Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of our nation over thousands of years. From fairy tales and proverbs imbued with human affection to vibrant traditional festivals, everything contributes to a diverse and rich cultural picture.

Fairy Tales: An Endless Source of Inspiration

Vietnamese fairy tales are not just entertainment; they also carry profound educational meanings. Stories about good and evil, justice, and compassion are conveyed through familiar characters like Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, and So Dua. We can see traditional moral values preserved and promoted through generations.

Notable Stories:

• Tam and Cam: The story reflects greed, injustice, and the ultimate triumph of good.
• Thach Sanh: Shows courage, integrity, and the victory of righteousness.
• So Dua (The Coconut Head): Praises filial piety, perseverance, and the rewarding of kindness.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs and folk songs are concise, succinct sayings that express the life experiences and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. We can find lessons on ethics, behavior, labor, and love for the homeland. Folk songs express deep human emotions, love between couples, family affection, and neighborly bonds…

Examples:

• “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the one who planted the tree when you eat the fruit)
• “Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree doesn’t make a mountain, but three trees together make a high mountain)
• “Thương người như thể thương thân” (Love others as you love yourself)

Traditional Festivals: The Vibrancy of Culture

Traditional festivals are special cultural events that showcase the unique cultural beauty of each region. From the Hung Kings Temple Festival, the Gioi Festival to other regional festivals, each festival has its own meaning, linked to the history, beliefs, and spiritual life of the people.

Some notable festivals:

• Hung Kings Temple Festival: Commemorates the Hung Kings, the ancestors of the Vietnamese people.
• Gioi Festival: Honors the heroic figure who fought against foreign invaders.
• Central Highlands Gong Festival: Shows the unique culture of the ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively participate in activities to preserve, teach, and promote folklore to younger generations, contributing to preserving and developing the nation’s cultural identity.