Artists display calligraphic skill (Photo: vov.vn)Hanoi (VNA) -The annual Spring Calligraphy Festival will be held at the Literature Lake, apart of the Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) on February 9-25.
For years, Hanoians have visited the Temple of Literature to have meaningfulwords written in calligraphy, aiming to attract good fortune in the New Year.
The calligraphic works are then used to decorate their house during the NewYear celebration.
Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Cultural andScientific Centre, said the festival aims to promote traditional culture andpreserve the calligraphic art.
On red or yellow do (poonah) paper, they write words in traditional andVietnamese scripts intended to bring good health, luck and prosperity for thosein attendance.
This year, 55 calligraphers who are members of calligraphic clubs and selectedfrom a writing competition will perform the writing.
The artists, wearing ao dai (long robes), will sit in bamboo tents followingthe traditions of the past.
One highlight of the festival is an exhibition of 35 calligraphic works writtenin Vietnamese and Han-Nom scripts. The writings follow the theme of talent andrighteousness to honour the tradition of learning.
In the framework of the festival, an exhibition of traditional crafts such aspottery, paper making, embroidery, wood carving and bronze casting will beheld.
Visitors can also learn about poonah paper and how it’s made. Besidecalligraphy, poonah paper is also used to print folk paintings and colourful DongHo, Kim Hoang and Hang Trong paintings.
The festival will also feature traditional New Year food, such as chung(glutinous rice) cakes and spring rolls, as well as art performances like cheo(traditional opera), hat van (spiritual singing in Mother Goddesses worship),quan ho (love duets), hat xoan (spring singing from Phu Tho province) and ca tru(ceremonial singing).
Folk games will be available for children and visitors can also release flowerlanterns to the Literature Lake to wish for good things.
The events are taking place from January 21 to February 11 at Van (Literature)Lake, Quoc Tu Giam street, Hanoi.-VNA
VNA
