Exhibition on the tradition of valuing education.

On January 21st, the exhibition "Some Images of the Vietnamese Temple of Literature System" opened at the Temple of Literature - National University (Hanoi). Viewers can see the vibrant aspects of Vietnam's tradition of valuing education and promoting talent.

Exhibition on the tradition of valuing education.

With hundreds of images, theThe exhibition "Some Images of the Vietnamese Temple of Literature System" introduces to the public the beauty of ancient Vietnamese educational traditions through Confucian culture and examinations – which were introduced to Vietnam from the beginning of the first millennium to the latter half of the 11th century, and subsequently developed over nearly ten centuries, becoming a universal education system during the feudal era, training many talented individuals for the country.

Along with the emergence and flourishing of the Confucian education and examination system, a system of Confucian temples was established from the central to the local level. The Confucian Temple - National Academy in Thang Long (Hanoi) was established in 1070. Confucian temples in the districts first appeared in 1414. The Hue Confucian Temple was built in 1808... Many Confucian temples remain today, serving as educational sites promoting learning and talent: the Confucian Temple - National Academy (Hanoi), the Hue Confucian Temple, and other Confucian temples in Bac Ninh, Mao Dien (Hai Duong), Xich Dang (Hung Yen), Hoi An, Vinh Long, Cao Lanh, Dien Khanh (Khanh Hoa), and Tran Bien (Dong Nai)...

Not everyone knows this: The architecture of the Temple of Literature is built in a north-south direction, and depending on its rank, it is divided into areas: the Temple of Literature gate, the main hall, the Great Hall, the left wing, the right wing, the Khai Thanh Hall... Only those with a fairly deep understanding of history, culture, and educational history would know that the sacrificial ceremony at the Temple of Literature is held on the auspicious day of the two middle months of spring and autumn each year; the offerings include: white jade scepter, white silk, sticky rice, candles, incense, flowers, fruit, and the Three Sacrificial Animals (buffalo, goat, and pig); the music in the ceremony plays the character "Van" (literature)...

Speaking of the Temple of Literature (and simultaneously) is speaking of the Doctoral Stele – a unique form of honoring talented individuals. The Doctoral Stele is made of green stone, placed on the back of a turtle – a symbol of nobility and longevity. The steles are intricately carved with exquisite patterns, bearing the distinct mark of contemporary sculptural and calligraphic art. These are original, authentic, and reliable historical documents, providing rich information about the history and culture of the country, the locality, and the families of Doctoral laureates, as well as about the Confucian education system in Vietnam throughout the ages. The content of the inscriptions on the steles also reflects the educational tradition and the respect for talent. The Hue Temple of Literature has 32 Doctoral Steles recording the names and hometowns of 293 Doctoral laureates from 39 imperial examinations held from 1822 to 1919. The Bac Ninh Temple of Literature preserves 12 "Golden Tablets of Remembrance" steles, and the Xich Dang Temple of Literature preserves nine steles, all recording the names of Doctoral laureates from the Kinh Bac region and the former Hung Yen province. Most notably, the 82 doctoral steles listing 1,304 doctoral graduates from the imperial examinations between 1442 and 1779, currently preserved at the Temple of Literature - National University in Hanoi, have become a World Documentary Heritage site, recognized by UNESCO in 2010.

The Temple of Literature is a place of worship for Confucius, the Four Disciples, the Seventy-Two Sages, and other Vietnamese Confucian scholars... but the system of Temples of Literature in Vietnam is not just a place of worship according to Confucian rules. It is also a place to honor talented individuals, a place to cultivate, preserve, and manifest many precious traditions: love of learning, filial piety, respect for teachers, and appreciation of talent... Preserving, restoring, and promoting the value of the Temples of Literature is also about preserving and promoting the beautiful cultural values ​​of the nation.

The exhibition runs until February 25th and is a highlight for visitors to the Temple of Literature - National University during the early spring of the Year of the Horse.

According to NDĐT