EVENTS IN FEBRUARY AT VĂN MIẾU - QUỐC TỬ GIÁM - THE IMPRESSION OF THE SPRING OF 2025
In the warm atmosphere of the spring of 2025, February at the special national monument Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, the symbol of the tradition of valuing learning and talent, saw many exciting cultural activities.
Asking for calligraphy and giving calligraphy during the Lunar New Year have long been a beautiful cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people, reflecting their respect for knowledge and conveying their wishes through the words. The image of the scholar "setting up ink and red paper" has become familiar to many Vietnamese people. During Tết (Lunar New Year), Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám becomes a traditional cultural destination for springtime. Amid the ancient surroundings, visitors excitedly ask for calligraphy, hoping for a peaceful, lucky, and prosperous new year, while also honoring the cultural values of Vietnamese education.
Photo: Visitors happily engaging in the spring activities, asking for calligraphy on the 4th day of Tết (February 1, 2025) at Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám.
In addition, many traditional cultural and artistic activities were organized at Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, such as: ethnic music and dance performances; a program featuring "Hà Thành 36 Streets" folk music; Quan họ singing on boats at Hồ Văn; Long Ly Quy Phượng dance; and Chinese chess and human chess tournaments at the Thái Học yard.
Especially, on February 1, 2025 (the 4th day of Tết), the final of the Spring 2025 Human Chess Tournament took place at the Thái Học yard, with the national chess player Nguyễn Hoàng Kiên (Kỳ Hữu Club) winning the championship, followed by Phạm Quốc Hương (Hà Nội Brothers Club) as runner-up, Hoàng Quang Huy (Ruby Club) as 3rd place, Dương Văn Hải (Trung Văn Club) as 4th place, and Vũ Ngọc Long (Hà Nội) winning the style prize.
Photo: The final of the Human Chess Tournament on the 4th day of Tết (February 1, 2025).
On the afternoon of February 9, 2025 (12th day of the first lunar month), the closing ceremony of the Spring 2025 Calligraphy Festival was held at Hồ Văn, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám. After 18 days of activities (from the 24th of December of the Year of the Dragon to the 12th of January of the Year of the Snake), the Spring 2025 Calligraphy Festival left many good impressions with thousands of visitors asking for calligraphy at the beginning of the year.
Photo: The closing ceremony of the Spring 2025 Calligraphy Festival.
From February 14 to February 21, 2025, at the "Dấu xưa Văn hiến 3" exhibition space with the theme "Thiên Quang" in the Thái Học House, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám hosted a workshop "Lacquer Workshop Spring Year Of The Snake 2025" led by artists Phạm Hà and Phan Minh Bạch. The workshop aimed to connect the artists of the “Dấu xưa văn hiến” group and create opportunities for interaction with visitors at Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám. Visitors were able to experience two characteristic techniques in the traditional lacquer art process: egg inlay technique and gold leaf technique.
Photo: Workshop "Lacquer Workshop Spring Year Of The Snake 2025"
On February 25, 2025, at Thư Quán, workshop “When Monument Tells Stories” - Passing on the Flame of Generations from the Story of Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám took place, with many meaningful contents. This opened new perspectives on how to approach and spread the values of the monument in the digital age. The workshop was co-organized by Center of Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám and the Department of Public Relations and Advertising at the Academy of Journalism and Communication.
Photo: Workshop “When Monument Tells Stories”
With its outstanding values in Vietnamese education, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám not only attracts visitors from both within and outside the country but also serves as a destination for many diplomatic delegations and state leaders. On February 27, 2025, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the special national monument Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed deep impressions about the monument's ancient space and historical values. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính introduced notable architectural works such as the Văn Miếu Gate and the Khuê Văn Các – the symbol of Hanoi. Upon learning about the 82 Doctors Stone Stele – National Treasures of Vietnam, the New Zealand Prime Minister was particularly impressed with the tradition of valuing talent and the long-standing education system of the Vietnamese people.
Photo: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visit the special national monument Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám.
Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám is not just a historical monument, but also a place for preserving and promoting the heritage of the nation. It regularly hosts meaningful activities that connect the past with the present, inspiring learning for future generations. Moreover, with its ancient beauty and rich history, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám remains an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors to Hanoi.
Translator: NL
