Students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams

Students flock to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi before their graduation exams scheduled to take place on July 7 - 8.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 2

The temple, built in 1070 in the heart of the Thang Long Citadel, now Hanoi capital, is one of several temples which is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars in Vietnam. For this reason, the site is viewed as a sanctuary of knowledge.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 3

As the Temple of Literature is temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and students have to pray in front of the temple’s gate.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 4

People often come with a tray of offerings, including sticky rice, cakes, betel and areca, fruits, and flowers.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 5

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 6

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 7

Even though visitors can't go inside the temple, many still stand outside in order to pray and show sincerity.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 8

Some parents even read the registration number of their children, in the hope that they would have good luck in the exams.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 9

A school girl prays for good luck in her upcoming exams.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 10

Plenty of students are accompanied by their parents as they burn incense to wish for luck and success in their academic endeavors.

students pray for good luck ahead of graduation exams picture 11

“I come here with my friend to pray for high scores in the upcoming exam," says Mai Anh, a 12th grader. "I have prepared well and studied hard, however, it is difficult to predict what will happen in the exams.”