On the morning of February 18, the second day of the 2026 Lunar New Year, crowds arrived early to seek calligraphy and pray for a peaceful year ahead. The large number of visitors caused localised traffic congestion around the area.
The Temple of Literature has long been a destination that honours learning and preserves traditional values.
Children brought by their families at the start of the year are introduced to Vietnam’s tradition of studiousness, hear stories of distinguished scholars, watch calligraphers at work and learn the meaning of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of spring.
Each year, many visitors come to offer incense and seek calligraphy as a way to express hopes for academic success and career advancement. As a result, the site is consistently crowded during the early days of the Lunar New Year.
Visitors gathered in circles to observe every brushstroke while waiting their turn.
Outside, people queued for numbered tickets before purchasing paper and entering to request calligraphy, a system that helped prevent overcrowding despite the rising number of guests.
Holding her newly received calligraphy, Hoa from Dong Da Ward said her family visits annually on the second day of Tet. Her daughter, Thuy Chi, is preparing for the entrance exam to grade 10, so she chose the words “Do Dat” (Success) to encourage her ahead of the test.
For herself, she requested the words “Binh An” (Peace) for her mothers at home, hanging them as a New Year wish for health and harmony.
After receiving calligraphy, many parents and students carefully carried offerings inside, lit incense and prayed for good academic results.
Families with children facing key examinations also visited the teachers’ shrine at the start of spring, viewing the ritual as both a wish for luck and a source of motivation. In the solemn atmosphere, visitors spoke softly and queued in an orderly manner.
Minh Thu from Tay Mo Ward said her family has two students this year, one taking the grade 10 exam and another preparing for university entrance exams. She chose the words “Tu Tin” (Confidence) and “Ben Chi” (Perseverance) to encourage them to stay calm and focused.
According to Thu, results depend on the children’s study efforts, but the early year visit is a way for the family to show support. “As long as they try their best and are not overly stressed, I feel reassured,” she said.
In addition to offering prayers, some visitors gently wrote their wishes on wooden walls in the Hau Duong area, believing this act helps preserve hopes for the new spring.
Others opted to purchase pre written calligraphy at nearby stalls instead of waiting for a calligrapher. Each sheet sold for VND 120,000 (approximately USD 4.70).
Traditional cultural performances were also held throughout the Tet holiday, creating a festive atmosphere and drawing large numbers of locals and tourists to the historic site at the start of the year.
