphy. People line up in a zigzag pattern to receive a number to avoid crowding, then buy paper to go to the calligrapher's table to ask for calligraphy.

For each person who comes to ask for a calligraphy, the calligrapher will ask about their needs and age. After giving them a calligraphy, he will explain the meaning of the calligraphy.

"Older people ask for calligraphy: Happiness - Prosperity - Longevity; students ask for: Study, pass exams, pass exams; young people ask for: Fame, Wealth...", said 70-year-old calligrapher Vu Ha, who has been giving calligraphy for more than 10 years at the Temple of Literature.

"Smart - good at studying" is also what many parents ask calligraphers to write for their children.

"This morning, my family traveled more than 10 km to the Temple of Literature for the children to celebrate Tet and ask for the first words of the year. My 7-year-old daughter Dieu Anh asked for the word Binh An, and my 14-year-old son asked for the word Do Dat. I hope the new year will bring good luck and peace to my family," said Mr. Dan, in Ha Dong district.

Many people did not want to wait for the calligrapher to write so they went to the stalls selling ready-made calligraphy. Each calligraphy costs 100,000 VND.

In addition to asking for calligraphy, people also took the opportunity to visit the Temple of Literature. A family took a photo next to the words "Happy New Year 2024" under Khue Van Cac.

At the Temple of Literature, many people clasped their hands and prayed for peace.

The elderly and children rub the bodies of two 3-meter-tall bronze cranes for good luck. Over time, the crane's chest, where people come into contact the most, becomes shiny.

Ngoc Thanh - Vnexpress.net

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