Hanoi residents seek calligraphy letters for Tet good lucks

(VNF) - Thousands of people have gathered at Temple of Literature (Hanoi) to receive calligraphy letters, as part of a traditional ritual during Vietnamese Spring festival - Tet.

Many arrived at the Temple of Literature in the Vietnam's capital to receive the letters written by skilled calligraphers, which are believed to symbolize good fortune for the Lunar New Year.

People had to wait in long lines to buy entrance tickets as well as to receive their good luck charms.

Minh Anh, a Hanoi resident, said she had to wait for about 30 minutes to obtain a calligraphy letter for her daughter.

The calligraphers are scheduled to hand out their artistic works from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every day from January 29 to February 5 (second day to ninth day of Lunar New Year).

According to traditional belief, receiving the calligraphy alphabets on the first days of the Lunar year will grant good luck during the entire year.

People coming from different walks of life are advised to select letters with different meanings.

Young pupils and students often request for ‘Tri’ (wisdom) and ‘Tai,’ (talent), while entrepreneurs should choose the words ‘Phat’ (prospect) or ‘Loc’ (Luck).

Those who wish to sharpen their endurance will select ‘Nhan,’ (patience), while people who desire for successes will receive ‘Thanh’ or ‘Dat,'.

Bamboo paper, on which the letters are written, are sold at the temple at VND100,000 (US$4.42) a scroll, about VND20,000 ($0.88) higher than previous years.

By 11:00 am on Sunday, several types of bamboo paper were out of stock due to the large number of buyers.

Visitors buy bamboo paper at the Temple of Literature. (Source: Tuoi Tre)

Visitors wait in long lines to receive their calligraphy letters. (Source: Tuoi Tre)

A young girl shows off her calligraphy letters. (Source: Tuoi Tre)

( VNF/Tuoitre News )