Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, and traditional music… reflecting the lives, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people through generations. Legends often tell about the origins of natural phenomena or historical figures, carrying a strong mythical and mysterious character. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the frequent floods in the Red River Delta. Fairy tales focus on everyday life stories, teaching people about morality, kindness, and justice. Stories like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh have become an integral part of the childhood of countless generations of Vietnamese people.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Traditional Music: The Heart of the Vietnamese People

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. We often encounter proverbs such as “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (One who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree), “Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree does not make a forest, but three trees together make a mountain)… Folk songs and traditional music express people’s feelings, thoughts, and aspirations through melodious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Folk songs about love, mother-child relationships, and homeland have touched the hearts of countless listeners. Traditional music, with its diversity in themes and forms, reflects the unique cultural features of each region of the country.

Regional Diversity

Vietnamese folklore is not only rich in content but also shows regional diversity. Each region has its own stories, songs, and dances, reflecting the geographical features, customs, and traditions of the local people. For example, the Quan Ho folk songs of Bac Ninh, the Ho khoan of the Mekong Delta, and Ca Tru… all have their own unique characteristics, contributing to the colorful picture of Vietnamese folklore.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

In the present day, with the rapid development of information technology, the preservation and promotion of folklore become even more important. We need practical measures to preserve and teach these precious cultural values to future generations. Organizing cultural activities, traditional festivals, and television and film programs about folklore will help young people understand more about the origins of the nation.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Understanding and preserving folklore not only helps us better understand the history and traditions of our nation but also helps us preserve our cultural identity and build a strong and civilized country.