Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Understanding Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore encompasses the totality of spiritual creations transmitted orally through generations, reflecting the lives, thoughts, and emotions of the Vietnamese people. It’s a priceless treasure trove, preserving the unique cultural values of the nation. Vietnamese folklore is incredibly rich and diverse, manifesting in numerous forms.

Forms of Vietnamese Folklore

Fairy Tales:

Fairy tales are a genre of folklore passed down orally, often fictional, reflecting human dreams and aspirations for justice and happiness. Stories like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, and the Legend of Hoan Kiem Sword have become integral parts of many Vietnamese childhoods, conveying moral lessons about goodness and the triumph of good over evil.

Folk Songs and Proverbs:

Folk songs and proverbs are concise and meaningful expressions reflecting life experiences and philosophies. Folk songs often express romantic or patriotic sentiments, while proverbs encapsulate wisdom about work and social interactions.

Folk Music:

Folk music is a genre of traditional music, performed at festivals and community events. Each region boasts unique melodies, reflecting local cultural characteristics. Examples include Quan Ho singing from Bac Ninh, or Ho khoan from the Mekong Delta.

Traditional Arts:

Folklore is also expressed through traditional arts like water puppetry, Cheo opera, Tuong opera, and Hat Boi. These art forms aren’t merely entertainment; they also educate and contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values.

The Role of Folklore

Folklore plays a vital role in: Preserving and promoting national cultural identity; Teaching life lessons, ethics, and lifestyles to future generations; Enriching the nation’s literary and artistic heritage; Attracting tourism, contributing to economic development.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore requires a collective effort, particularly from government agencies, researchers, and the public. Collecting, researching, compiling, and publishing folklore works is essential. Organizing cultural events and traditional festivals also helps promote the values of folklore to the community.