Vietnamese Folklore: A Journey of Discovery

A Nation’s Priceless Treasure

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual values, morals, and life experiences of our ancestors for generations. It’s not just stories, songs, and dances, but a manifestation of the intellect, creativity, and enduring vitality of the nation.

Legends: Stories of History and Origins

Legends are a significant part of folklore, recounting historical events, heroic figures, and the origins of natural phenomena. These stories often have a mythical quality, blending imagination and reality, leaving behind profound lessons about courage, intelligence, and righteousness.

Examples: The legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the story of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the legends of the Hung Kings are stories passed down through generations, reflecting the Vietnamese people’s aspirations to conquer nature, protect the country, and build peace.

Fairy Tales: Lessons about Morality and Life

Fairy tales are stories about everyday life, carrying high educational value. They often feature clear-cut good and evil characters, illustrating lessons about kindness, fairness, perseverance, and resilience.

Examples: Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, and the story of the Starfruit tree are familiar fairy tales that teach readers lessons about morality, karma, and the meaning of life.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Essence of Life

Proverbs and folk songs are concise and meaningful forms of folk literature that express life experiences, social concepts, and human emotions. Proverbs often have a philosophical nature, drawing lessons from reality, while folk songs express people’s feelings and sentiments.

Examples: “One who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree,” “A sound leaf shelters a damaged one,” and “Even a small love can be complete” are familiar proverbs and folk songs reflecting the good moral values and emotions of the Vietnamese people.

Preserving and Promoting the Value of Folklore

In today’s world, preserving and promoting the value of folklore is crucial. We need practical measures to preserve and transmit these precious values to future generations, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of the nation.

Examples: Organizing cultural and artistic activities, compiling books and documentaries, and teaching in schools are effective ways to preserve and promote folklore.