Governor-General of Canada, David Johnston wears “non quai thao”

PANO - The last months of 2011 were regarded as the diplomatic months as there were many important working visits of foreign leaders from countries around the world to the country, such as the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, the Governor-General of Canada, David Johnston and Estonia’s Prime Minister, Andrus Ansip, and so on.

In spite of their busy schedules, the leaders still spent their valuable free time visiting popular places in Vietnam including the Temple of Literature, the first University of Vietnam, which is always a top choice by foreign leaders. 

Located in Hanoi, the University once provided thousands of scholars for the country. For nearly 1,000 years, the Temple of Literature has preserved its ancient architectural style from different dynasties and became one of the precious historical and cultural relics in Vietnam. Especially, the Temple has preserved 82 stelae of Doctors engraving the names of graduates in 82 exams. These 82 stelae were recognised as a World Documentation Heritage by UNESCO in 2010.

These leaders visited the Temple, touched heads of stone turtles to wish for luck, beat the drum at the Temple and had an opportunity to learn more about the tradition of beating drums to start a school year in Vietnam.

Besides, the leaders were impressed by folk music performances of Vietnamese artists. They also had a chance to wear “non quai thao” (flat palm hat with fringes) and play Vietnamese folk instruments.

For the leaders, visiting the Temple of Literature was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the historical and cultural features of the Temple as well as of Vietnam.

There is a saying that “if you come to Hanoi without visiting the Temple of Literature, it means you have not visited Hanoi”. This saying affirms the important role of the Temple in Vietnamese hearts.

Translated by Tran Hoai