Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a vast, rich, and diverse treasure trove, reflecting the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people through generations. It encompasses genres such as legends, fairy tales, folk songs, proverbs, riddles, folk music, folk dance, folk games, and traditional festivals. Each genre carries unique cultural, historical, and artistic values, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the nation.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories about Origins and History

Legends often tell about historical figures, historical events, and explain the origins of natural objects and phenomena. Examples include the legend of the Dragon and Fairy, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh… We see the power of imagination and the ability of the ancients to interpret the world. Fairy tales focus on fictional stories, often with magical and fantastical elements, reflecting people’s aspirations and dreams of happiness and justice. Familiar characters like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, are evidence of profound lessons about morality, kindness, and the victory of good.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Lyrical Face of the Vietnamese Soul

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short, memorable folk poems, often expressing people’s emotions, thoughts, and dreams in everyday life, love, family, and community. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that encapsulate life experiences and moral principles. Proverbs are often used to advise, educate, and guide people towards good things.

Traditional Festivals: Cultural Beauty to be Preserved

Traditional festivals are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival has spiritual meanings, honoring gods, national heroes, or commemorating important events. Festivals are not only opportunities for fun and entertainment but also opportunities for the community to bond, preserve, and promote traditional cultural values.

Preserving and Promoting the Value of Folklore

In the present era, with the rapid development of information technology and globalization, preserving and promoting the value of folklore is a crucial task. We need concrete measures to preserve, teach, and promote folklore to younger generations, so that folklore will not be lost and will always be an endless source of inspiration for future generations.