Dozens of freelance calligraphers still work at the old site. Their self-made tents and makeshift seats cause chaos, which worsens as they rush to remove their belongings to avoid being fined when the local security team appears. — Photo dantri.com.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — Many freelance calligraphers are still working along Van Mieu Street, despite the Ha Noi People's Committee's decision to relocate them.

 

These calligraphers, who offer calligraphy in Chinese, nom (old Vietnamese characters based on Chinese characters) and modern Vietnamese to people during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday have already been asked to relocate to the Van Mieu Historic Relic.

However, dozens of them still work at the old site. Their self-made tents and makeshift seats cause chaos, which worsens as they rush to remove their belongings to avoid being fined when the local security team appears.

In the past few days, very few customers have approached the calligraphers at the new site for service. Some calligraphers have so much free time that they even take naps to kill the time.

Calligraphy is a tradition among the Vietnamese people. The letters typically contain the wishes and hopes of the people for the New Year.

Previously, calligraphers showcased their skills in Van Mieu Street, outside the 1,000 year-old literature temple. But their work created chaos and traffic jams at the site.

To fix the problem this year, the city authorities offered the calligraphers a new location with 70 seats, built with metal frames and a cloth roof. At the new venue, only approved calligraphers with business or work cards and with membership of calligraphy clubs in the city are permitted to work.

The stalls are generally open between 8.30am and 8pm. However, they will commence work later in the day on Lunar New Year's Eve, as well as on the first few days of the New Year. The site is expected to receive up to 10,000 people daily during the period, which will last till February 16.

The organisers said they would improve the arrangements at the new site next year, based on the experience gathered this year. — VNS