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Educational pilgrims in front of Vietnam's oldest university, Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, in Hanoi
Photo: Carola Frentzen / dpa
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 make pilgrimages in large numbers to the famous site called Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam.
Their goal: They want to ensure their luck for the entrance exams at the country's universities, which begin at the end of this week.
The basis is the traditional (super)belief that attending the former university 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.
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The myth says that whoever touches the turtle will be lucky in the exams
Photo: Carola Frentzen / dpa
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.
However, 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.
Founded almost 1000 years ago
But no problem: other talismans are sold right there – namely bright red wall hangings on which auspicious 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.
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Even elementary school children – or their parents – rely on the supposedly lucky power of the former university
Photo: Carola Frentzen / dpa
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 primarily trained the 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 be taking her university entrance exams 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.« She assures her that it worked out for her brother three years ago.
him/dpa