Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Treasure Trove in Need of Preservation

The Richness and Diversity of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, accumulated over thousands of years of history. It is the crystallization of the intellect, life experiences, and soul of the Vietnamese people. From colorful fairy tales, lyrical folk songs, concise and meaningful proverbs, to vibrant traditional festivals, all reflect a unique and rich cultural identity.

Fairy Tales: Dreams and Life Lessons

Vietnamese fairy tales are not only entertaining stories but also carry profound educational meanings. Through stories about good overcoming evil, about courage, intelligence, and compassion, children are nurtured with good qualities. Characters like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, or Son Tinh Thuy Tinh have become familiar figures, associated with the childhood of generations of Vietnamese people.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Subtlety of Language

Folk songs and proverbs are valuable lessons about life, love, and morality. The heartfelt and smooth folk songs express the subtle emotions of human beings, from love to family and national affection. Proverbs, with their conciseness and meaningfulness, contain valuable life experiences and lessons on ethics and society.

Traditional Festivals: A Vibrant Cultural Identity

Traditional festivals are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival has its own meaning, associated with the history, beliefs, and lives of the community. Festivals like the Gióng Festival, the Hung Temple Festival, or Tet (Lunar New Year) are not only occasions for people to have fun and relax but also opportunities to commemorate ancestors and pray for good luck and happiness for the new year.

Challenges in Preserving Folklore

In the present era, with the rapid development of technology and globalization, folklore faces many challenges. The influence of foreign cultures, the lack of interest from a segment of young people, and the lack of investment in preservation are causing many traditional cultural values to be lost.

Solutions for Preserving and Promoting the Value of Folklore

To preserve and promote the value of Vietnamese folklore, the participation of the entire society is needed. Educating young generations about the meaning and value of traditional culture, investing in researching, collecting, and archiving folklore materials, and organizing cultural and artistic activities to promote folklore to a wide audience are essential solutions.

Preserving folklore is not only the responsibility of researchers but also the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Let’s join hands to preserve and promote these precious values to enrich the national cultural identity.