Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales – A Source of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving stories, songs, proverbs, and customs spanning thousands of years of history. Legends and fairy tales, stories recounting the origins of the country, its people, and natural phenomena, are an essential part of this heritage. From the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, which depicts the struggle between humans and nature, to stories about the origins of watermelons, banyan trees, and wells, all carry profound messages about morality, love for one’s homeland, and patriotism.

Folk Songs and Proverbs – The Philosophy of Life of the People

Folk songs, short, simple lyric poems containing profound emotions, express love for one’s homeland, country, lovers, and family. Proverbs, short, concise sayings, summarize the life experiences of our ancestors over many generations. Both folk songs and proverbs are valuable lessons about life, morality, and social conduct.

Some Notable Examples:

“A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son/ A mother’s love is like the water from a spring” – A folk song demonstrating the immense contributions of parents.

“When eating fruit, remember the person who planted the tree” – A proverb emphasizing gratitude.

Customs and Traditions – Distinctive Cultural Identity

Vietnamese customs and traditions are diverse and rich, reflecting the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. From traditional festivals such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) and the Hung Kings Temple Festival, to wedding and funeral customs, all carry profound cultural meanings. Each region has its own unique features, creating a vibrant picture of Vietnamese folklore.

Preserving and Developing Folklore

In the modern era, preserving and developing folklore is extremely important. We need effective measures to pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. This is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure, a source of national pride. Studying and preserving folklore not only helps us better understand the history and traditions of our nation but also contributes to educating younger generations and fostering a love for our homeland.