Discover the beauty of Vietnamese calligraphy and learn how to ask for New Year wishes - a meaningful cultural experience with LV Travel.

For Vietnamese people, calligraphy characters symbolize doors to a bright future, which is why everyone seeks them at the beginning of spring. However, many still do not fully understand the beauty and meaning of this traditional Tet custom. Let’s explore it together with LV Travel!

1. What Does It Mean to Ask for Calligraphy?

Asking for calligraphy is a long-standing Vietnamese tradition, typically practiced during the Lunar New Year (Tết). This custom involves seeking out calligraphy masters to request one or several characters that carry auspicious meanings, symbolizing hopes for good fortune, happiness, and prosperity for oneself and one’s family in the coming year.

The requested characters are written in calligraphy an artistic form of writing that blends literature, visual art, and humanistic philosophy. Vietnamese calligraphy can be written in Hán Nôm characters or the modern Vietnamese script, expressed through elegant, flowing strokes that reflect the spirit, emotion, and character of the calligrapher.

Today, asking for calligraphy is not only a beloved New Year tradition but also a cultural practice embraced on many important occasions such as grand openings, housewarming celebrations, birthdays, weddings, graduations, and more. Each piece of calligraphy carries heartfelt wishes and represents the desire for a fulfilling and prosperous life.

2. The Meaning Behind the New Year Calligraphy Tradition

The tradition of asking for calligraphy at the beginning of the year reflects the Vietnamese spirit of respecting teachers and valuing education, while also expressing hopes for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead. Those who request calligraphy often wish for peace, luck, success, or other aspirations that align with their personal goals. It is also a way to send good wishes to themselves and their families for the coming year.

People typically seek out calligraphy masters or respected scholars to ask for meaningful characters. These characters are written on paper, fabric, or other materials, symbolizing the hopes and blessings of the requester.

Asking for calligraphy is not only an artistic practice but also a cultural symbol that preserves and enhances Vietnamese traditions. Although the rituals are now simpler than in the past, this beautiful custom continues to be maintained and cherished in modern Vietnamese society.

3. What Should You Prepare Before Asking for New Year Calligraphy?

In the past, those who wished to ask for calligraphy at the beginning of the year would prepare a small offering, often including betel leaves, areca nuts, tea, or tobacco, and bring it to the calligraphy master’s home. These masters were typically well-educated scholars, Confucian gentlemen, or individuals who had passed imperial examinations.

Today, the tradition has become much simpler. Instead of visiting a master’s home, people can simply go to “calligraphy streets” or seasonal calligraphy markets and choose a calligrapher to request a character from. Alongside experienced masters, many young calligraphers now participate, bringing modern styles and fresh creativity to this cherished tradition.

4. The Meanings Behind Common Calligraphy Characters During Tet

The characters requested during Tet are usually single words with deep moral, spiritual, or aspirational meanings. They reflect virtues, blessings, or personal wishes such as Tâm (Heart), Đức (Virtue), Phúc (Happiness), Lộc (Prosperity), Thọ (Longevity), An (Peace), Nhẫn (Patience), Success, Joy, Grace, and many more. Each character carries a unique message suited to the requester’s age, circumstances, or intentions.

Below are the meanings of some of the most popular characters:

-   Lộc (Prosperity): Symbolizes wealth and good fortune. Giving someone the character Lộc is seen as wishing them a year filled with abundance and financial blessings.

-   Phúc (Happiness/Blessings): Represents happiness and luck. Many people display this character at home to invite positivity and good fortune.

-   Thọ (Longevity): Stands for health and long life. It is often requested to bless family members—especially grandparents and parents—with well-being and longevity.

-   Tâm (Heart/Mind): Reflects the desire for inner peace, clarity, and purity of the heart, helping one let go of negative emotions and live a tranquil life.

-   Đức (Virtue): Represents morality and good character. Those who ask for this character hope to remind themselves to live righteously and cultivate kindness.

-   Tài (Talent): Symbolizes ability and talent. People request this character to pray for success in their studies, careers, or personal development.

-   An (Peace): Represents safety, harmony, and peace. It is chosen by those who wish for a calm, happy, and stable life.

-   Nhẫn (Patience): Conveys tolerance, strength, and self-control—important virtues in overcoming challenges.

-   Hiếu (Filial Piety): Expresses gratitude and respect for parents and grandparents, honoring their sacrifices and nurturing love.

-   Tín (Trust / Integrity): Represents trustworthiness and keeping one’s word—being dependable and honorable in all commitments.

-   Duyên (Fate / Affection): Symbolizes love, charm, and destiny. Young people especially favor this character, hoping for good fortune in relationships and emotional harmony in the new year.

5. Common New Year Wishes in English

Travelers may use these phrases when speaking with calligraphy masters or writing notes to accompany their calligraphy:

-   Happy New Year! Wishing you luck and happiness.

-   May the new year bring you peace and prosperity.

-   Wishing you good health and success in the coming year.

-   May all your wishes come true this year.

When traveling with LV Travel, visitors will have the chance to explore iconic cultural spots such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, and the Saigon “Ong Do” Calligraphy Street, where they can meet calligraphy masters and receive meaningful New Year characters.

Vietnamese calligraphy is more than just artistic handwriting - it represents hope, gratitude, and positive wishes for the new year. Learning how to ask for New Year wishes in English helps international travelers appreciate and fully enjoy this meaningful tradition.

For visitors looking for an authentic cultural experience during Tết, LV Travel is ready to guide you through the vibrant and spiritual world of Vietnamese New Year celebrations.

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