Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

A Precious Legacy

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual values, ethics, and philosophies of our nation through generations. From colorful fairy tales to folk songs imbued with human affection, all reflect a rich and diverse culture.

Mysterious Legends

Legends are an integral part of folklore, recounting stories about the origins, history, and heroic figures of the nation. Legends such as The Legend of Cau and Tru, The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake not only entertain but also carry profound educational significance, conveying lessons about courage, loyalty, and patriotism.

Famous Legends:

• The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake: The story of King Le Loi returning the magical sword to the Golden Turtle, symbolizing gratitude and patriotism.
• The Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh: The story of the battle between Son Tinh (Mountain God) and Thuy Tinh (Water God) reflects the Vietnamese people’s dream of conquering nature and protecting crops.

Enchanting Fairy Tales

Fairy tales are fictional folk stories, often featuring fairies, magic, and moral lessons. Fairy tales such as Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh have become an indispensable part of the childhood of countless generations of Vietnamese people.

Lessons from Fairy Tales:

Fairy tales are not merely entertaining stories but contain profound lessons about kindness, justice, and the triumph of good over evil. They teach us about the meaning of perseverance, courage, and sacrifice.

Proverbs and Folk Songs – Mirrors of the Soul

Proverbs and folk songs are short, concise sayings that reflect the life, emotions, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. They have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an inseparable part of folklore.

Memorable Proverbs and Folk Songs:

• “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, a mother’s love is like water from a spring.”
• “When eating a fruit, remember the person who planted the tree.”

Diverse Customs and Traditions

Vietnamese customs and traditions are diverse and rich, reflecting the interplay between different cultures. From traditional festivals to daily life customs, they are deeply imbued with national cultural identity.

Traditional Festivals:

Vietnam is famous for its vibrant and bustling traditional festivals, such as the Hung Kings Temple Festival, the Huong Pagoda Festival… each festival has its own meaning, expressing respect for ancestors, praying for good weather, and abundant harvests.

Conclusion: Vietnamese folklore is an extremely precious heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted. Understanding and disseminating these cultural values not only helps us better understand our nation’s history and culture but also contributes to educating younger generations, building a civilized and developed society.