The custom of requesting and giving calligraphy and the source of learning in Thang Long.

Within the cultural flow of Tet in Hanoi, the custom of asking for and giving calligraphy at the beginning of the year is a special tradition, embodying spiritual beliefs, a tradition of studiousness, and the elegant character of Thang Long (Hanoi).

Amidst the increasingly modern pace of urban life, the image of people visiting the Temple of Literature - National University every spring to ask for a beautiful calligraphy inscription still retains its appeal, as a way of returning to the enduring values ​​of knowledge and morality.

Asking for a written blessing – asking for guidance for the new year.
The custom of requesting calligraphy originates from the Confucian tradition, where written characters were considered a noble symbol of learning and character. In the past, literate people were highly respected; writing was not only a tool for communication but also an embodiment of scholarship. Therefore, at the beginning of the new year, people sought out calligraphers to request an auspicious character, conveying their hopes for themselves and their families, and their faith in the future.

Belief in the era of innovation.

For the people of Hanoi , requesting calligraphy is not simply about "seeking good fortune." Each chosen character carries a profound meaning. Elderly people request the character "Longevity" hoping for health and peace; business people request "Trust" to maintain credibility in business; parents request "Filial Piety" and "Learning" for their children; and students request "Wisdom" and "Achievement" with the hope of success in exams. Each character displayed in the home throughout the year serves as a constant reminder of how to live and how to be a good person.

What makes the custom of requesting calligraphy so beautiful is the reverence in the giving and receiving process. Those requesting calligraphy dress formally and respectfully present their wishes; the calligrapher slowly grinds the ink, carefully considering each stroke. When the pen touches the red paper, each stroke appears not only aesthetically pleasing but also conveys the writer's thoughts and intentions. It is a moment of tranquility, where words become a connecting thread between people and tradition.

The space for requesting calligraphy therefore always evokes a sense of solemnity yet warmth. The scent of ink, the red color of the paper, the sound of the brush on the paper… create a very unique atmosphere of Tet in Hanoi. There, people not only take home a piece of calligraphy, but also take home faith and motivation for the new year.

Spring Calligraphy Festival – where the tradition of valuing education is continued.
The Spring Calligraphy Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026, held at Ho Van Lake within the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam National Special Monument, further highlights the cultural depth of the custom of requesting calligraphy. It is no coincidence that this event takes place in a location that was once a center for training national talent. It is here that the tradition of respecting teachers and the spirit of "talented individuals are the lifeblood of the nation" has been affirmed and passed down through many generations.

The theme of the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026 (Year of the Horse) is to honor "National Learning".

When Hanoians bring their children to Ho Van to ask for calligraphy at the beginning of the year, it is also a way of visually educating them about Thang Long's tradition of studiousness. The doctoral steles, the moss-covered tiled roofs, and the ancient atmosphere of the historical site evoke memories of a glorious era of scholarly achievement, when learning was the main path to self-improvement, career development, and service to the country.

The family brought their child to ask for the calligraphy of the word "Intelligence" (Trí), hoping that the child would excel in their studies and acquire knowledge firmly.

Today's Spring Calligraphy Festival features not only Han-Nom calligraphy but also Vietnamese Quốc ngữ calligraphy, creating a fusion of tradition and modernity. The calligraphers are carefully selected, possessing both a deep understanding of the language and a strong commitment to preserving cultural standards. This ensures that the tradition of requesting calligraphy retains its inherent noble spirit.

Mr. Tran Vu Thanh, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Islands and Seas, said that every spring, the frontline islands are filled with the festive atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and traditional green sticky rice cakes, full of the flavors of home. He expressed his wish to send more couplets to the islands, as a way to contribute to preserving and spreading the beauty of the traditional Tet of the Vietnamese people in these remote and windswept areas.

The theme of the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026 (Year of the Horse) focuses on honoring "National Learning"—a concept reminiscent of the nation's traditional education. In the context of a rapidly changing society, emphasizing the value of education and character becomes even more practical. Therefore, requesting a calligraphy inscription at the beginning of the year is also a way for each person to set a goal for self-cultivation in their new journey.

Van Hong Thien, a university student from Ho Chi Minh City, shared, "Coming to the Calligraphy Association, I asked for calligraphy with the hope of praying for family happiness and personal success."

In the digital age, where information is accessible with just a touch of a screen, the fact that Hanoians still persistently preserve the tradition of asking for and giving calligraphy at the beginning of the new year shows a persistent aspiration for genuine knowledge. Handwritten characters, with each visible stroke, serve as a reminder that learning cannot be rushed; character cannot be formed in an instant; and tradition can only be preserved through genuine respect.

Oliver and Pascale Minjard, from Lyon, France, said they were visiting their son who was studying abroad and combining it with a trip to Asia. They shared their special feelings about arriving in Hanoi, Vietnam, and participating in the Calligraphy Festival – a meaningful traditional cultural event. On this occasion, they requested the character "Phúc" (meaning happiness/blessing) with the hope that their family would always be together, loving, and close-knit.

From a red paper scroll proudly displayed in the home during Tet (Lunar New Year), the tradition of learning in Thang Long (Hanoi) continues to be nurtured through generations. Therefore, the custom of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the year is not only a beautiful tradition, but also a symbol of faith in knowledge, in persistent training, and in a future built on education and morality.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tuc-xin-cho-chu-va-mach-nguon-hieu-hoc-thang-long-360933.html