Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

A Rich Cultural Heritage

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and customs spanning thousands of years of history. It reflects the intellect, soul, and lives of the Vietnamese people, creating a multi-colored and fascinating picture. From magical fairy tales to deeply moving folk songs, everything contributes to the vibrant life of this culture.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings

Legends:

Legends often tell of historical events, historical figures, or natural phenomena embellished with mythological and mysterious elements. For example, the legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh explains the origin of floods and the formation of Vietnam’s topography. These stories are not only entertaining but also carry educational meaning, affirming the indomitable spirit and perseverance of the nation.

Fairy Tales:

Fairy tales focus on imaginative, extraordinary stories, often featuring fairy characters and magic. Stories like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh are not only captivating for children but also carry profound lessons about morality, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, Traditional Music: The Heart of the Nation

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and express the philosophy of life of the people. We often encounter proverbs such as “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the one who planted the tree when you eat the fruit), “Một con ngựa đau cả tàu bỏ cỏ” (One sick horse makes the whole herd lose grass),… full of humanity and depth.

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short, lyrical poems that often express people’s feelings, thoughts, and aspirations. With simple, familiar images, folk songs realistically reflect the lives and emotions of the Vietnamese people.

Traditional music (Dân ca) are traditional songs passed down through generations. Each region has its own characteristic folk melodies, reflecting unique cultural features. Folk music has a strange appeal, captivating listeners and evoking memories of their homeland.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is an important task. We need efforts to preserve and pass on to future generations the precious values of the nation. This requires the joint efforts of the community, investment from the government, and the concern of each individual.

Folklore is not only tangible cultural heritage but also intangible cultural heritage, an indispensable part of Vietnamese cultural identity. Understanding and appreciating folklore will help us love our homeland, country, and be proud of our nation’s cultural traditions.