Calligraphy: A Tet Tradition In Hanoi

The ong do (calligraphy scholar) is a symbol of Tet. Traditionally, when the Tet holidays approach, one of the Vietnamese customs is writing "nice" words in calligraphy with the hope of bringing good luck to the home. A visual writing art, Calligraphy first appeared as early as feudal times and reflects Confucianism. Several days ahead of Tet, especially around the Hanoi Temple of Literature and the HCMC Cultural Youth House many ong do artists, young and old, male and female (I did not see any women), in traditional long dresses and caps, gather to paint calligraphy for residents and tourists.

At Tet, people often ask ong do to write lucky words such as Phuc (happiness), Loc (prosperity) and Tho (longevity) or poems or proverbs with meanings of good health, good luck and prosperity for the new year.

The work is done on paper and usually hangs like a scroll attached to bamboo rods. During Tet Calligraphy is given as gifts to friends and colleagues. Therefore, ong do must not only be decorative but must also know many meaningful poems and proverbs to suit the buyer’s fancy.

I spoke with many of the Calligraphers and was particularly taken by a passionate young artist who is also a classical pianist. His sister who just completed her degree in International relations spoke terrific English and was able to describe in detail the emotions behind the work her brother does. One of the scrolls he painted took him months and includes in the smallest writing all of the poems written by Ho Chi Minh during his time in prison.

Along with my purchases this lovely artist wrote in English the key words used on brown paper for me to keep. I think I will put these in a large contemporary frame to remind me of my visit.

Young Calligraphy artist and his work above. The poems of Ho Chi Minh are painted on scroll above.

Photo's by The Loaded Trunk

 Happy New Year!

Entry To Hanoi-Facebook Free

I just arrived in a Facebook free zone. Hanoi, Vietnam. I had heard from an Aussie friend that this might happen. She lives in Saigon and says it comes and goes depending upon the government. Ha! What will I do? (Answer) I will get a social media holiday that I look forward to! This is such an exciting city. It is chilly and gray here but this beautiful place with so many layers of history just beckons to be explored and always puts a smile on my face.

This next week is the beginning of Tet - Vietnamese and Chinese Lunar New Year, it is the most important Festival of Vietnamese people. It is a scared Festival and falls sometime between late January or early February (depend on Lunar Calendar). Although officially a three-day affair, festivities may continue for a week or more with every effort made to indulge in eating, drinking, and enjoyable social activities. It is also a time for family reunions, and for paying respect to ancestors and the elders. Gifts of food are made to friends, neighbors and relatives in the days before Tet.

While driving in from the airport I saw many motor bikes carrying trees.  I have been to Vietnam several times, never during Tet: I can only assume that this army of tree carrying has something to do with the traditions of celebrating this holiday.

(Photo's by The Loaded Trunk)

I can't wait to discover more...I am staying at, I kid you not, The Amazing Hotel. No, not glamorous, but already I have a time to "listen" as the manager Thom said: to his many stories about why he loves Americans. I sense adventure for these last 7 days of my trip.