Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Origins and Significance

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual, moral, and aesthetic values of the nation throughout thousands of years of history. From fairy tales, legends, proverbs, folk songs, to folk art forms such as water puppetry, Quan Ho singing, and Cheo opera… all reflect the life, thoughts, feelings, and intelligence of the Vietnamese people.

Legends often tell of the origins of objects, natural phenomena, or the history of nation-building and defense. Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or legends about national heroes. Fairy tales, on the other hand, are educational and morally uplifting, often featuring a struggle between good and evil, with good ultimately prevailing.

Diversity and Richness

Vietnamese folklore is incredibly diverse and rich, varying across different regions. Northern Vietnam boasts the smooth, profound melodies of Quan Ho folk songs, Central Vietnam with its leisurely, lyrical singing styles, and Southern Vietnam with its sweet, gentle lullabies. Each region has its own unique stories, legends, proverbs, and folk songs, reflecting the cultural characteristics of that locality.

Legends and Fairy Tales:

These stories are not merely entertainment; they carry profound lessons about morality, compassion, and justice. They help people understand the world around them, the principles of being a good person, and the meaning of life.

Proverbs and Folk Songs:

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that encapsulate the life experiences of the people. Folk songs are lyrical poems that express people’s feelings and thoughts about love, homeland, and country… Both proverbs and folk songs are invaluable cultural heritages, reflecting the intelligence and soul of the Vietnamese people.

The Role of Folklore in the Modern Era

In today’s era, with the rapid development of information technology, folklore still plays an important role in educating, preserving, and promoting the nation’s cultural identity. Teaching and preserving folklore for younger generations is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen.

Preserving folklore is not just about preserving stories, songs, and dances… it is also about preserving and promoting the spiritual, moral, and aesthetic values that folklore brings. It is an important part of building and developing the country.