Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation through generations. From captivating fairy tales and legends to proverbs and folk songs imbued with the essence of life, all contribute to a diverse and rich cultural landscape. This is not only a precious intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art, creativity, and education.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories of Origins and History

Vietnamese legends and fairy tales are often associated with geographical locations, historical events, or mythical figures. They not only explain the origins of natural phenomena but also convey moral lessons and the positive values of the Vietnamese people. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods, while the fairy tale Tam and Cam reflects the desire for justice and the triumph of good.

Notable Legends:

• The Legend of the Dragon and Fairy
• The Legend of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy
• The Legend of Le Loi and the magic sword

Famous Fairy Tales:

• Tam and Cam
• Thach Sanh
• So Dua

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Voice of the Nation

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short poems, often passed down orally, reflecting the emotional life, activities, and labor of the people. Folk songs express love for the homeland, family affection, and romantic love… Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that encapsulate life experiences and reflect the philosophy of life of the nation. Both folk songs and proverbs are cultural treasures that need to be preserved and promoted.

The Influence of Folklore on Modern Life

Folklore is not only a legacy of the past but also has a profound influence on modern life. Many images, stories, and lessons from folklore are used in films, music, and art… The study and preservation of folklore contributes to enriching people’s spiritual lives and educating young generations about the positive traditional values of the nation.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an indispensable part of the nation’s cultural identity. Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen, contributing to preserving and developing this precious cultural heritage for future generations.