Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Development

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, songs, proverbs, and customs passed down through generations. Legends, with stories of gods, heroes, and historical events, reflect the worldview and beliefs of the ancient Vietnamese. Fairy tales, with their clear-cut good and evil characters and life lessons, educate and entertain children. From the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh to the fairy tales of Tam Cam and Thach Sanh, each story carries profound meaning and cultural value.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Folk Music: The Voice of the People

Folk songs (Ca dao), with their concise and evocative verses, express the feelings, thoughts, and aspirations of the working people. Folk songs about love, homeland, and family always touch the hearts with their sincerity and depth. Proverbs (Tục ngữ), with their short and meaningful sentences, summarize life experiences and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. We can learn a lot from proverbs like “Constant dripping wears away a stone” and “When you eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” Folk music (Dân ca), with its melodious and profound tunes, reflects the rich spiritual life of the people. Each region has its own characteristic folk music, reflecting unique cultural identities.

Customs and Traditions: Diversity and Sophistication

Vietnamese folklore is also clearly reflected in customs and traditions. From traditional festivals like Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) and Gioi Festival to wedding and funeral ceremonies, each ritual has its own meaning, reflecting Vietnamese concepts of life, morality, and ethics. The diversity in customs and traditions showcases the richness and uniqueness of Vietnamese folklore.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need to be conscious of preserving and passing on these precious cultural values to future generations. Researching, collecting, and disseminating folklore through various forms, such as books, films, and television programs, will bring folklore closer to the public, contributing to raising awareness and responsibility in preserving and promoting it.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable resource, reflecting the history, culture, and spirit of the Vietnamese people. Exploring and discovering the beauty of folklore not only helps us better understand our national origins but also strengthens our love for our homeland.