Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

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, kindness, and justice, play a crucial role in shaping the values and worldview of the Vietnamese people. Stories like Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or Thach Sanh and Ly Thong, are not merely entertaining tales but also reflect the ancient Vietnamese worldview on nature, humanity, and society.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: Cleverness and Philosophy of Life

Folk songs and proverbs are precious gems in Vietnamese folklore, demonstrating the sophistication, wit, and profound philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people. Concise and evocative folk songs express love for homeland, family, and romantic love. Proverbs, with their conciseness and deep meaning, are life lessons accumulated over generations, guiding people’s behavior in life.

Some notable examples:

• Folk song: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, a mother’s love is like water from a clear spring.”
• Proverb: “When eating a fruit, remember the one who planted the tree”, “Diligence brings success.”

Traditional Music: The Songs of Homeland

Vietnamese traditional music is diverse and rich, ranging from sweet and soulful folk melodies to the melodious and lyrical Quan Ho songs. Each region has its unique melodies, reflecting the cultural characteristics of that area. Traditional music is not only entertainment but also a means of conveying the cultural, historical, and spiritual values of the nation.

Customs and Traditions: Diversity and Richness

Customs and traditions are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Traditional festivals, wedding and funeral customs, all carry unique meanings, reflecting the worldview and philosophy of the Vietnamese people. Preserving and promoting these customs and traditions is crucial in preserving and developing the nation’s culture.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to make efforts to preserve, promote, and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. Organizing cultural activities, traditional education, and encouraging artistic creation based on the foundation of folklore are effective measures to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of the nation.