Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: The Source of National Strength

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, songs, proverbs, and customs passed down through generations. Legends and fairy tales, with their mythical characters and profound lessons on morality, courage, and wisdom, play a crucial role in shaping the perceptions and values of the Vietnamese people. Stories like Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, are not merely entertaining narratives but also reflect the beliefs of the ancients about nature, society, and humanity.

Famous Legends:

• Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh: The story reflects humanity’s dream of conquering nature.
• An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau Trong Thuy: A lesson about national self-esteem and betrayal.
• The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake: A story about patriotism and the victory of justice.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Traditional Music: The Voice of the People’s Heart

Folk songs, proverbs, and traditional music are forms of folk art that authentically reflect the lives, emotions, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. Sweet and profound folk songs express love for one’s homeland, country, love between couples, and family affection. Proverbs, with their concise and succinct sentences, encapsulate life experiences and philosophies. Traditional music, with its melodious tunes, conveys the thoughts and feelings of the working people.

Some Examples:

• Folk songs: “Qua cau gio cuon, thang duoi ngon tre, / Canh kho la rung, nguoi yeu noi de…” (Translation: Across the bridge, the wind blows, straight are the bamboo shoots, / Dry branches, fallen leaves, my lover is at the dike…)
• Proverbs: “An qua nho ke trong cay” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree), “That bai la me thanh cong” (Failure is the mother of success)
• Traditional music: Ho Keo Phao, Lyngua O, Hat Xoan…

Customs and Traditions: The Essence of Vietnamese Culture

Customs and traditions are the practices, rituals, and ceremonies passed down through generations, reflecting the unique cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. Tet Nguyen Dan, with its traditional activities like making Banh Chung, giving lucky money (Li Xi), and New Year greetings, is a prime example. Traditional festivals like the Gio Ong festival, Lim festival, village festivals… are also rich in folk culture, reflecting the spiritual life and community spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. The research, collection, and dissemination of folklore values contribute to preserving the nation’s cultural identity and educating young generations about the beautiful traditions of the nation.