Vietnam
Former university as a lucky charm for exams
A shop in Vietnam’s oldest elite university sells bright red wall hangings with auspicious Chinese characters painted on them. Photo: Carola Frentzen/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Education is very important in Vietnam and is the key to advancement. A little luck in the final exams can’t hurt.
Vietnam’s oldest elite university is currently experiencing a rush of students – although the so-called “literature temple” in the capital Hanoi has long since ceased to be used as a university.
Young people from many parts of the country are flocking to the famous Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam complex to try their luck in the country’s university entrance exams, which begin later this week.
Because the (super)belief has traditionally circulated that a visit is already half the battle for a successful test result. But young students also hope to arm themselves in the facility for upcoming class tests.
One of the challenges is touching the head of one of the dozens of stone turtles that line the grounds. On their backs are steles with the names of more than 1000 successful graduates from days long past. In order to protect the turtles from the hands of countless fortune seekers, they have recently been fenced off. When a boy leans over the barrier to touch one of the stone animals, a guard promptly rushes over.
But no problem: More talismans are sold right there – namely bright red wall hangings on which auspicious Chinese characters are painted. Long queues regularly form in front of the sales stand. Meanwhile, in the temple, mothers pray for the success of their children.
The National University was founded in 1076 on the site of the Van Mieu Temple dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It remained in operation for around 700 years and mainly trained sons of ruling and aristocratic families to become high officials.
“I often come here with my brothers and sisters to touch one of the turtles’ heads so that they have luck in their exams,” says teacher Mai Thu Thuy. “This is a Vietnamese tradition: we want our children to know how our ancestors lived and studied.”
Nguyen Van Anh, who will take her university entrance exam at the end of the week, wants to gain self-confidence in the temple of literature: “I don’t know if I’ll have a great result, but I’m definitely more self-confident after my visit here – and that’s it very important.” It worked for her brother three years ago, she assures.