Sanya hosts traditional Chinese 'first writing ceremony'

On Aug 25, nearly 100 children donned hanfu attire to partake in ancient rituals of the "first writing ceremony" at the Yazhou Confucian Temple in Sanya, immersing themselves in traditional Chinese culture.

In Chinese tradition, the "first writing ceremony" is an enlightenment ceremony held for children when they start learning to read. It often includes rituals such as paying respects to Confucius, reciting classics, tracing red characters, and showing gratitude to their parents and teachers with bows. It is of great significance to new students and their parents, symbolizing the beginning of a new journey in their lives.

Built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), the Yazhou Confucian Temple is the southernmost Confucian temple in China. For nearly a millennium, it has served as a vital hub for cultural and educational activities in the southern part of Hainan province.

As one of Sanya's most important traditional cultural events, the "first writing ceremony" at the Yazhou Confucian Temple has been held several times to date, with its scale and influence continuously expanding.

This year's "first writing ceremony" will last until Aug 30, accompanied by activities such as an experiential exhibition for the six arts - rites, music, archery, chariot-racing, calligraphy and mathematics, as well as calligraphy and painting exhibitions and classical literature reading clubs, aiming to promote the preservation of traditional culture.

Sanya hosts the "first writing ceremony" at the Yazhou Confucian Temple on Aug 25. [Photo/Sanya Daily]