HÀ NỘI — The annual Spring Calligraphy Festival will be held at the Literature Lake, a part of the Văn Miếu (Temple of Literature) on February 9-25.

For years, Hanoians have visited the Temple of Literature to have meaningful words written in calligraphy, aiming to attract good fortune in the New Year.

The calligraphic works are then used to decorate their house during the New Year celebration.

Lê Xuân Kiêu, director of the the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Cultural and Scientific Centre, said the festival aims to promote traditional culture and preserve the calligraphic art.

On red or yellow dó (poonah) papers, they write words in traditional and Vietnamese scripts intended to bring good health, luck and prosperity for those in attendance.

This year, 55 calligraphers who are members of calligraphic clubs and selected from a writing competition will perform the writing.

The artists, wearing áo dài (long robes), will sit in bamboo tents following the traditions of the past.

One highlight of the festival is an exhibition of 35 calligraphic works written in Vietnamese and Han-Nôm scripts. The writings follow the theme of talent and righteousness to honour the tradition of learning.

In the framework of the festival, an exhibition of traditional crafts such as pottery, paper making, embroidery, wood carving and bronze casting will be held.

Visitors can also learn about poonah paper and how it’s made. Beside calligraphy, poonah paper is also used to print folk paintings and colourful Đông Hồ, Kim Hoàng and Hàng Trống paintings.

The festival will also feature traditional New Year food, such as chưng (glutinous rice) cakes and spring rolls, as well as art performances like chèo (traditional operetta), hát văn (spiritual singing in Mother Goddesses worship), quan họ (love duets), hát xoan (spring singing from Phú Thọ Province) and ca trù (ceremonial singing).

Folk games will be available for children and visitors can also release flower lanterns to the Literature Lake to wish for good things.

The events will take place from January 21 to February 11 at Văn (Literature) Lake, Quốc Tử Giám Street, Hà Nội. — VNS