Vietnamese Folklore: Richness and Diversity

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, reflecting the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people through generations. From mystical legends and lyrical folk songs to concise proverbs, all contribute to a unique and diverse cultural landscape. It is not only an intangible cultural heritage but also the spiritual foundation of the nation.

Legends and Mythology

Stories of Origins

Legends in Vietnam often tell the origins of the country, mountains, rivers, natural phenomena, or historical figures who contributed to the nation. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods; the legend of the Dragon and Fairy children explains the origin of the Vietnamese people.

Heroes and Mythical Figures

Many legends tell of heroes, individuals with extraordinary strength, intelligence, or compassion, willing to sacrifice for their people and country. The image of heroes in legends is not only a symbol of physical strength but also a symbol of the indomitable spirit and unwavering will of the Vietnamese people.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Other Genres of Folklore

Folk Songs: The Voice of the Nation

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short lyrical poems, often passed down orally through generations. Folk songs reflect the feelings, thoughts, and dreams of the working people, expressing love for their homeland, country, love between couples, and family affection.

Proverbs: The Philosophy of Life of the Vietnamese

Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and philosophies of the people. Proverbs reflect social, natural, and human phenomena, helping people learn from life’s lessons.

Other Genres

In addition to folk songs and proverbs, Vietnamese folklore is also rich in many other genres such as: folk poetry, jokes, rhymes, myths, etc. Each genre has its own characteristics, reflecting a different aspect of the Vietnamese people’s spiritual life.

The Role of Folklore in Modern Life

Today, folklore still plays an important role in education, transmitting good moral and spiritual values to young generations. Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen to maintain the nation’s cultural identity.