Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Origins and Significance

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and musical styles that reflect the spiritual life, philosophy, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people across generations. From fairy tales about good triumphing over evil to poignant folk songs about love for one’s homeland and country, folklore is a strong link between the past and the present, between people and people.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Life Lessons

Legends and fairy tales are not just entertaining stories but also carry profound lessons about morality, compassion, and the struggle between good and evil. Heroic characters, sacred animals, and miraculous spells all contribute to the special appeal of this genre. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh reflects the Vietnamese people’s desire to conquer nature, or the fairy tale Tam and Cam teaches us lessons about kindness and justice.

Famous Legends:

• The legend of Saint Giong
• The legend of the Dragon and Fairy Children
• The legend of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Wisdom and Emotion

Proverbs are short, concise sayings summarizing the life experiences of the people. They often have an educational nature, guiding people to live better lives. Folk songs are lyrical poems expressing people’s feelings, thoughts, and aspirations. From love between couples to family affection and love for one’s homeland, folk songs express themselves deeply and sincerely.

Examples of Proverbs and Folk Songs:

• “Eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree”
• “Don’t see the big waves and drop the oar”
• “Crossing the bridge, remember the one who built it”
• “Pity the fate of the silkworm, the whiter the silk, the more it is spun”

Folk Music: The Sounds of Life

Folk music is an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Each region has its unique folk music styles, reflecting the cultural characteristics of that locality. From the slow, melodious chants to the lively ví and giặm styles, all bring listeners special emotions.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need measures to preserve, protect, and transmit these precious values to future generations. Organizing traditional festivals, teaching folklore in schools, and promoting folklore to the world are ways to do this.