Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: The Source of National Strength

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, preserving stories, songs, proverbs, and customs passed down through generations. Legends and fairy tales are not merely entertainment; they are valuable lessons about morality, kindness, and the struggle between good and evil. Stories of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or Tam and the clever Trạng Trí, have become an integral part of the memory of every Vietnamese person. We learn perseverance, courage, and intelligence through these main characters. Furthermore, legends and fairy tales reflect the history, geography, and social life of the Vietnamese people throughout various periods.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Folk Music: The Voice of the People

Folk songs, proverbs, and folk music are distinctive forms of folk literature, profoundly reflecting the soul, emotions, and intellect of the Vietnamese people. Sweet and profound folk songs express love for the homeland, love for couples, and family affection. Proverbs, with their concise and succinct sentences, contain life experiences and valuable lessons learned from daily life and work. Folk music, with its melodious and lyrical tunes, expresses the rich and diverse spiritual life of the Vietnamese people in different regions.

Regional Diversity

Folklore characteristics vary in each region. Northern folklore is often formal and polite, reflected in art forms like Chèo and Quan Họ. Central folklore is strong and heroic, with slow and profound Hò chants. Southern folklore is vibrant and lively, with art forms like Đờn Ca Tài Tử and cải lương.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

In today’s era, with the rapid development of technology and cultural exchange, the preservation and development of folklore is a crucial task. We need specific policies and measures to protect and preserve these valuable traditional cultural values, while also introducing them to the world, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people.

Organizing festivals, folk art performances, and integrating folklore into school curricula will help bring folklore closer to young people, helping them understand and appreciate the traditional values of the nation.