Unique wooden calendar stand

More than just a calendar stand, a wooden calendar holder carries the spirit of traditional carpentry, conveying wishes for good fortune, well-being, and a prosperous start to the new year. At this time, woodworking workshops are continuing to produce items to meet customer demand.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Giao finishes the wooden calendar stand. Photo: KIEU DIEM

Wooden calendar holders are elaborately carved wooden frames used to attach paper calendar blocks, creating a complete wall calendar. After the wood is cut to the correct size and given a basic shape using a CNC machine, the product undergoes a process of sanding and carving entirely by hand. In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Giao's Tam Dieu Khac woodworking workshop in Vinh Hoa Hung commune is always filled with the familiar sounds of sanding machines and the rhythmic tapping of hand-held chisels. On the large workbench, each wooden calendar holder gradually takes shape after each meticulous, soft, and delicate sanding stroke.

Carefully perfecting every small detail, Mr. Giao shared: "The CNC cutting machine only creates the initial shape; whether it's beautiful and soulful depends on hand-polishing. Each detail must be done slowly and meticulously so that the patterns are sharp and have character." To complete a wooden calendar stand, the craftsman must go through many stages requiring patience, from selecting the wood, drying it to the correct moisture level, designing the pattern, cutting, carving, to finishing the surface. According to him, even with the support of CNC machines, handcrafted products still have higher value because each line bears its own unique mark, creating a difference for each calendar stand.

The bustling atmosphere is also evident at the An Binh wood production facility in Ha Tien ward. According to Ms. Vu Thi Que, the owner, wooden calendar stands have become increasingly popular with consumers in recent years, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year). Normally, customers place orders around December, but this year, orders for gifts continue to increase even as Tet approaches. The price of each calendar stand ranges from 1 to 3 million VND, depending on the material, design, and size. Those made from red sandalwood (the most popular type of wood) cost from 3.5 to 7 million VND. "Customers prefer wooden calendar stands because they last a long time, look beautiful when hung in the house, and symbolize good luck," Ms. Que said.

According to Ms. Que, most customers buying calendar stands are regulars, in addition to orders placed via Zalo and Facebook. To meet delivery deadlines for Tet (Lunar New Year), the workshop has invested in two additional CNC machines. More than just decorative items, each wooden calendar stand tells a story through its intricate carvings. This year, the most popular designs are "Success on Horseback," symbolizing the aspiration for breakthroughs and achievements; the God of Wealth and Maitreya Buddha with their gentle smiles, representing blessings and prosperity; and "Smooth Sailing," depicting a boat with sails full of wind, conveying the wish for smooth sailing in work. In addition, designs featuring the symbols of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, dragons, phoenixes, plum blossoms, and swallows are also chosen by many families as wishes for abundance, togetherness, and a fresh start for the new year.

Mr. Pham Van Tin, residing in Thanh Loc commune, attaches the calendar block to the wooden calendar stand. Photo: KIEU DIEM

Carefully placing the new calendar block into its wooden stand, Mr. Pham Van Tin, a resident of Thanh Loc commune, shared: “I’ve liked wooden calendar stands for a long time, but this year, with my Tet bonus, I finally dared to buy one. The price is higher than regular calendars, but it’s durable, and hanging it up makes the space feel warmer and more elegant. The calendar itself is replaced every year, while the wooden frame lasts a long time, so it’s a reasonable expense.” According to Mr. Tin, using a wooden calendar stand not only beautifies the living space but also demonstrates an appreciation for lasting values.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the wooden calendar stand preserves a sense of calm and tranquility for Tet. There, time is not only counted by the days and months turning into the new year, but is also nurtured by the essence of traditional woodworking and the appreciation of enduring values—the very things that make up the soul of Vietnamese Tet.

KIEU DIEM

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doc-dao-doc-lich-go-a475708.html