Rare remaining spring couplet writers in Ho Chi Minh City

(Dan Tri) - Every time Tet comes, Chinese people who are talented in calligraphy in the Cho Lon area (District 5) are busy setting up tables and chairs, yellow ink and red paper, ready to "give words" to their guests in the new year.

In the age of technology, when spring couplets and parallel sentences are elaborately printed, many Vietnamese of Chinese origin in Ho Chi Minh City still seek out experienced calligraphers in Cho Lon to ask for handwritten calligraphy, because of the authenticity and creativity it brings.

On Tran Quy Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, the Binh An calligraphy shop of Mr. Huynh Tri Cau (71 years old) stands out with its rows of bright red parallel sentences. With more than half a century of practicing calligraphy, Mr. Cau has become a familiar destination for Ho Chi Minh City residents every Tet holiday.

Mr. Cau works at a small table on the roadside, where he arranges red paper, brushes and ink. He shared: "I was taught the profession by my father when I was 15 years old. On Tran Quy Street, I am the only one left with the profession."

On the spring couplets, Mr. Cau writes Chinese characters with gold ink. Despite his old age and poor eyesight, each stroke of his handwriting is still smooth and graceful. Each character carries a good meaning, blessing and wishing good luck to the homeowner.

Mr. Cau is famous for being a skilled calligrapher, knowledgeable in Vietnamese and Chinese literature. When customers come to ask for calligraphy, whether it is in Chinese or Vietnamese, he explains the meaning of each word, helping customers choose the right word.

Mr. Thao (75 years old, District 11) shared: "Every year I come to Mr. Cau to ask him to write parallel sentences. My family has bought letters here for more than 30 years because we like his handwriting. The soul of the writer is very important. If it is compatible with the writer, the homeowner will have something to wish for in the new year."

Calligraphy is Mr. Cau's joy. He shared: "I don't expect to be rich in this profession, I just want to make ends meet. December is when my calligraphy shop is crowded with customers. On other days, I teach calligraphy to make a living. Even though it's hard, I will continue to write."

From early morning to late night, the 71-year-old calligrapher works tirelessly to prepare the most beautiful spring scrolls for guests during the New Year.

On Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, District 5, the calligraphy of Mr. Tran Kim Hy (80 years old) is also one of the oldest calligraphy lines in Cho Lon. After nearly 40 years of "giving calligraphy", his calligraphy still maintains its style, attracting many customers to come and ask for calligraphy.

Although the calligraphy profession still has many difficulties, Mr. Kim Hy is still happy because more and more Vietnamese people come to ask for calligraphy, not just people of Chinese origin.

Handwritten spring couplets, although not as sharp as printed ones, are more soulful and lively. They preserve memories of the traditional beauty of Tet in Cho Lon, conveying wishes and loving wishes to guests who come to celebrate Tet.

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/tet-2025/nhung-nghe-nhan-viet-lien-xuan-hiem-hoi-con-lai-o-tphcm-20250122131150324.htm