People look at the calligraphic words at the Quoc Tu Giam (Imperial Academy) (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – For generations, Vietnamese have preserved a traditional New Year custom ofcollecting calligraphic words written in ancient Vietnamese-Chinese script. Thepractice reflects their respect for knowledge and learning. Word-asking activity – a New Year traditional customA long time ago,when the lunar New Year began, people looked for scholarly intellectuals, who understoodcalligraphy, to ask for meaningful words or sets of words. Word-seekers wereoften heads of families, who wished for new opportunities and for their relatives’academic fortunes. Calligraphers were prestigious teachers or nationallyhonoured contributors. According tocalligrapher Cung Khac Luoc, the words connect the writer’s mind and the word-seeker’sheart. When people ask for words, they ask not only for luck but also for forkindness and the talent of the calligraphers to remind them to lead a goodlife, he said.The activitydemonstrates the nation’s desire for knowledge, Luoc noted.In the past, theword-asking event was a special occasion, whose date and time needed to bechosen carefully. The words, once brought home, would be hanged at the bestspots inside.Words in theancient Vietnamese-Chinese script could be written in many different ways basedon writers’ moods, styles and creativity. Calligraphers’ work was imbued with expectationsfor a year of happiness and peace ahead. Words are selected following theseekers’ wishes. The most popular ones included “Blessing” and “Luck” forfamilies and children; “Prosperity”, “Wealth”, and “Creditability” forbusinessmen; “Talent” and “Success” for students; “Longevity” for peopleyearning for good health and a long life; and “Patience” for those who… [Read full story]
The Hanoitimes - The traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) is the biggest and oldest festival in Vietnam, bringing its people together to celebrate the sacred and meaningful annual event. Tet is an occasion when members of a family, no matter where they are and what they do to earn a living, get together and pray in front of the ancestral altar. Their return to home in celebration of Tet is regarded as a journey back to their birthplace. Many tourists and people are strolling in Sword Lake in Tet holiday to enjoy the peace of Hanoi For most Vietnamese, Tet…... [read more]
Lunar New Year is an important celebration for millions of people all around the world and it is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday for many Asian cultures. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries, with all having their interesting twists and differences. 1. Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. Tet celebrates the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese variation of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year Festival often falls between late January and early February; it is among the most important…... [read more]
Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – A Cay Neu (Neu pole) was planted at the Hue Imperial Citadel, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on January 20, featuring a traditional activity in the run up to the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival. The 15-metre bamboo pole was carried by costumed soldiers in a procession from the Hien Nhon Gate through the Thai Hoa (Supreme Harmony) Palace to arrive at the Ancestral Temple, where it was put up to the backdrop of ceremonial music and smoke from burning incense. The erection of the Neu pole on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar…... [read more]
British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Douglas Barnes has talked with Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper about the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations and shared his interesting feeling of the Lunar New Year (Tet holiday) in Vietnam. The Consul General and his wife, Judith has enjoyed Tet holidays for three times in the country. He welcomed the first Lunar New Year in Vietnam in 2012 just one week after he took the position. This is also his most special Tet holidays. He was impressed with the way the Vietnamese people welcome Tet and the local culture.…... [read more]
Hanoi (VNA) – Overseas Vietnamese worldwide are celebrating the 2017 Lunar New Year with traditional New Year treats and art performances. A celebration hosted by the Embassy of Vietnam in Indonesia on January 23 brought together nearly 300 Vietnamese expatriates and staff members of Vietnamese representative offices. Addressing the event, Ambassador Hoang Anh Tuan took the occasion to express his thanks to international friends and partners for their continuous support and cooperation. He highlighted the achievements Vietnam has made in building and protecting the nation, reiterating the OVs community in Indonesia is an inseparable part of the nation. On January…... [read more]
