Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Myths

Vietnamese folklore is rich and diverse, passed down through generations, reflecting the lives, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people. Legends and myths such as Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh (Mountain Spirit – Water Spirit), the story of Hoan Kiem Lake (Returned Sword Lake), and legends about national heroes have become an integral part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese. We learn valuable lessons about courage, intelligence, and patriotism from these stories. The geographical diversity has created a diversity in the stories; each region has its own unique legends, creating a vibrant picture of folk culture.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Sayings

Folk songs, proverbs, and sayings are distinctive genres of Vietnamese folklore. Folk songs express the emotions and feelings of people, from love to family and homeland. Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. Folk songs are more diverse with many different forms of performance, associated with many daily activities. These folk songs, proverbs, and sayings not only have artistic value but are also a precious treasure trove of knowledge, teaching us lessons about morality and lifestyle.

Festivals and Beliefs

Festivals are an important part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival has its own meaning, linked to the history, beliefs, and lives of the community. From large festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year), the Hung Kings Temple Festival to smaller festivals in localities, all demonstrate the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture. Festivals are opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, remember their ancestors, and pray for a good new year.

Folk Art

Vietnamese folk art is also extremely rich with many different forms such as Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, ceramics, embroidery, wood carving… Each artwork is imbued with the imprint of folk culture, demonstrating the skill, talent, and creativity of the Vietnamese people. These are invaluable cultural heritages that need to be preserved and promoted.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

In the present day, preserving and promoting folklore is extremely important. We need practical measures to preserve traditional cultural values while introducing them to the younger generation and international friends. This not only helps preserve the national cultural identity but also contributes to enriching the cultural treasure of humanity.