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Students from around the country have been flocking to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi to pray for luck before the upcoming university entrance exams.

Moved by the belief that touching the stone tortoises’ head or stelae would bring them luck, students ignore the signs telling them not to touch the monuments in hopes that the contact will end up in good results for them.

The temple was was the main Confucian school in Vietnam. Built in 1070, it is now only one of many old universities that still stand in the country. The Temple of Literature established in the time of King Lý Nhân Tông turned out generations of scholars, writers and sages.

It is located to the south of Thang Long Citadel. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae in respect of old scholars are still venerated as places of respect, and modern students still want to benefit from this tradition.

Calligraphers also still congregate around the temple before Tet to write blessings in the old way. These are much sought-after and often given as gifts during the season.

Many parents take children to the temple

Steel fences set to prevent students from touching the tortoises’ head 

Many students purchase calligraphy  

Burning incenses 

Taking photos on grass despite signs