Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving captivating stories, legends, and fairy tales passed down through generations. These stories are not merely entertainment; they carry profound educational values, reflecting the Vietnamese worldview and philosophy of life. From legends about the origin of the Red River and the majestic Soc Son mountain to fairy tales of Tam and Thach Sanh, each narrative offers lessons about kindness, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.

Legends often relate to history and geography, explaining the origins of natural phenomena. For example, the legend of Saint Giong tells of a heroic warrior who fought and saved the country, embodying the nation’s patriotism and courage. Fairy tales focus on extraordinary characters and situations, often carrying strong moral lessons and promoting virtuous values.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Traditional Music: The Art of Words and Melodies

Proverbs, folk songs, and traditional music are distinctive forms of Vietnamese folklore, reflecting the spiritual life, emotions, and thoughts of the Vietnamese people. Proverbs are concise and insightful sayings that encapsulate life experiences, such as “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” and “One who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree.” Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical poems expressing familial love, romance, and friendship, like “My love for you knows no bounds” and “Sunrise over the mountains”. Traditional music (Dan ca) encompasses traditional songs often performed during festivals and community events, with melodious and profound tunes.

The Importance of Folklore

Folklore is not only a precious intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art, literature, and cinema. Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen to safeguard the nation’s cultural identity, helping younger generations understand their origins, history, and traditions.

Preserving folklore involves more than just recording and archiving; it also means spreading and teaching it, ensuring these cultural values endure. We should actively participate in cultural activities and pass down stories, songs, and proverbs to future generations, so folklore remains vibrant and alive.