The Significance of the New Year Calligraphy Tradition
According to cultural expert Nguyen Duc Hien, in the past, when someone wanted to request a calligraphy blessing, they would prepare a small gift of betel and areca nuts or tea and tobacco and visit a respected scholar or teacher, often one with a royal degree or a well-respected local intellectual.
The requester’s aspirations and intentions would be considered by the scholar, who would then choose an appropriate blessing. Each character was imbued with the scholar’s intellect, spirit, and energy, making the blessing not just meaningful but also a work of calligraphy art. Receiving a blessing was considered a bringer of luck, fortune, and prosperity for the new year.
There was also a belief that if the scholar called someone in and gave them a blessing without being asked, it was a sign of even greater luck, and the recipient would enjoy a year of good fortune and their heart’s desires.
As each stroke of the brush was made, the luck and blessings increased. Both the giver and receiver of the blessing would benefit from this New Year tradition. Each person might request a different character, but all would hope for a fresh start to the year, with harmony in the family, good health, and success in all endeavors.
With hopes for a fortunate year ahead, many parents take their children to request calligraphy blessings.
Along with the tradition of the first writing of the year, the Vietnamese also have a custom of requesting and giving calligraphy blessings during the traditional New Year celebrations. This practice reflects a deep respect for knowledge and scholarship and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and longevity.
The choice of blessing depends on the requester’s personality, occupation, and age. Students often ask for blessings related to wisdom, talent, and academic success (“Tri,” “Tai,” “Dang Khoa”). Businesspeople might request blessings related to luck, trust, and prosperity (“Loc,” “Tin,” “Phat”). Those seeking success may ask for “Thanh” or “Dat,” while someone wishing to cultivate endurance might request “Nhan.”
When requesting a blessing for the elderly, the character “Thọ,” meaning longevity, is chosen. For a family, one might ask for “Phúc” (blessing), “Tâm” (heart), or “An” (peace). For children, the blessing of wisdom (“Tri”) is sought, while for parents, the virtue of filial piety (“Hiếu”) is requested.
In the past, the scholars who were sought for these blessings were respected for their knowledge, virtue, and beautiful calligraphy. Requesters hoped to receive not only the scholar’s blessing but also a character that aligned with their aspirations and personal goals.
Thus, the tradition of requesting calligraphy blessings at the start of the year is a beautiful custom that adds a touch of humanity to Vietnamese culture, a tradition that had once faded but is now regaining its importance.
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