Vietnamese Folklore: A Comprehensive Overview

A Rich Treasure Trove of Folk Literature

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. From fantastical fairy tales to folk songs imbued with human emotion, from concise and meaningful proverbs to graceful traditional dances, all contribute to a diverse and captivating cultural landscape. This is not only an intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for future generations.

Legends: Origins and History

Vietnamese legends are often associated with historical figures, major events, or mysterious natural phenomena. We can mention the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, reflecting the ancient Vietnamese people’s dream of controlling nature; or the legend of Con Rong Chau Tien (Children of the Dragon, Grandchildren of the Fairy), explaining the origin of the nation and affirming the sense of community. These stories are not only entertaining but also educational, conveying moral and spiritual values.

Fairy Tales: Dreams and Life Lessons

Vietnamese fairy tales, with familiar characters like Tam and Cam, or Thach Sanh, have become an indispensable part of the childhood of countless generations. These stories often carry profound humanistic meaning, demonstrating kindness, fairness, and the dream of a better life. Through fairy tales, the ancients passed down valuable lessons on morality, lifestyle, and social conduct.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. They often have a summarizing nature, drawing lessons from life’s phenomena. Folk songs are lyrical poems expressing the feelings and thoughts of Vietnamese people. From love for the homeland to family affection and love, folk songs are expressed sincerely and deeply. Both proverbs and folk songs are evidence of the wisdom and subtlety of the Vietnamese people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore Values

Preserving and promoting the value of folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to make efforts to preserve, research, and disseminate these precious cultural values to future generations. Organizing traditional festivals, folk art performances, or incorporating folklore into school teaching will help bring folklore closer to the public.