Tet has always been an essential festival in Vietnam, back from the ancient days until now. People believe in the first day of the Lunar Year, they should visit pagodas and temples to pray for a new successful year. Although I do believe in that traditions, every time I visit religious places, what caught my eyes are usually ancient architecture and pattern.
These photographs are taken in Tran Quoc Pagoda near West Lake in Hanoi. Legend said it is one of the most important locations for praying and blessing in Hanoi, many kings and emperors in the past held big religious events here in the temple.
As you can see from the photos, the architecture is constructed strictly to the rules of Buddhism architecture, with a big front gate welcoming people to chronological visit each departments inside. The most noticeable thing can be witnessed from far awat is the Lotus tower, which represent the idea of pure like a lotus, born from dirt but rise and grow into a gorgeous type of flower. The general concept of this temple is the awakening and growth of not only each individual but also the society.
The main pattern here is lotuses, though being reconstructed multiple times in centuries. From the tiles I am standing on, to handles on the handrails.... everything is our country's national flower. The unification in pattern make the temple has its own uniqueness, making it unforgettable for anyone who have once visited it.
At the end, I proudly say that I have once have a chance to visit and witnessed the magic of this historical temple. As a Vietnamese, I believe locations like Tran Quoc Pagoda should be visited and preserved more, so that history will always live and stay with us.
It is the first day of the Lunar New Year. I am looking forward to experiencing more in the future.
(Photos by Minh Anh Tran - 2023)