The Hanoi Association of UNESCO Clubs and Heritage Inns on May 16launched a painting contest called “Children paint national colours” forchildren from four to nine years old in nursery and primary schoolsnationwide.

The contest aims to broadcast and preserve Dong Ho folk woodcut painting, helping it integrate into modern society.

It will help children nationwide access this famous folk painting artin a new and interesting way, which still maintains traditional values.

The organisation board will award 30 children with the mostbeautiful paintings and display their pieces at exhibitions. Besides,these children will have an opportunity to visit Dong Ho paintingvillage, helping them experience the traditional process of making DongHo paintings.

Dong Ho folk woodcut painting is a genre ofVietnamese woodcut painting that originated from Dong Ho village innorthern Bac Ninh province. Using traditional “do” paper and coloursderived from nature, craftsmen print different themes, from good luckwishes and historical figures to daily activities and folk allegories.

In the past, Dong Ho painting was an essential element of Tetholidays, but has gradually declined under the influence of modernstyles of painting and counterfeit Dong Ho products. However, the art ofmaking Dong Ho paintings will always be considered a symbol ofVietnam’s traditional culture and beauty.-VNA