Springtime calligraphy

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the 4.0 era, the tradition of requesting and giving calligraphy continues to thrive in the cultural life of the people of An Giang. From the bustling streets of calligraphers to the tranquil corners of temples, each stroke of ink on red paper is not only an art form but also a message conveying hopes for a prosperous new year.

People go to temples and pagodas to ask for calligraphy to "bring good fortune" at the beginning of the year.

According to traditional beliefs, calligraphy, in addition to being beautiful, must possess soul, reflecting the serenity and optimism of the calligrapher. The strong resurgence of this art form during the Lunar New Year is a positive sign, demonstrating the deep love for Vietnamese culture.

Besides Han Nom script, young calligraphers also demonstrate creativity through Vietnamese calligraphy on many unique materials. Not limited to traditional red paper, the spirit of the characters now soars on wood, stone, porcelain, fruit, and even lotus leaf paintings.

According to Hong Phu, Chairman of the Calligraphy Club at the An Giang Provincial Labor Culture House, despite the many changes in modern life affecting material and spiritual life, people still cherish and respect traditions, including their love for Vietnamese characters and calligraphy.

Calligraphy and painting are created using a variety of unique materials.

This year, Long Xuyen ward created a cultural highlight by organizing a calligrapher's street space, attracting many people to visit and request calligraphy. Participating in the event, Mr. Ngo Thanh Phong (An Giang Calligraphy Club) and Ms. Pham Thi Dieu Lien presented impressive calligraphy artworks on dried lotus leaves.

Ms. Lien said that this year's paintings have received many orders from customers everywhere, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to the rustic charm and high durability of the processed lotus leaf material.

A street corner where calligraphers set up their stalls in Long Xuyen ward.

Ms. Le Ngoc Dieu (a retired official from Thoai Son commune) said: "In this era of mass-produced industrial goods, people prefer handcrafted products because they bear the mark of individuality and the spirit of creative labor." It is the heart of the artist in each flowing brushstroke that creates the unique value of Vietnamese calligraphy.

Calligraphy giving and requesting at the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum (Chau Doc Ward).

At some temples in the province, the custom of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the Lunar New Year is considered a form of "asking for blessings," reflecting the Vietnamese people's love of learning and respect for written characters. Each character given contains good wishes, hoping for family peace and prosperity in business.

Mr. Long Ho (Long Xuyen ward) shared: “Last year I asked for the character ‘Wealth and Prosperity,’ and the result was somewhat as expected. This year I pray for a harmonious family life, so I asked for the character ‘Happiness’ to hang in my house.”

Many temples and shrines also "bestow blessings" in the form of calligraphy to people at the beginning of the spring season.

On the first day of the lunar month, while visiting the temple with her daughter, Ms. Ho Phuong Lan (from Rach Gia ward) was delighted to receive the character "An" (meaning peace) written by a monk at the temple. "I really like the way the temple gives out calligraphy; the person requesting doesn't need to ask, and the giver gives randomly. For example, older Buddhists often receive characters like 'Longevity,' 'Happiness,' 'Peace'...; younger people receive 'Diligence,' 'Heart,' 'Talent'... The characters received serve as a reminder for Buddhists to live in accordance with their current circumstances," Ms. Lan said.

Each word requested and given carries within it the hope for a good and peaceful new year.

The moment of waiting for each stroke of the calligraphy to curl on the paper, then receiving it with reverence, customers requesting calligraphy not only take it home to hang beautifully, but also entrust it with their sincere wishes for the new year.

Although Tet today is somewhat different from Tet of the past, the calligraphers in their traditional long robes and turbans, with their ink and red paper, offer a tranquil contrast to the bustling city, preserving the essence of Vietnamese Tet. This beautiful tradition will forever remain an indelible part of the Vietnamese soul.

MY HANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/thu-phap-ngay-xuan-a477428.html