With the latest coronavirus outbreak spreading to 13 cities and provinces nationwide, calligraphers operating at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature are required to don face masks and pass calligraphy works through a shield as part of epidemic prevention measures. 

Hordes of residents from the capital flock to the Temple of Literature on the second day of Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, to ask for scripts given by calligraphers. They are required to wear face masks, maintain a safe distance from others, and wash their hands with sanitizer to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

The Ho Van area inside the relic complex welcomes a large number of guests who come to purchase calligraphy works during Tet. People thoroughly wash their hands with sanitiser at the entrance

Mask coverings are mandatory in public places following the emergence of the virus in Vietnam.

It is a common custom in Vietnam that people ask scholars for scripts on lunar New Year’s Day, in the hope the new year will bring them happiness, good luck and prosperity.

There are just a dozen of calligraphers operating in the Ho Van area this year, although there are fewer than in previous years

An anti-droplet shield is placed on the table as part of COVID-19 preventive measures

Calligraphers and local residents are required to don face masks whilst keeping a safe distance apart from others

Due to the small number of calligraphers operating at the site, people are forced to queue in order to ask for calligraphy works, with everyone maintaining a minimum distance of one metre during their wait

Waiting in the queue to ask for scripts takes almost one hour.

Despite having to wait long, people remain patient as they wait for their turn

The tradition of collecting scripts is an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture upon the arrival of the Lunar New Year

Calligraphic scripts are dried immediately upon completion.

It is typical for students to visit the site so they can wish for high results in important exams in the year ahead.