Each stroke of the pen is a reflection of oneself.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, people flock to the Temple of Literature - National University to attend the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026.

Within the sacred space of this monument, a symbol of Vietnamese Confucian education , 35 calligraphy pavilions stretching along Van Lake resemble a recreated realm of memories, a place where the essence of spring is shared through the strokes of calligraphy at the beginning of the year. Each pavilion is subtly scented with incense, and the dó paper flutters in the new sunlight.

In each booth, calligraphers sat neatly behind wooden desks, their hands holding brushes, their eyes thoughtful. The calligraphers participating in the Spring Calligraphy Festival were carefully selected through an objective and transparent selection process, ensuring their expertise and reputation.

The calligraphers participating in the 2026 Spring Calligraphy Festival were carefully selected to ensure their expertise and prestige. Photo: DANG ANH

At the booth of calligrapher Nguyen Van Tu, a member of the Xuan Hong Calligraphy Club, there was a bustling crowd of people coming to request calligraphy. He has been involved with the Xuan Hong Calligraphy Association for 10 years.

"With societal development and the widespread availability of modern education, the tradition of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the year is still preserved and spread by the people. In the age of science and technology, the spirit of learning needs to be further fostered. The calligraphy at the beginning of spring is a reminder for everyone not to forget the roots of our ancestors' learning," shared calligrapher Nguyen Van Tu.

Each character must truly reflect the aspirations of the person requesting the calligraphy. Therefore, at the booth of Dr. Pham Vu Loc, a lecturer in the Han-Nom (classical Chinese and Vietnamese script) class at Nhan My School ( Hanoi ), he always thoughtfully engages in conversation with each person before writing. Some students request the character "Tri" (Intelligence) for a smooth academic journey, while young entrepreneurs seek the character "Tin" (Trust) to remind them to always maintain faith in their business endeavors.

Through conversation, he clearly understood the desires of his guests. Each stroke, soft yet decisive, each line, thick and thin, seemed to encapsulate profound contemplation. Dr. Pham Vu Loc shared: "When one truly understands the value of calligraphy, they will know how to cherish it and reflect upon themselves through it."

Tourists enjoy asking calligraphers for their blessings at the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026. Photo: DANG ANH

Among the calligraphers, the appearance of Ms. Hoang Anh Diep, Vice President of the UNESCO Calligraphy and Painting Club, attracted the attention of visitors.

Graceful in her traditional ao dai dress, Ms. Hoang Anh Diep was the only calligrapher at the 2026 Spring Calligraphy Festival. For her, the greatest joy was knowing that her calligraphy was proudly displayed in people's homes.

"Calligraphy isn't just for admiring. It's also a reminder to live better and strive harder. At the same time, each character conveys faith and hope for a harmonious and prosperous new year," shared Ms. Hoang Anh Diep.

As each stroke of ink dries on the simple, rustic dó paper, the person requesting the calligraphy carefully rolls it up, as if carrying a piece of spring's spirit in their hands. Nguyen Thanh Nam (born in 1985, residing in Ngoc Ha ward, Hanoi) shared: “This is the third year my family and I have participated in the Spring Calligraphy Festival. Each year I request a different character. This year I requested the character "Tâm" (Heart/Mind) to remind myself to live more slowly and with more tolerance. My wife received the character "An" (Peace/Tranquility), signifying a warm and harmonious family. My child requested the character "Hiếu" (Filial Piety) to reflect on themselves, understanding that being academically successful isn't enough; they must also know how to respect their elders and be considerate of others.”

Expanding cultural spaces and spreading the spirit of "National Studies"

The Spring Calligraphy Festival, held from February 11th to March 1st, 2026 (corresponding to the 24th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake to the 13th day of the 1st lunar month of the Year of the Horse), provided a convenient opportunity for locals and tourists to visit and enjoy the spring festivities.

This is one of the unique cultural activities held annually at the Temple of Literature - National University, contributing to preserving and spreading traditional values ​​in contemporary life.

This year, the Spring Calligraphy Festival is themed "National Studies," commemorating the 950th anniversary of the founding of the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national school. More than just a place to admire calligraphy or request auspicious characters for the new year, the 2026 Spring Calligraphy Festival is organized on a larger scale, focusing on providing a deeper experiential learning experience through diverse cultural and artistic activities.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, said: "The Spring Calligraphy Festival is not only a space to enjoy calligraphy and receive auspicious characters at the beginning of the year, but also promotes the spirit of learning, respect for morality, and guides people towards the values ​​of truth, goodness, and beauty."

The most noticeable new feature is the appearance of the Ho Van area. After being comprehensively renovated, the space has become more airy and harmonious, combining the ancient charm of the historical site with modern design. The functional areas are clearly planned: a calligraphy exhibition area, a heritage experience space, a traditional craft village area, a place for receiving auspicious calligraphy at the beginning of the year, and a culinary culture area. As a result, visitors are no longer concentrated in one spot, but can leisurely stroll and explore each cultural aspect.

The spring atmosphere also permeates the Inner Courtyard and the Imperial Garden. Besides the two permanent exhibition spaces, "The First National School" and "The Origins of Learning," this year visitors have the opportunity to visit the exhibition "Ancient Traces of Culture 4" with the theme "A Thousand Years of Learning" in the front hall of the Imperial Academy, along with thematic exhibitions such as "Horses Returning to the City" and "Stone History Preserving Fame." These contents help viewers better visualize the scholarly tradition and the depth of Thang Long - Hanoi's cultural heritage.

Heritage education programs, cultural reading spaces, handicraft product displays, folk games, traditional chess, lion dances, and artistic performances such as Quan Ho, Ca Tru, and Cheo are also organized, creating a vibrant and culturally rich spring atmosphere.

Ms. Tran Minh Anh (born in 1993, residing in Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi) shared: “My children really enjoy the traditional craft village experience area and folk games. Here, they not only get to have fun but also gain a better understanding of the traditional values ​​of our nation.”

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026 is therefore not only a celebration but also a meeting place of tradition and the present, where individual aspirations intertwine with shared hopes for a peaceful new year, academic success, and sustainable social development.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu stated: "The Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Cultural and Scientific Activities Center will continue to innovate and diversify its activities, becoming a safe, attractive destination that provides thoughtful service to the public during the Lunar New Year 2026."

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/hoi-chu-xuan-gin-giu-hon-dan-toc-1026114