Vietnamese Folklore: Identity and Vitality

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a precious treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. It has been passed down through generations, manifested in various rich forms such as legends, myths, folk songs, proverbs, fairy tales, festivals, and traditional games. Each form carries its own meaning, contributing to a diverse and unique cultural landscape.

Legends and Myths: Origins and Stories

Legends and myths are stories about the origins of objects, natural phenomena, and humans. They often have a magical and mysterious nature, reflecting the worldview and spiritual life of the ancients. Examples include the legend of the Dragon and Fairy, Son Tinh Thuy Tinh, or stories about gods and goddesses in folk beliefs…

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Idioms: The Wisdom of the People

Folk songs are short, memorable lyrical poems, often reflecting the emotions and thoughts of the people. Proverbs are short, concise sayings summarizing life experiences and philosophies. Idioms are phrases with fixed meanings, often used to make speech more vivid. All three genres enrich the Vietnamese language and culture.

Traditional Festivals: Unique Cultural Events

Traditional festivals are community cultural activities, often associated with beliefs, religions, and social life. Each festival has its own rituals, games, and cuisine, reflecting the unique cultural characteristics of each region. Examples include the Hung King Temple Festival, the Buffalo Fighting Festival, and the Fishing Festival…

Folk Arts: Refinement and Skill

Vietnamese folk art is expressed in many forms such as Dong Ho folk paintings, Hang Trong paintings, Bat Trang ceramics, embroidery, and weaving. Each work is deeply imbued with cultural imprints, demonstrating the skill, refinement, and creativity of the Vietnamese people.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

Preserving and developing folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need practical measures to preserve and promote traditional cultural values, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of the nation.