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 thousands of years of history. From mysterious legends to sweet folk songs and concise proverbs, everything reflects the life, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people.

Legends: Origins and Stories

Legends are stories about the origins of geographical locations, objects, natural phenomena, or historical figures, interwoven with fantastical and mythological elements. These stories not only explain the origins of things but also carry lessons about morality, kindness, and courage. Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of Con Rong Chau Tien, which have become integral parts of Vietnamese folklore.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Wisdom of the People

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short lyrical poems, often passed down orally, reflecting the emotional life, thoughts, and aspirations of working people. With simple and easily understandable language, folk songs have resonated deeply with people, becoming an essential part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and beliefs. Proverbs often have an educational purpose, guiding people’s behavior in life.

Folk Literature: Diversity and Richness

Vietnamese folk literature extends beyond legends, folk songs, and proverbs to include many other genres such as: poetry, fairy tales, jokes, rhymes, and proverbs,… Each genre has its own characteristics, reflecting a different aspect of social life. The diversity and richness of folk literature create a vivid and captivating cultural picture.

Preservation and Promotion of Value

Preserving and promoting the value of folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Learning, researching, and teaching folklore to younger generations is crucial to preserving and developing the nation’s fine cultural values.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is a precious legacy that needs to be preserved and promoted. Exploring and understanding folklore not only helps us learn more about our history and culture but also helps us cultivate positive qualities and live a more meaningful life.