The beginning of the year writing ceremony is one of the traditional customs that many people pay attention to during the Tet Nguyen Dan holiday. According to folklore, starting the year by writing or requesting a character from scholars on the first days of the new year brings good fortune and prospects for one’s educational and career paths. Moreover, the custom of the first writing of the year has unique aspects that you may not know about! Let’s explore them right away.
What is the Beginning of Year Writing Ceremony?
The beginning of year writing ceremony is an important tradition during Tet Nguyen Dan, representing the blessings of peace and happiness from the writer to loved ones and friends. Through writing the first lines, the writer wishes for a new year filled with joy, success, and prosperity for everyone.
Besides wishing blessings for others, the beginning of year writing can also be a way for the writer to express personal desires and aspirations. This could include a wish for a smooth and successful year in studies, career, or other personal goals. The beginning of year writing helps the writer focus on their dreams and hopes, providing motivation to strive and achieve accomplishments in the new year.
Origins
According to historical records, the custom of the beginning of year writing and requesting characters began to appear around the 13th century, associated with the image of teacher Chu Van An in Chi Linh (Hai Duong) when he opened a teaching class. It is said that when students visited teacher Chu Van An, upon leaving, they were often gifted a character written by him, carrying a message about the essence of life.
In the past, the beginning of year writing custom was usually practiced by scholars and intellectuals.
Those who received the characters felt extremely fortunate and cherished them. From then on, this custom was passed down in folklore, symbolizing not only a love for learning but also expressing the tradition of respecting teachers and honoring their teachings.
Historically, the beginning of year writing was primarily performed by scholars and intellectuals. After the New Year’s Eve, at the very first moment of the new year, they would burn incense at their writing desks and sincerely write beautiful couplets and meaningful characters on red paper or flower-patterned paper.
The Vietnamese people have long believed that the pen is a tool that connects intellectual life and the soul. The beginning of year writing symbolizes good fortune, success in studies, and career. During the Tet holiday, intellectuals, students, and writers place great importance on this tradition.
Timing for the Beginning of Year Writing
The beginning of year writing is a beautiful traditional custom during Tet Nguyen Dan.
The most suitable time to conduct the beginning of year writing ceremony is from after New Year’s Eve until the fifth day of Tet. Therefore, you can choose an auspicious hour during the day from the first day until just before returning to school or work to perform the ceremony.
Good Days and Times for the Beginning of Year Writing in the Year of the Dragon 2024
According to the lunar calendar, the dates for the beginning of year writing in 2024 fall on the following days:
- 2nd day of the first lunar month corresponds to February 11, 2024 (Sunday).
- 4th day of the first lunar month corresponds to February 13, 2024 (Tuesday).
- 9th day of the first lunar month corresponds to February 18, 2024 (Sunday).
- 10th day of the first lunar month corresponds to February 19, 2024 (Monday).
Content
Many scholars who offer characters often choose words, idioms, proverbs, and meaningful sentences that convey beautiful messages, hopes, and optimism for life. These characters bring joy, excitement, and positivity to the person requesting them during the new year. Additionally, it may also include the writer’s name, age, hometown, or a few spontaneously created poems.
Students often focus on writing beautifully during the beginning of year writing ceremony to ensure a successful school year, while poor handwriting could negatively affect their studies throughout the year. Therefore, before performing this ritual, it is advisable to think ahead and prepare what you will write.
In summary, the beginning of year writing ceremony is a beautiful traditional custom during Tet Nguyen Dan. Writing is not just about the characters; it is about opening the heart and mind for a prosperous and successful new year in education and career. Furthermore, it reflects our nation’s long-standing tradition of valuing education and respecting teachers.
The Significance of Popular Characters Requested During Tet
According to Mr. Pham Hai from the UNESCO Calligraphy Club in Hanoi, for many years, clients have primarily requested four characters: Mind, Fortune, Virtue, and Patience.
Many other characters are also requested during Tet. Depending on individual wishes, people will ask for different characters. Let’s explore the meanings of some of these characters.
Requesting the Character for Wealth
The character for Wealth symbolizes prosperity and is one of the most requested characters at the beginning of the new year. People gift each other this character as a wish for a lucky year filled with wealth and success.
Requesting the Character for Happiness
The character for Happiness symbolizes happiness and good fortune, so it is often requested for decoration in homes.
Requesting the Character for Longevity
The character for Longevity symbolizes health and long life. People often request this character wishing for a healthy and prosperous family while expressing their wishes for the longevity of grandparents and parents.
Requesting the Character for Purity
People request the character for Purity with the desire for a tranquil mind, free from desires, selfishness, and hatred, to lead a peaceful and serene life.
Requesting the Character for Virtue
The character for Virtue symbolizes the beauty and morality of a person. Those who request this character aim to remind themselves to live well and do good deeds for a tranquil soul.
Requesting the Character for Talent
The character for Talent symbolizes skill. Those who request this character wish to achieve success in their studies and work.
Requesting the Character for Peace
The character for Peace symbolizes tranquility. People request the character for Peace to wish for a peaceful and happy life.
Requesting the Character for Patience
The character for Patience represents tolerance, forgiveness, and personal strength.
Requesting the Character for Filial Piety
The character for Filial Piety expresses gratitude for the hard work and sacrifices of ancestors and parents.
Requesting the Character for Trust
The character for Trust in Vietnamese means belief, reliability, and always fulfilling one’s commitments.
Requesting the Character for Fate
The character for Fate symbolizes love and destiny. Young people often request this character at the beginning of the year to wish for good fortune in love and signs of happiness.
