Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is an incredibly rich and diverse treasure trove, formed and developed over thousands of years of history. It encompasses elements such as: legends, fairy tales, folk songs, proverbs, riddles, folk paintings, folk music, folk dances, traditional festivals, and customs… All reflect the spiritual and material life, beliefs, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories of Origins and History

Legends often tell of historical events, heroic figures, and strange natural phenomena. The legend of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy, and the story of Sơn Tinh – Thủy Tinh are prime examples. Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on imaginary stories, often with elements of magic and fantasy, aiming to entertain and convey moral lessons about ethics, kindness, and justice. Tấm Cám and Thạch Sanh are familiar fairy tales to the Vietnamese people.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Subtlety of Language

Folk songs and proverbs are concise and pithy forms of folk literature, reflecting the spirit, emotions, and life experiences of the people. Folk songs express love for the homeland, family affections, and romantic love… Proverbs are short sayings containing lessons about life, nature, and people…

Customs and Traditions: The Beauty of Traditional Culture

Customs and traditions are habits, ceremonies, and rituals formed and maintained in community life. Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year), the Hung Kings Temple Festival, and village festivals are examples of important customs and traditions of the Vietnamese people. They demonstrate community cohesion, gratitude to ancestors, and respect for tradition.

The Role of Folklore in Modern Life

In today’s increasingly developed society, folklore still plays an important role in educating young generations and preserving national cultural identity. The study, preservation, and promotion of the value of folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen.

Preserving and Promoting the Value of Folklore

To preserve and promote the value of folklore, we need specific measures such as: propaganda and education; research, collection, and compilation; organizing cultural and artistic activities; combining with tourism… Only when we join hands to protect it, can folklore live forever.