Julia Dufault McGrath » The Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature

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While we were in Hanoi, Viet Nam, we were taken to the Temple of Literature, a very special place of Learning.  

The Temple of Literature was built in honor of Confucius in 1070 by the king Ly Thanh Tong.

Although there are several Vam Mieu or Temple of Literature around the whole Vietnam, the one located in Hanoi is, without doubt, the most famous of them all. 

The reasons why this temple is famous are the Temple of Literature in Hanoi was also the first university of Vietnamor imperial academy by the year 1076. There they taught literary composition, Confucian classics, etc.. Noteworthy this place is one of the few places around Vietnam dedicated to Confucius instead of Buda, as Vietnam is mostly Buddhist.

While we were there, the "Graduates" both young men and women, were Celebrating their proud "Finish and Graduation from this Prestigious University.  It was a sight to see!  The young women were all dressed up in The áo dài, the traditional Vietnamese dress mostly worn by women, but also men wear it too.

This Young Woman, had been given a bouquet of Sunflowers and was sitting on the Steps just out side of the Temple at the University.  I saw her sitting there, so humbly and with a soft smile, I just quickly grabbed a photo before she knew I was there.  I thought her so very beautiful and the reds of the buildings, so rich with patina as well as the Red Satin in her áo dài, I instantly knew I had to paint her.